The Hobbit, or There and Back Again, 1956 UK 8th Impression in 8th Impression Dustjacket.
London: Allen & Unwin, 1956.
J.R.R. Tolkien. 2nd Edition. Hardcover. 12mo - over 6¾" - 7¾" tall. Very Good Plus / Very Good. Item #2770
The Hobbit, or There and Back Again, by J.R.R. Tolkien. Published by Allen & Unwin in 1956, this is the 8th impression. The book is in Very Good Plus condition, with a bit of browning to the edges of the green cloth from light exposure. The rest of covers are clean with a couple of light spots around the dragon on the front cover. A neat previous owners name to the front free endpaper (map), the only markings in the book. A few scattered foxing spots to the flaps of the dustjacket. The dustjacket is price clipped front and rear, with the publishers new price printed to the front flap. Two months into production of the 8th Impression of the Hobbits, along with the remaining original 7th Impression dustjackets, Allen & Unwin changed the price as found on this true UK 8th impression dustjacket. The 7th and 8th jackets were price clipped -- both front and rear flap -- by the Allen & Unwin publishing company itself, with their new price of 12s.6d overprinted below the impression notation on the front flap. So this copy is one with the overprinted price of 12s 6d. A bit of soiling and a few small foxing marks to the flaps, with the spine slightly darkened. The spine and flap folds show considerable rubbing and color loss. The dustjacket also shows some darkening, as well as some loss to the flap folds and spine fold areas, the largest to the bottom of the spine with a closed tear top and bottom of the spine fold area. The dustjacket shows some edgewear with minor color loss, mostly to the spine fold areas. Tips of the flap folds show some minor loss. The original green cloth features dark blue stamping of Tolkien's own design, the iconic Mountains and Dragon. The title verso has the full printing history up to this 8th impression of 1956. Colors are bright and the white areas are only lightly soiled, with minor tanning of the spine. Edges of the text block are clean and unfoxed, with the topstain faded but barely visible. A lovely copy of an early printing, of this much sought after children's classic. Additional digital images are available, inquire if interested. Other Tolkien books available, include both the UK and US editions, original cloth bindings, custom fine bindings, and Signed/Numbered/Limited Editions.
Price: $1,775.00 save 5% $1,686.25