TOLKIEN, John Ronald Reuel (1892-1973). The Hobbit. London: George Allen & Unwin Ltd., 1937.



First edition, first impression, of - until Harry Potter - 'the world's best selling single work of fiction' (J.R.R. Tolkien, Life and Legend, p.45).



8vo (190 x132mm). Frontispiece and eight text illustrations by the author, inserted half-tone plate by the author, integral advertisement leaf at end. Original publisher's light green cloth stamped in dark blue, off-white endpapers printed with Thror's map and a map of Wilderland in red and black after drawings by the author, top edge stained light green. Original pictorial dust-jacket after a drawing by the author, with 'Dodgeson' corrected by hand on rear flap (edges frayed with associated small tears and chips).



Provenance: neat ink presentation inscription dated Christmas 1937 on half-title).



Currey p.476; Hammond A3a.

