Tolkien's Hobbit first editions listed for £800,000

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 31 Oct, 16:44 · Archive

A rare collection of the first four editions of J.R.R. Tolkien's The Hobbit has been listed on eBay for nearly £800,000 with a 'Buy It Now' price of £799,999. The set is being sold by specialist rare book dealer Festival Art and Books.

The collection includes the first printing from 1937, the second printing from the same year, the third printing from 1942, and the fourth printing from 1946. All were published by Allen & Unwin. Each book retains its original unrestored dust jacket, a feature highly prized by collectors.

Festival Art and Books describes the collection as one of the most significant Tolkien offerings to come onto the market in recent years. The dealer claims it is only the second time in its history that it has been able to offer all four editions together as a single set. Original early editions of The Hobbit rarely come onto the market, with unrestored copies becoming increasingly difficult to find. The collection is being marketed as a museum-quality investment for serious collectors of Tolkien memorabilia.

How it is being reported

• Tolkien's Hobbit first editions listed on eBay for £800,000A rare collection of the first four editions of J.R.R. Tolkien's The Hobbit has been listed on ebay for nearly £800,000.Oxfordshire Guardian · 31 Oct, 16:00
• Tolkien's Hobbit first editions listed on eBay for £800,000A rare collection of the first four editions of J.R.R. Tolkien's The Hobbit has been listed on ebay for nearly £800,000.Oxford Mail · 31 Oct, 16:00

In this story: J.R.R. Tolkien · Festival Art and Books · Allen & Unwin

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