J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Hobbit. 1st American Edition. 1st State. Bowing Hobbit.

This is a unique example of Tolkien’s masterpiece. The American Edition of the Hobbit was first printed in Boston in 1938 and a small number of copies, like this one, were sent from the publishers directly to the Boston Public Library and rebound for circulation. The library binding has the front of the original dust jacket pasted to the front board. Copies with even just a surviving piece of the original dust jacket are exceedingly rare.

This copy is a First edition, first issue, first state with the Bowing hobbit emblem on title page, Chapter VII mistakenly titled Chapter VI, and Features the 4 color and 9 black and white illustrations by Tolkien. This edition holds the very different original account of Riddles in the Dark which is in great demand these days. This copy is not only a piece of literary history but also of library history.

The book has been well loved as it was in circulation for most of its life. There are stamps and marginalia to the title pages from the Boston Library. The map endpapers are not present. Rubbing and toning overall, brief bumps to the corners, soiling, rounded corners, and binding shaken. No detachments. The color illustrations are bright. Please see photos for condition.