The Hobbit

Or

There and Back Again

by

J.R.R. Tolkien

De Luxe Edition in original First State Box

On offer is the first impression of the De Luxe Edition of The Hobbit, or There and Back Again by J.R.R. Tolkien, illustrated by Pauline Baynes. The book is in Fine condition, never read, and the original first state black textured paper box and white label is in Very Good + condition, and there is no writing, previous owner’s name, or other marks. 

This copy retains the original fragile tissue or rice paper dust wrapper, which I grade to be in Very Good + to Near Fine condition, notwithstanding the closed tears and cello tape on the rear panel (see photos).

Published in Great Britain by George Allen & Unwin in 1976 on fine India Paper, the De Luxe Edition was initially issued in a high quality black textured paper covered box with a white label (see photo). Only a few copies of the De Luxe edition were issued in the first state textured paper covered box before the publisher switched to a less delicate black vinyl covering (second state). A side-by-side photo comparison of a first state black textured paper box with a second state black vinyl box clearly illustrates the aesthetic superiority of the black textured paper box.

George Allen & Unwin’s De Luxe Editions in an original box are themselves quite rare, but copies in a first state box and with its original tissue paper dust wrapper are exceptionally rare. With respect to this box, the box bottom corners are all secure and standing alone I grade it Near Fine, but respecting the box top cover, there is separation to the top right corner joint (see two photos), and there are two small bubbles in the black textured paper above and to the left of the white label (see photo); standing alone I grade it Very Good +.

There is gold gilt and green decoration to the front board, with speckled page edges and patterned endpapers, and there are numerous beautiful black and orange illustrations throughout, all by Pauline Baynes.

An exceptional example of a truly rare De Luxe copy of The Hobbit. This is an incredibly good deal at its opening bid price!

Please carefully review the photos, as they are a central part of the description. Should you want additional photos or have any questions, please do not hesitate to ask.

This book will be packaged very securely in bubble wrap and carefully boxed to withstand very careless handling, and it will be fully insured at no additional charge to the buyer.

FREE INSURED MEDIA MAIL SHIPPING TO THE CONTINENTAL UNITED STATES.

If you have any questions or want additional photos, do not hesitate to ask.

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