The Hobbit, or There & Back Again, J.R.R. Tolkien, 1st Paperback Edition, Puffin 1961

A genuine first Puffin paperback edition of The Hobbit, published by Penguin Books in 1961, featuring the iconic Pauline Baynes illustrated cover. A highly collectible early paperback issue of Tolkien’s classic fantasy, issued originally for younger readers but now sought after by Tolkien collectors worldwide.

Publication Details:

• Title: The Hobbit, or There & Back Again

• Author: J. R. R. Tolkien

• Publisher: Puffin Books / Penguin Books

• First published in this paperback format: 1961

• Printed in Great Britain

• Cover design by Pauline Baynes

• Complete with maps and contents

Condition:

• Paperback in good vintage condition overall

• Covers show general age-related wear and light rubbing to edges and corners

• Binding sound, pages complete and firmly attached

• Notable staining / tide marks to a couple of early pages (clearly shown in photographs)

• Pages otherwise clean and legible, with typical toning for age

• No loose pages, no major tears

A classic and increasingly scarce early Puffin Tolkien, ideal for collectors, readers, or as a nostalgic display copy.