Tolkien Library Store - Signed / Numbered / Limited Editions - The Hobbit limited editions

#cb0001 - The Hobbit — First Deluxe Edition, First Impression, 1976, in a Custom Slipcase - € 995

First impression of the 1976 deluxe Hobbit, with Tolkien’s five colour pictures and eight drawings coloured by H. E. Riddett, a gilt, silver and red Smaug binding, marbled endpapers and a decorated custom slipcase.

> Enquire about this book

The Hobbit — First Deluxe Edition, First Impression, 1976, in a Custom Slipcase

First Deluxe Edition, First Impression — 1976

Published in London by George Allen & Unwin in 1976, this is the first impression of the first deluxe edition of The Hobbit, or There and Back Again. The printing history ends with “De Luxe edition 1976”, with no later impression listed. It follows the text reset in 1975 and bears ISBN 0-04-823127-4.

Printed in Great Britain in 11 point Garamond type by W. & J. Mackay Limited, Chatham. The red-and-black title page faces Tolkien’s colour illustration The Hill: Hobbiton-across-the Water, providing a particularly attractive opening to this edition.

Tolkien’s Illustrations in Colour

The illustrations combine five colour pictures by Tolkien with the eight familiar drawings originally reproduced in black and white, here coloured by H. E. Riddett. Among the illustrated scenes are the interior of Beorn’s hall, Bilbo’s arrival among the huts of the Raft-elves, Rivendell and Smaug’s hoard. The illustrations are integrated with the story, rather than gathered into a separate plate section.

Thror’s Map and the Map of Wilderland appear at the beginning and end of the volume. Printed in red and black, the maps complement the colour illustrations and the edition’s elaborate binding.

Original Decorative Binding and Custom Slipcase

In the original black binding, with gilt spine lettering and horizontal rules. The front board carries a large, intricate Smaug design blocked in gilt, silver and red. Grey-and-white marbled endpapers complete the deluxe presentation.

This copy is housed in a fitted black custom slipcase, decorated in gilt with a dragon on one side and Tolkien’s monogram on the other. The slipcase is a later protective addition, distinct from the publisher’s original labelled box.

Condition

A very attractive, near-fine copy. The gilt spine lettering and the multi-coloured Smaug decoration remain bright, with light surface and handling marks to the black binding. The marbled endpapers are well preserved, and the text and illustrated openings are clean and attractive. The paper has a warm cream tone; a small isolated brown spot is present on a blank preliminary leaf.

The custom slipcase is sound and well preserved, with light surface marks and minor rubbing. Its gilt dragon and monogram decoration remain clear.

Bibliographical reference: Wayne G. Hammond and Douglas A. Anderson, J.R.R. Tolkien: A Descriptive Bibliography, pp. 51–52, notes.

> Enquire about this book

Pictures (click to enlarge):

The Hobbit — First Deluxe Edition, First Impression, 1976, in a Custom Slipcase, photograph 1

The Hobbit — First Deluxe Edition, First Impression, 1976, in a Custom Slipcase, photograph 2

The Hobbit — First Deluxe Edition, First Impression, 1976, in a Custom Slipcase, photograph 3

The Hobbit — First Deluxe Edition, First Impression, 1976, in a Custom Slipcase, photograph 4

The Hobbit — First Deluxe Edition, First Impression, 1976, in a Custom Slipcase, photograph 5

The Hobbit — First Deluxe Edition, First Impression, 1976, in a Custom Slipcase, photograph 6

The Hobbit — First Deluxe Edition, First Impression, 1976, in a Custom Slipcase, photograph 7

The Hobbit — First Deluxe Edition, First Impression, 1976, in a Custom Slipcase, photograph 8

The Hobbit — First Deluxe Edition, First Impression, 1976, in a Custom Slipcase, photograph 9

The Hobbit — First Deluxe Edition, First Impression, 1976, in a Custom Slipcase, photograph 10

The Hobbit — First Deluxe Edition, First Impression, 1976, in a Custom Slipcase, photograph 11

The Hobbit — First Deluxe Edition, First Impression, 1976, in a Custom Slipcase, photograph 12

The Hobbit — First Deluxe Edition, First Impression, 1976, in a Custom Slipcase, photograph 13

The Hobbit — First Deluxe Edition, First Impression, 1976, in a Custom Slipcase, photograph 14

The Hobbit — First Deluxe Edition, First Impression, 1976, in a Custom Slipcase, photograph 15

The Hobbit — First Deluxe Edition, First Impression, 1976, in a Custom Slipcase, photograph 16

The Hobbit — First Deluxe Edition, First Impression, 1976, in a Custom Slipcase, photograph 17

Terms of sale: Prices are only indications, always inquire if books are still available. We accept Money Orders, cash, or Credit Cards (paypal) for immediate shipping. Checks will delay shipment for 10 days for checks to clear. Please inquire for shipping quotes.
Interested: Please send email to info@tolkienlibrary.com.