TOLKIEN, J.R.R. The Hobbit.

London: George Allen & Unwin Ltd, 1972. Third edition. pp. 317, Octavo. Colour frontispiece. Original olive cloth, title in dark blue on spine and front cover, map endpapers printed in black and red. Fine in fine dustjacket.

A highly sought-after collector's item. Later impressions are of significant interest to collectors and Tolkien enthusiasts.

One of the most notable later impressions is the third, published in 1942. By this time, the text had undergone a few revisions, including changes in the character Gollum's portrayal, which Tolkien later aligned with the narrative of The Lord of the Rings. While not as valuable as the true first printing, these later impressions are still cherished for their historical significance and the slight variations they present, offering insights into the evolution of Tolkien’s storytelling and the book’s journey from a children's story to a classic of modern fantasy literature.

[L4 6C]