J.R.R. Tolkien, “Hobbit,” Ballantine Paperback, Stated 1st Print, August 1965.

Description: J.R.R. Tolkien, “The Hobbit,” Ballantine Paperback, Stated First Printing, August 1965. 4.25x7x.75. Good condition. Covers show heavy rubbing, creasing, and wear. Internally clean and unmarked. Faint staining to fore edges, otherwise, moderate tanning throughout. Minor crease to spine and some chipping along edges. Binding and pages still tight and secure.⁠ The illustrator for the first Lord of the Rings Ballantine paperbacks, Barbara Remington, was infamously not able to read the last books before being commissioned by Ballantine to do the art. Ballantine was in such a hurry to get the American versions out that they rushed her to complete the work and get it printed before Remington was able to find out what the books were even about. This resulted in some interesting differences between the contents of the trilogy and the bizarre landscapes decorating their exteriors. Tolkien famously wrote a letter to Ballantine, concerning the cover of the Hobbit, asking the publisher what in the world they were thinking. ⁠ ⁠ So, here is that infamously reviled copy of The Hobbit, complete with the unassuming lion, which was later removed! These copies of The Hobbit are incredibly scarce, especially the first printings. ⁠

Price: 150 USD

Location: Marshall, Minnesota

End Time: 2025-01-15T14:21:46.000Z

Shipping Cost: 9 USD