Books

First colour-illustrated edition, preceded only by the first printing. Only 2,300 copies were printed of this second impression, of which 423 copies in sheets were destroyed in the London blitz in 1940. The first impression had been published in September 1937 and the first impression of 1,500 copies had sold out by December. The coloured illustrations "had been commissioned for the first American edition, and were in the American publisher's hands when Allen & Unwin decided to include them in the second impression. The original art was called back for reproduction in Britain, then returned across the Atlantic" (Hammond & Anderson p. 15). Tolkien remarked that "the colour plates came out well". Retrieving the pictures from the US was part of frenetic activity to publish this impression. The publishers wrote to Tolkien stating that "at the last minute the crisis was so acute, that we fetched part of the reprint from our printers in Woking in a private car, in order to avoid the delay of half a day between two of the printers' vans" (Companion: Chronology, p. 222). This impression carries a publication date of 1937. Hammond & Anderson note that the book was ready by 19 December, but "official publication was on 25 January 1938". The American edition would not be published until March 1938. Octavo. Original green cloth, spine and front cover lettered in dark blue, binding with design in dark blue, map endpapers printed in black and red, top edge green. With dust jacket. Colour frontispiece, 4 full-page plates (3 in colour, one in monochrome), 7 full-page line drawings and one illustration within the text, all by the author. Head and foot of spine slightly bumped, top corner of rear cover a little worn, some foxing to edges; extremities of unclipped jacket worn with tears and nicks, some foxing, loss to head and foot of spine, closed tear to joint between front panel and flap: a near-fine copy in very good jacket. Hammond & Anderson A3. Christina Scull & Wayne G. Hammond, The J. R. R. Companion & Guide, 2006.

"The Hobbit" by J.R.R. Tolkien is a fantasy novel that follows the adventure of Bilbo Baggins, a hobbit who lives a quiet and comfortable life in the Shire. Bilbo is unexpectedly visited by the wizard Gandalf and a group of dwarves led by Thorin Oakenshield. They seek Bilbo's help in reclaiming their homeland, Erebor, which has been taken over by the fearsome dragon Smaug. Reluctant at first, Bilbo eventually joins the quest as the group's burglar. Along the way, they face numerous challenges, including encounters with trolls, goblins, spiders, and elves. Bilbo discovers a magic ring that grants him the power of invisibility, which aids the group in their escape from various dangers. As the journey progresses, Bilbo develops his courage and resourcefulness, proving instrumental in several critical situations. The company faces adversity in the form of hostile creatures and internal conflicts, but they continue their journey toward the Lonely Mountain, where Smaug hoards vast treasures. Upon reaching the Lonely Mountain, Bilbo uses his wit and the ring's power to outsmart Smaug, causing the dragon to be slain by a local hero named Bard. However, conflict arises as other parties, including men, elves, and goblins, lay claim to the treasure. A battle ensues, known as the Battle of the Five Armies, involving dwarves, elves, men, goblins, and wargs. In the midst of the chaos, Bilbo plays a pivotal role in resolving the conflict and preventing further bloodshed. After the battle, Bilbo returns home to the Shire, forever changed by his adventures. He realizes that while he has gained riches and experiences, the most valuable treasure he possesses is the personal growth and bravery he discovered during his unexpected journey. "The Hobbit" is a tale of courage, friendship, and personal transformation, set in Tolkien's intricately crafted world of Middle-earth. It serves as a prelude to his epic masterpiece, "The Lord of the Rings," and remains a beloved classic in the realm of fantasy literature.