In a discovery reminiscent of a treasure trove fit for a dragon’s hoard, a specialist in rare books has unearthed a first-edition copy of J.R.R. Tolkien’s “The Hobbit.” Describing it as a significant piece of fantasy history and a coveted item among book collectors, Caitlin Riley expressed her astonishment at finding the book amidst reference materials and worn children’s books at a house clearance sale.
While millions of copies of “The Hobbit” have been sold since its initial publication in 1937, only 1,500 first-edition copies were ever printed. Due to the book’s nature as a children’s story, many copies have endured wear and tear, with only a few retaining their original dust covers. Recently, the rare find fetched £43,000 (approximately $79,000 Cdn) at a British auction, setting a new record for a sale of “The Hobbit” without its dust cover.
Riley expressed her surprise at the overwhelming auction price, which exceeded her initial estimate significantly. The value of such rare editions is heavily influenced by their condition and the presence of the original dust cover. Comparable copies have previously sold for £137,000 and £60,000.
The remarkable discovery occurred when Riley, working as a rare book expert for Auctioneum, received a photo of a book with a green cover from a colleague conducting a book search at a deceased individual’s residence. The moment she laid eyes on the book featuring mountains and a dragon on the cover, Riley was overcome with excitement, confirming her suspicions. The book, one of the 1,500 first editions printed, had been part of a library owned by Joseph Hubert Priestley, who likely had connections with both Tolkien and C.S. Lewis.
The enduring popularity of Tolkien’s works, including “The Hobbit” and “The Lord of the Rings” trilogy, continues to captivate readers worldwide. Aimee Peake, an expert in antiquarian books, highlighted the timeless appeal of Tolkien’s creations and the immersive experience they offer to readers. As Riley’s quest for rare literary treasures continues, the enchanting world of Tolkien’s Middle Earth remains a source of fascination and cultural significance across generations.