THE HOBBIT | 1937, first edition, previously owned by Tolkien's uncle.

The present example was owned by Tolkien's uncle, W.B. Incledon who later gifted it to a friend. Inscribed by Incledon: C.S.C. / from / W.B. Incledon. / Rottingdean / Jan? 1938/

Published in the same year as the first impression, this first colour illustrated edition (second impression overall) is the first time the world saw Middle-Earth in colour. This impression was printed in December of 1937 in an edition of 2300 copies (423 of which were destroyed at the warehouse of the binder, Key and Whiting, in the bombing of London on November 7th 1940). This example with the connection to the Tolkien family is one of a kind and has been held in the consignee's family by descent since 1938. One does presume that the book was originally given to his uncle by Tolkien himself.

First colour illustrated edition. 8vo. A VG+ to near-fine example. Original publishers green cloth. Minor wear to the extremities of the cloth Presentation inscription from Tolkien's uncle. Internally fresh. A one of a kind example with a connection to Tolkien's uncle.

Published by George Allen & Unwin, London, 1937