[Rare book] The Hobbit Deluxe Edition, George Allen & Unwin

After getting my hands on the Deluxe edition of The Lord of the Rings printed on Bible paper, I wanted to complete the collection with The Hobbit, but the prices were too high. Fortunately, after two weeks of constantly checking resale sites, I managed to get a beautiful copy.

This one isn’t printed on Bible paper, but on regular paper, allowing for color illustrations (drawn by Tolkien). The book is in impeccable condition, much better preserved than LoTR. These deluxe editions had a total of 4 printings under George Allen & Unwin, far fewer than LoTR, so they are rarer and on the second-hand market cost 2 to 3 times more. It’s the only edition to feature this beautiful dragon, drawn by Tolkien, on the cover. The book is protected in a slipcase with the “Deluxe edition” label.

There’s no detachable map for this one; the map is integrated right after the endpaper. Like LoTR, the page edges are marbled (colored with small touches of green, the color of The Hobbit).

I haven’t created a specific bookmark yet, I need to think about it first 😀

I’m so happy I kept the label on the damaged LoTR slipcase, I did it thinking that if I ever have both, I should keep a common thread between them. I’m showing you the photos taken from eBay because I can’t be bothered to take photos of all the illustrations.