First edition of The Hobbit sells for £43,000 at auction

A rare first edition of The Hobbit garnered attention at auction for its historical value.

First edition of The Hobbit sells for £43,000 at auction

A first edition of JRR Tolkien's The Hobbit has sold for £43,000 at Auctioneum, far exceeding its estimated value. Originally published in 1937, this copy is one of only about 1,500 printed, with only a few hundred thought to remain. Discovered during a routine house clearance in Bristol, it was noted by the auction house's rare books expert Caitlin Riley, who expressed surprise at finding such a significant item hidden in a common bookcase. The book, which includes illustrations by Tolkien, has ties to the family of Hubert Priestley, a botanist who corresponded with Tolkien and other notable authors from Oxford.

The auction of this first edition highlights not only the enduring popularity of Tolkien's work but also the growing market for rare books. As collectors increasingly turn towards literary artifacts linked to famous authors, the prices for such items tend to skyrocket, sometimes astonishingly so. This trend reflects a larger cultural appreciation for historical texts, marking them as investment pieces as well as literary treasures. The recent sale serves as a reminder of the connection between literature and its provenance, enriching the narrative that surrounds beloved works like The Hobbit.

Highlights

The fascination with rare literary editions is likely to continue in the future.