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Rare The Hobbit book sells for record price

A first edition of The Hobbit sold for £43,000 at auction in Bath, UK.

August 6, 2025 at 07:54 PM
blur 'Astonishingly rare' The Hobbit book sells for 'record-breaking' sum

A first edition of The Hobbit sells for a record-breaking sum at auction.

Rare first edition of The Hobbit fetches record price at auction

An exceptional first edition of JRR Tolkien's The Hobbit has sold for a remarkable £43,000 at auction. This particular copy, one of just 1,500 printed in 1937, was found without its dust cover during a home clearance in Bristol. It was sold to a private collector in the UK through an online auction organized by Auctioneum in Bath, Somerset. Caitlin Riley, a book specialist with the auction house, remarked on the excitement of such unique discoveries in the world of literature.

Key Takeaways

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The first edition of The Hobbit sold for £43,000.
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Only 1,500 copies were printed in 1937.
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The book was found during a home clearance.
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It was sold by Auctioneum in Bath, Somerset.
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This sale reflects increasing interest in rare items.
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The market for rare collectibles may continue to rise.

"It's the quintessential auction story."

Caitlin Riley highlights the narrative appeal of discovering hidden treasures.

"This sale reflects increasing interest in rare items."

The growing market for collectibles is evident in new record prices.

This record sale highlights the growing interest in rare books and collectibles, reflecting a cultural trend where nostalgia for classic literature drives prices upward. The sale, described by auction specialist Caitlin Riley as a quintessential auction story, reveals how hidden treasures can emerge unexpectedly from everyday settings. As collectors seek more ways to invest in tangible assets, the market for rare books may be set for further growth. While this auction captivates collectors, it also poses questions about accessibility for new readers and enthusiasts of classic literature.

Highlights

  • A hidden treasure can turn anyone into an instant collector.
  • Every book has a story, but some hold extraordinary value.
  • Finding a rare book is like stumbling upon buried treasure.
  • Classic literature continues to captivate collectors worldwide.

Potential financial implications for collectors

The rising prices of rare books might limit access for average readers and new enthusiasts. As collectors dominate the market, young readers could struggle to obtain classic literature at reasonable prices.

As the love for classic literature endures, so too does the quest for rare artifacts.

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