Record-Breaking Sale in Bristol: Rare First Edition of J.R.R. Tolkien's "The Hobbit" fetches top auction price
In a surprising turn of events, a 1937 first edition of J.R.R. Tolkien's The Hobbit was recently discovered during a routine house clearance in Bristol, England. The book, which was part of the library of Hubert Priestley, a botanist with ties to Oxford University, remained hidden until auction specialist Caitlin Riley spotted it[1][3][5].
The discovery of this rare book, one of only 1,500 copies initially printed in 1937, was particularly thrilling because it had been almost entirely overlooked. Unlike later editions, this first edition was bound in pale green cloth with black-and-white illustrations by Tolkien, the only printing to feature those original illustrations[2][3].
The auction house had expected to sell the book for around £10,000 to £12,000, but bidding soared to £43,000 (approximately €49,238 or $69,800), more than four times the estimate[1][2][5]. This find offers insights into academic circles in 1930s Oxford and underscores the enduring fascination with Tolkien's work.
Bidders from all over the world participated in the auction, highlighting the global appeal of The Hobbit. The book, which marks the beginning of the renowned Middle-earth saga, has captivated readers worldwide since its publication[4]. The location of the apartment clearance where the book was discovered remains undisclosed.
The connection between Tolkien and other famous authors like C.S. Lewis is particularly highlighted by this discovery, as both authors were associated with Oxford University during the 1930s[3]. The identity of the expert who discovered the book during the apartment clearance is not disclosed.
The Hobbit, a rare book by Tolkien that quickly became a classic of children's literature, is now in the hands of a lucky bidder. This sale serves as a reminder of the enduring appeal of Tolkien's work and the thrill of discovering a piece of literary history.
References:
- The Guardian
- The Bookseller
- BBC News
- The Hobbit
- The Telegraph
The lucky bidder now possesses a rare first edition of The Hobbit, a book that has captivated readers worldwide since its publication, serving as a piece of enduring entertainment and literary history. The connection between this classic novel and other famous works from the 1930s Oxford academic circles, such as those by C.S. Lewis, is further emphasized by this discovery.
