Auctioneers near Warwickshire to list a rare first edition of J.R.R Tolkien's 'The Hobbit'

'The Hobbit' or 'There and Back Again' is a children's fantasy novel by English author J.R.R. Tolkien first published in 1937.

When published it was nominated for the Carnegie Medal and awarded a prize from the New York Herald Tribune for best juvenile fiction.

George Allen & Unwin published the first edition on September 21 1937 with just 1,500 copies. These sold out by December.

It is illustrated in black and white by Tolkien who also designed the dust cover. During the war, the book was unavailable due to paper rationing.

On the first edition, first impression there is a manual correction on the rear inner flap for 'Dodgeson', (better known as Lewis Carroll).

Collectors and enthusiasts drive the market for rare first editions with auction prices ranging from £6,000 to over £20,000. Signed copies can fetch more than £60,000.

This example was inherited by the current owner who is based in Berkshire.

It was discovered by Cotswold-based Kinghams Auctioneers in Moreton-in-Marsh and appears as Lot 400 when it comes up for auction on May 23. The estimate is £7,000 to £10,000.

Tolkien had many links to areas across the UK – including in Warwick.

In 2018 a blue plaque has installed for Tolkien on St Mary Immaculate Church in West Street.

The Lord of the Rings and Hobbit author married his partner Edith Bratt, who then lived in the town, on March 22 1916 at the church.

Contact Kinghams Auctioneers on: 01608 695695, email: [email protected] or go to: www.kinghamsauctioneers.com