The Hobbit.

First edition, first issue of Tolkien's classic tale, "among the very highest achievements of children’s authors during the 20th century” (Carpenter & Prichard, 530). Octavo, original cloth, cartographic endpapers, frontispiece and 9 full-page uncolored illustrations after drawings by Tolkien. Published on September 21, 1937 with a first printing of only 1500 copies, The Hobbit had completely sold out by December 15. Near fine in a unrestored very good first-issue dust jacket after a design by Tolkien with the hand-correction to "Dodgeson" on the rear inside flap, priced 7s. 6d on the front flap, corners slightly creased and chipped, spine ends chipped. Housed in a custom half morocco clamshell box by the Harcourt Bindery. Founded over a century ago in 1900, the Harcourt Bindery is the oldest and largest traditional bindery in America exclusively devoted to fine traditional leather bookbinding by hand. Rare and desirable without any of the usual restoration.