A rare book specialist has made an exciting discovery of a first-edition copy of J.R.R. Tolkien’s “The Hobbit,” a significant find akin to uncovering treasure in a dragon’s lair. Caitlin Riley, the specialist, described the book as a monumental piece of fantasy history and one of the most sought-after items in book collecting.
The valuable book was unexpectedly found among reference materials and worn children’s books at a house clearance sale. Despite over 100 million copies of “The Hobbit” being sold worldwide since its release in 1937, only 1,500 first-edition copies were printed, making them highly coveted by collectors. The recently discovered copy was auctioned off for £43,000 (approximately $79,000 Cdn) to a private collector in the U.K., setting a new record for a “Hobbit” sale without its original dust cover.
Riley expressed her astonishment at the high selling price, which exceeded her initial estimate by threefold. The value of such rare editions is heavily influenced by their condition and the presence of the dust cover. Comparable copies have fetched prices of £137,000 and £60,000 in the past.
The journey to uncover this literary gem began when Riley received a message from a colleague sorting through books at a deceased person’s residence. Among the shelves of books, the colleague stumbled upon a green-covered book featuring mountains and a dragon, unmistakably “The Hobbit.” Riley, overwhelmed with excitement, confirmed the authenticity of the rare find upon close inspection.
The book’s provenance traces back to Joseph Hubert Priestley, who likely acquired it from J.R.R. Tolkien himself, given his connections with the author through C.S. Lewis. Riley speculated that Priestley, an acquaintance of Lewis, may have received the book as a gift, unaware of its future value. The enduring popularity of Tolkien’s works, including “The Hobbit” and the “Lord of the Rings” trilogy, continues to captivate audiences worldwide, as evidenced by the ongoing film adaptations and cultural tours inspired by the novels.
Riley’s passion for rare book discoveries remains unwavering, fueled by the thrill of unearthing literary treasures. As she reflects on her early career success with finding the first-edition “Hobbit,” she anticipates what future adventures in book collecting may hold.
