First edition Hobbit with inscription and tipped in letter

[Extollager]

Three and a half thousand pounds? That sounds very low, given the high prices Tolkien books go for. I'd bet it could go for ten times that at auction, or more.

A moment later.

Apparently that video is from around 1990.

The book and letter were sold at Sotheby's English Literature, History, Fine Bindings, Private Press Books, Children's Books, Illustrated Books and Drawings on the 10th July 2003

469 (pp.294-5) - This lot consists of a First Edition copy of The Hobbit inscribed to Tolkien's aunt Jane Neave, together with a one page letter dated 22 September 1937. The lot description includes a few short quotes from the letter and the opening is reproduced in a photograph. It sold for £48,000.

Source: Tolkien Collector's Guide site. I'll bet that it would bring a lot more than 48 thousand pounds today.

 

[HareBrain]

48 grand and it has the wrong Ch5 and no colour pictures?!

I was puzzled why the book was in Tolkien's library when he'd sent it to his aunt. (I guess she might have bequeathed it back to him.)

 

[Hugh]

This first edition, first impression, copy went for £19,000 in October 2021. Cover in three pieces with bits missing here and there. Other comments on the condition are listed in the description.

Tolkien, John Ronald Reuel (1892-1973) - The Hobbit or There and Back Again, 1st edition, 1st impression, with 1st impression dust jacket, with the word ‘’Dodgeson’’ hand corrected, with an ink mark through the ‘’e’’, th Sale 191021 - Lot 11 -

auction.gorringes.co.uk

One of the photos...