The Hobbit J.R.R. Tolkien 11th Impression (1959), 2nd Edition George Allen & Unwin Illustrated

Item Short Description

Offered here is a 1959 11th Impression of The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien, published by George Allen & Unwin (London). This is part of the Second Edition of the novel, which incorporates Tolkien’s major revisions to the “Riddles in the Dark” chapter to align with the later The Lord of the Rings.

This edition features:

• The classic green cloth binding with Tolkien’s dragon illustration

• Thorin’s Map as the illustrated endpapers

• The color frontispiece “The Hill: Hobbiton-Across-the-Water”

• Numerous black-and-white illustrations by Tolkien throughout the text

• Clean, crisp printing of Tolkien’s iconic poetry and prose

The 1950s impressions of The Hobbit have become increasingly collectible, especially examples in such well-preserved condition.

Publication Details

• Title: The Hobbit, or There and Back Again

• Author: J.R.R. Tolkien

• Publisher: George Allen & Unwin Ltd

• Edition: Second Edition

• Impression: 11th Impression (1959)

• Format: Hardback

• Illustrated: Yes — by Tolkien

• Country: United Kingdom

Condition Notes

• Boards: Clean and bright, minimal wear.

• Spine: Clear titling; slight age toning.

• Pages: Crisp with only light scattered foxing.

• Illustrations: All present and well-printed, including the colour plate.

• Binding: In good condition, minor wearing along the edges.

• Protective Cover: Plastic sleeve included for preservation.

A strong collectible copy with excellent shelf appeal.

About J.R.R. Tolkien

John Ronald Reuel Tolkien (1892–1973) was a philologist, Oxford professor, and one of the most influential authors of the 20th century. His creation of Middle-earth — beginning with The Hobbit in 1937 and culminating in The Lord of the Rings — transformed modern fantasy literature.

Tolkien personally illustrated early editions of The Hobbit, bringing his world to life through maps, drawings, and watercolors. His works pioneered immersive world-building, complete with invented languages, mythology, and deep historical lore.

Today, Tolkien’s books remain cornerstones of modern storytelling, inspiring films, art, games, and generations of readers.
A 1950s printing of The Hobbit such as this one represents not only a beloved novel, but also an important moment in Tolkien’s evolving mythology: the Second Edition, which introduced the revised characterization of Gollum that shaped the entire Legendarium.

Why Collect This Book?

• Early post-LOTR printing with rising collector demand

• Contains Tolkien’s corrected text aligning The Hobbit with The Lord of the Rings

• Features Tolkien’s own illustrations and maps

• A beautifully preserved vintage example of one of the most important novels of the 20th century

Perfect for collectors of Tolkien, early fantasy literature, or mid-century illustrated books.