The points of issue
First impression of 1,500 copies. Key point: the rear flap of the dust jacket has 'Dodgeson' misspelled (corrected to 'Dodgson' in later state). On p.[160], 'Down he came' second line — first-state textual points; the runes and the four-color plates; '11. p.dd' issue. The book has the black-and-white illustrations and the map endpapers.
Is this the true first?
UK Allen & Unwin 1937 is the true first; US (Houghton Mifflin, 1938) is a separate first. The 'Dodgeson' jacket misprint is the headline point of the true first issue.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
Later impressions correct 'Dodgeson' and add color plates differently; any copy with the corrected jacket spelling or later printing statement is not the first impression.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of The Hobbit a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: First impression of 1,500 copies. Key point: the rear flap of the dust jacket has 'Dodgeson' misspelled (corrected to 'Dodgson' in later state). On p.[160], 'Down he came' second line — first-state textual points; the runes and the four-color plates; '11. p.dd' issue. The book has the black-and-white illustrations and the map endpapers.
How do I tell the first printing from a later one?
Check the copyright page for the publisher's first-printing convention and confirm the points above. UK Allen & Unwin 1937 is the true first; US (Houghton Mifflin, 1938) is a separate first. The 'Dodgeson' jacket misprint is the headline point of the true first issue.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
Later impressions correct 'Dodgeson' and add color plates differently; any copy with the corrected jacket spelling or later printing statement is not the first impression.
I have a first edition of The Hobbit — what should I do?
If you're clearing books, New Mexico Literacy Project offers free pickup in Albuquerque, any condition, and makes sure collectible copies aren't lost. To sell, see the author's collecting guide. Either way, nothing valuable ends up in a landfill.