The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien (Ballantine Authorized Edition, 38th Printing, 1972)

Vintage Ballantine Books mass-market paperback of J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Hobbit, the authorized American paperback edition issued in response to the famous unauthorized Ace edition of the 1960s. This copy retains the classic Barbara Remington-era cover design and Tolkien’s printed statement on the rear cover asking readers to purchase the authorized edition.

The copyright page identifies this specifically as the 38th printing, November 1972. The cover still carries the 95¢ priceand Ballantine catalog number 01532. A particularly attractive vintage copy with bright, clean covers, strong color, clean interior and the desirable orange/yellow page-edge toning characteristic of surviving copies from this period. An excellent collectible example of the iconic early authorized U.S. paperback issue.