Illustrated by J.R.R. Tolkien with 8 drawings in text, color frontispiece and cartographic endpapers. 7¼x5, original green cloth, pictorially decorated in dark blue across covers and spine with illustrations after Tolkien's designs, pictorial jacket. Second Edition, Eleventh Impression (overall) with author's corrections.

Signed by J.R.R. Tolkien on title-page. One of the most internationally acclaimed works in the fantasy literature genre and one that is eternally popular with readers young and old of any generation, its influence made even more profound by the acclaimed films in the Lord of the Rings series. This copy is a rare association copy signed by Tolkien on the title-page. Tolkien was in the habit of signing slips and attaching them to books, and books signed by him directly on the title-page are quite uncommon. This copy belonged to one of Tolkien's close personal friends, George Sayer. The recipient and his wife were longtime friends of Tolkien's and are known by Tolkien biographers to have been highly influential in the publication of "The Lord of the Rings." They were among Tolkien's most trusted and approved manuscript "proof readers" and he valued their advice on many aspects of the publication of the "Rings." In a letter to Rayner Unwin, Tolkien called the recipient "...the most normal reader and liker of the work that I could think of...." These friends helped Tolkien in choosing the book's individual titles and helped with countless editing and rewriting sessions. Also close friends of C.S. Lewis the recipients were well known in the publishing world and helped Tolkien in dealings with Allen and Unwin publishers as well. As close personal friends, they attended the funeral of C.S. Lewis together, aided Tolkien during his wife's sickness and frequently welcomed him as a quest in their home in Melvern. This copy of "The Hobbit" was from the personal library of the recipient before being sold to the current owner.