The Hobbit First Deluxe Edition

First deluxe edition 1976 published by George Allen & Unwin. Black covers, with gilt, silver and metallic red dragon design to the front cover, gilt lettering to the spine, speckled page edges, decorative endpapers, followed by Thror's map, colour frontis plus a further 12 illustrations by the author, Wilderland map at the end of the book, with outer box and tissue paper wrapper. The box has two variants, one with a slightly more matte finish, one with a more gloss vinyl finish, the latter being used here. Outer box tidy, front label is a touch tanned, with a little rubbing to one corner of the box, plus some spots to the inside, otherwise smart. The book has bright gilt, clean covers, square, secure binding, pages are bright and clean, and without inscriptions. Very good+ condition.