Or Production Copy.

My Amazon order for the Deluxe Edition shipped today (my book depository order was cancelled last week)

Got an email a few days ago from the Book Depository saying the book was now made available by the publishers and it no longer shows as a book for pre-order on their website (Dispatched with 48 Hours).

But my order has not yet shipped.

Was looking at / examining the books briefly today and they are by no means identical.

The First Printing is printed on a much lower quality (thin and dull) paper. The second printing is of a much better quality - bright white and heavier paper.

The result is that the Second Printing is about 50% thicker than the First.

I also noticed that the gilt title on the spine of the second printing reads "The Hobbit" over 2 lines whereas the First Printing just reads "Hobbit".

Many Thanks Findegil.

Ordered a copy of The Pocket Hobbit from amazon.ca and it arrived today (along with a copy from the book depository which was pre-ordered).

The Book Depository copy is a 2nd Printing and the Amazon.ca copy is indeed a 1st Printing.