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What edition and impression is this HC Deluxe Hobbit?

28 May, 2017
2017-5-28 7:39:43 AM UTC

So I happened to take a look at the copyright page of my Harper Collins deluxe Hobbit and I can't seem to figure out which edition and impression it is. Isn't there supposed to be a number line that mentions it?

Apologies if this is a dumb question and I'm totally missing something

Please see attached pic of copyright page.

328_592a7e1b7cb11.jpg 3024X4032 px
28 May, 2017
2017-5-28 9:32:55 AM UTC
That's first impression (thus). There is no numberline (quite often missing on first impressions, but then added for later ones).

That said, the second impression also has no numberline(or it might have a "1" -- can't remember) or statement of reprinting. But it is printed in China, which is the giveaway, given it does not identify itself as a reprint.

In terms of edition, all current printings, save for the facsimile first are fourth editions of the text.

Post #354 (https://www.librarything.com/topic/157761) shows the physical difference between the 1st and 2nd impressions. CjCostano mistakenly says "Clays" in the paragraph above the photos, when he means "L.E.G.O".
28 May, 2017
2017-5-28 11:45:52 AM UTC
Thanks very much Stu. That was tremendously helpful.
28 May, 2017
2017-5-28 12:18:53 PM UTC
Looking at my books again, I'm noticing the pages of TH are very different from those of COH, Beowulf, Kullervo, and Arthur (the only ones I have with me to compare).

TH's pages are whitish and feel smoother, while those of the other books I mention above are creamish and feel more grainy. I'm not sure if others have noticed this?
29 May, 2017
2017-5-29 8:38:02 AM UTC

Earl wrote:
Looking at my books again, I'm noticing the pages of TH are very different from those of COH, Beowulf, Kullervo, and Arthur (the only ones I have with me to compare).

TH's pages are whitish and feel smoother, while those of the other books I mention above are creamish and feel more grainy. I'm not sure if others have noticed this?


Can't say I have noticed a massive difference in the smoothness of the paper (other than Kullervo which felt a little rougher, but not bad). The Hobbit was always the odd one out in terms of having very white paper. All the others have the more usual cream. Thickness varies, as I guess it needs to, based on the wildly varying number of pages.
29 May, 2017
2017-5-29 9:02:37 AM UTC

Stu wrote:

Can't say I have noticed a massive difference in the smoothness of the paper (other than Kullervo which felt a little rougher, but not bad). The Hobbit was always the odd one out in terms of having very white paper. All the others have the more usual cream. Thickness varies, as I guess it needs to, based on the wildly varying number of pages.

Thanks again Stu. Yes, The Hobbit definitely has whiter paper compared to the rest I have.

I'm on the lookout for 1st impressions of LOTR, Sil, UT, and S&G. I suspect they will be hard to get, but I suppose that's the fun.
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