A clean, scarce 1st Edition 4th Printing (the last) on war stock paper of The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien. Published by George Allen and Unwin, 4th and last Impression of the 1st edition, 1946. I bought this book to read and was surprised to discover recently it is somewhat of a rarity. I am not familiar with the standards of book rating and it seems in very good condition to me, almost as though it has been read once and then stored on a book shelf. I only learned a few days ago (so thanks to the previous seller) that this was the final impression of the 1st edition, before significant text revisions, particularly regarding Bilbo's encounter with Gollum that results in his acquiring the Ring. These changes were completed by the author prior to the release of the 2nd edition in 1951. The revisions align the Hobbit narrative with the Lord of the Rings trilogy, which to be published for the first time, in 1954.Printed on war stock paper it is not surprising that so few have survived in reasonable condition as its not good quality.Includes a colour frontispiece of Hobbiton and all eight black and white illustrations by the author are present. "Thror's Map" and "Map of Wilderland" in black and red on the front and rear paste downs respectively.There are a couple of small issues which are all shown in the images so please inspect closely. These are:1. A small brown spot which has travelled through ten pages (189 to 199). I have posted a video which is apparently under review and will be posted if approved. The video shows the mark on each of the pages.2. A small abrasion on the rear cover3. A tiny fold over on one page. Not a corner turnover, just a small slither at the top of a page. Shown in images.4. A brown mark on one page that may be part of the paper. Shown in images.5. Slight rubbing on corners, edges and spine - all in the images.6. Two faint brown spots also in the images.7. No dust jacket There are however NO:Library StampsFolded cornersNames or other writing Depending on how much it sells for, I would prefer collection in person. I may be willing to deliver if it's not far from where I live. It seems difficult to find a reasonable price for posting a potentially high value and fragile item so have listed as collection in person.I was advised of the potential value of the book given its condition. I had intended to list with a reserve but was astonished to discover how expensive the fees are and its not an option as it has to be paid whether the book sells or not so I have started the auction at a price which is lower than the value I was told. I am working in the dark here because I have no idea of the value and how much difference conditions makes.