That is NOT an autographed copy: THE HOBBIT

Ha! Very good.

I'm curious (though happily, not a cat) - does anyone know anything of the circumstances around the printed signature being added to publications of Tolkien's works? When it first appeared, was it a publishing innovation? Or at least unusual? What led to its inclusion?

Allen & Unwin used the author's signature on the title page of all of the books in their U Books paperback series.

https://tolkienbooks.net/php/tricksy.php

Deagol wrote:

Allen & Unwin used the author's signature on the title page of all of the books in their U Books paperback series.

https://tolkienbooks.net/php/tricksy.php

Interesting, thank you Deagol!