Coincidentally, I a managed to find an A&R Hobbit yesterday.

It is possible that just the first printing was "Exclusive" to A&R. I have seen at least 2 reprints of this edition (many copies) that were printed in Australia (and none with sticker).

Funny how these things turn up like that. Glad you found it.

Tbh, I would be very surprised if even the first print was genuinely exclusive to Angus & Robertsons. I'd strongly suspect that they just had a few weeks with that edition not being in other shops.

The late Stu wrote:

Funny how these things turn up like that. Glad you found it.

Tbh, I would be very surprised if even the first print was genuinely exclusive to Angus & Robertsons. I'd strongly suspect that they just had a few weeks with that edition not being in other shops.

I think you are right, a real exclusive would have it printed on the dust wrapper. I think the sticker means they had first go at selling it.