Yes, this copy is not signed by Tolkien (He did sign at his publishers and they took this example to reproduce, I'd love to see the signing signatures)
Apologies wellinghall, I remember you mentioning it, but didn't realise it was quite that long ago. Four years! --how time flies...
BH
BH
Trotter, it is quite interesting how much the signature impression is visible on the other side though; as the seller shows with the copyright image. Having not handled or seen this copy I genuinely wouldn't have imagined it would be that distinct. I take it GA&U used a printing plate?
BH
BH
I assume that a metal plate was created of Tolkien's signature and used for all the books that carry this particular signature. If you look at where it is used, the angles are different, so more than one plate could have been made. Additionally English and Medieval Studies: Presented to J.R.R. Tolkien on the Occasion of his Seventieth Birthday, has a different facsimile signature.
Deagol's article Facsimile Signatures (Nasty Tricksy Hobbits)
Deagol's article Facsimile Signatures (Nasty Tricksy Hobbits)
Indeed. It's easy, though, to see why a lay seller might be mistaken in thinking the impression on the other side was indicative of an actual signature.
I note that (fake!) CT signed post-2000 HC paperback has re-listed & hasn't sold yet... (--one for the "Archive", if I could be bothered! ).
BH
I note that (fake!) CT signed post-2000 HC paperback has re-listed & hasn't sold yet... (--one for the "Archive", if I could be bothered! ).
BH
Seriously, what the hell is going on, on eBay!?
I've been tempted, but didn't want to clog this thread, with commenting (& posting) on the ludicrous prices that run-of-the-mill copies of The Hobbit have been going for; we've all noted it, I'm sure. Random mid-impression 1970's copies in unremarkable shape seem to be going for £50, £60+, etc. I have several of these kicking around (I'm sure others do too) that I'm sorely tempted to list...
Anyway, it seems to be rubbing off, generally. What's this all about?:-
I know it's the last of the "Unwin" years, but £105!? I picked up both this & the corresponding 1990 impression H from someone that posted on this site asking for advice, a few years back. I paid £50 (inc. postage) for the two; price nothing special (--about £20 each). LR had a page (map) totally loose, that had been ripped out; H was fine. So I'm looking at this & thinking "I'll get a wee upgrade here" (& flog the poorer one to someone). £105! Plan scuppered...
BH
I've been tempted, but didn't want to clog this thread, with commenting (& posting) on the ludicrous prices that run-of-the-mill copies of The Hobbit have been going for; we've all noted it, I'm sure. Random mid-impression 1970's copies in unremarkable shape seem to be going for £50, £60+, etc. I have several of these kicking around (I'm sure others do too) that I'm sorely tempted to list...
Anyway, it seems to be rubbing off, generally. What's this all about?:-
I know it's the last of the "Unwin" years, but £105!? I picked up both this & the corresponding 1990 impression H from someone that posted on this site asking for advice, a few years back. I paid £50 (inc. postage) for the two; price nothing special (--about £20 each). LR had a page (map) totally loose, that had been ripped out; H was fine. So I'm looking at this & thinking "I'll get a wee upgrade here" (& flog the poorer one to someone). £105! Plan scuppered...
BH
To be honest I think someone will take the bait at that price.
[EDIT: or at least I could imagine them doing so! ]
They list fairly regularly in later impressions, but I think someone out there is probably sick of waiting for a well listed 1st impression, & will be seriously considering this. I wouldn't pay that much personally, but my guess is someone might...
BH
[EDIT: or at least I could imagine them doing so! ]
They list fairly regularly in later impressions, but I think someone out there is probably sick of waiting for a well listed 1st impression, & will be seriously considering this. I wouldn't pay that much personally, but my guess is someone might...
BH