remy wrote:

If I were to guess that as a maximum 120 copies are still in existence, 10 times the copies we know about, then this would still be the rarest English language edition of The Hobbit.

What about this English Language Edition (Indian Printing) - The Blackie Hobbit

http://www.tolkienbooks.net/php/details.php?reference=21550

Thanks for pointing this out, as it could be rarer, but should have stated that I meant hardback editions, this could be the rarest paperback English edition?

Do you have any numbers for these, I have never seen one so assume could be extremely rare?

I have now updated my post to mention that this is about English hardback editions.

Do you have any numbers for these, I have never seen one so assume could be extremely rare?

I have never seen one for sale and have been on the lookout for 15 years!!

Might have to take a trip to India and do some scouting around second hand bookshops.

Anyone here have one in their collection?

Anyone here have one in their collection?

I'd love even just to see some pictures of one of these, one of the last few remaining UK Hobbit editions I don't have. I was browsing through used Indian online bookstores (in English) a couple days ago which was completely useless. Perhaps if someone was able to read Hindi they might have a crack at smaller seller-owned sites? Not that I know of any. But I doubt if it would turn up anything.

Remy, when you get to India, pick up an extra for me will ya?

There's another Indian edition I've also been trying to track down, certainly not in the same 'rare' category... the 2003 HarperCollins India PB (Tolkien Collector no. 29, p 9). Anyone have one of these?

remy wrote:

What about this English Language Edition (Indian Printing) - The Blackie Hobbit

http://www.tolkienbooks.net/php/details.php?reference=21550

Also been half-heartedly looking for one of these forever. Never seen.

I know someone with a copy.

Deagol wrote:
I know someone with a copy.

Now there is a surprise!

Deagol wrote:
I know someone with a copy.

Fantastic. Nice to know there is at least one in existence!

Where did you find it?

Fantastic. Nice to know there is at least one in existence!
Where did you find it?

I found it on ebay in 2004. It cost GBP 80, so not a cheap paperback. A very fragile book.