What is the name of the publisher that first released J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Hobbit?

George Allen & Unwin was the publisher that first released J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Hobbit.

The London firm published The Hobbit in 1937 after Tolkien’s manuscript reached the attention of Stanley Unwin, the company’s chairman. Unwin had his young son Rayner read the book and provide an approving report, which helped support the publication decision.

The firm also published Tolkien’s later major Middle-earth works in Britain. Its relationship with Tolkien was important to the development of his literary career, although publication arrangements differed across countries and editions.

The name can cause confusion because the book appeared under different publishers in other markets. Houghton Mifflin issued American editions, while George Allen & Unwin was the original British publisher. The company later became associated with Unwin Hyman before eventually becoming part of larger publishing groups.