Which publisher released the first edition of J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Hobbit?

George Allen & Unwin released the first edition of J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Hobbit.

The London publisher issued the book on 21 September 1937. Stanley Unwin’s young son, Rayner Unwin, famously read the manuscript and wrote a favorable report that helped persuade the firm to publish it. The first edition was illustrated by Tolkien and quickly sold out.

The book’s commercial and critical success changed Tolkien’s publishing career. George Allen & Unwin then encouraged him to produce a sequel, although Tolkien initially offered material more closely connected to his larger mythology. That sequel developed into The Lord of the Rings.

George Allen & Unwin continued as Tolkien’s principal British publisher for many years. The company later became part of Unwin Hyman, so references to later editions may use different publisher names.