The Hobbit we’ve all read was revised to match up with the later-written Lord of the Rings. The original was different in many respects, the bit I know about is the riddle-game is different, and Gollum offers “a present” rather than to show the way out.
Where can I read the original 1934 text of The Hobbit? (Other than spending $20,000 or so on a 1st printing copy.)
The first edition was published in 1937 (not 1934), the second in 1951, and the third in 1966. The later editions differed in a few ways from the first one, but it wasn’t really that big a change. Mostly it was about the meeting of Bilbo and Gollum. You can find a complete comparison of the differences between the editions in The Annotated Hobbit, which is annotated by Douglas A. Anderson. It’s in print. Here’s a table of the differences between the Bilbo/Gollum scene:
The History of the Hobbit allegedly contains the original manuscript. I am sure the manuscript differs a bit from the first edition, but if you want the earliest form Tolkien was happy with…
I think your best bet is looking at “The Annotated Hobbit” http://www.amazon.com/The-Annotated-Hobbit-J-R-R-Tolkien/dp/0618134700
It includes that original, if I recall. I got it from my local library, & it had lots of good info.
Editing to say: Oops! I didn’t realize I was just seconding Wendell Wagner’s recommendation.
HOTH is a fascinating read; The adventures of Bladorthin the wizard, Gandalf the dwarf, and the mighty dragon Pryftan. Oh, Bilbo the hobbit too…
I have not gotten around to reading “History of the Hobbit” (local libraries don’t have it) - but with the recommendations here, I think I may have to find a copy.
I shouldn’t post late at night. I don’t know where my fingers got 1934, but it wasn’t from my brain.
So “History” or “Annotated” are it, absent a copy from 1937-1950.
And extra thanks for the “comparison” page WW, that’s awesome!
Thanks!