Most Expensive Book Ever On Antiques Roadshow ❦ The Hobbit (1937)

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  • Опубліковано 2 чер 2024
  • In this video we look back to a first edition of J.R.R. Tolkien's The Hobbit that was taken to Antiques Roadshow in 1990. In today's market it would be the most expensive book ever shown on the programme.
    But what was it valued at then, what has happened to the book since, and what would it be worth today?
    00:00 - Introduction
    00:27 - What Is The Book?
    07:48 - The 1990 Valuation
    09:33 - What Has Happened To The Book?
    10:38 - What Is It Worth Today?
    My name's Tom and I'm an antiquarian bookseller making videos about the world of rare books and manuscripts.
    www.tomwayling.co.uk
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КОМЕНТАРІ • 139

  • @clarissagafoor5222
    @clarissagafoor5222 Місяць тому +64

    I'm not sure if Tom reads these comments but I'd just like to put out here what a comfort this channel is. In a world gone and going bonkers this is a small touch of sanity that calms the mind and spirit.

    • @oz_jones
      @oz_jones Місяць тому +5

      It's like a good book on a rainy day with hot cocoa :)

    • @Thomas-jl3gn
      @Thomas-jl3gn Місяць тому +3

      Very well said & I agree.

    • @jonathanmcfadden9939
      @jonathanmcfadden9939 6 днів тому

      Well said. I completely agree.

  • @be_an_rm
    @be_an_rm Місяць тому +115

    Love the long-form video for a change!

    • @tomwayling
      @tomwayling  Місяць тому +54

      Thank you! New long form videos every Sunday going forward!

    • @beckycaughel7557
      @beckycaughel7557 Місяць тому +1

      @@tomwaylingwow this is great thank you

    • @gregralph5168
      @gregralph5168 Місяць тому +1

      @@tomwaylinggreat news!!!!!

  • @jaxwagen4238
    @jaxwagen4238 Місяць тому +34

    I like how you so politely avoided saying the roadshow expert was wrong. Loving the new content

    • @stitchgor3
      @stitchgor3 Місяць тому +1

      That’s what o hate abt that show😭 they’re typically right with the info but underprice so bad

  • @PhilosopherThom
    @PhilosopherThom Місяць тому +49

    Yes! I join several others in saying: More long format please! Loved this!
    Your passion is infectious!

  • @robertgerrity878
    @robertgerrity878 Місяць тому +18

    Well north of $500k now. I mean, is there another 1st with "from Ronald with much love" out there? Supremely personal. Well presented. Those catalogs are art works.

    • @Echochamber79
      @Echochamber79 Місяць тому

      500K? no way, would it break $100K? more than likely.

    • @winkieblink7625
      @winkieblink7625 29 днів тому +1

      Possibly 1.5M. Dust jacket is the only tattered-ness….BUT first edition DJ.
      Books now are VERY VALUABLE …NOW…MEGA market for first editions. 10 x plus now…800K - at least 1M.

  • @alisonhewitt1753
    @alisonhewitt1753 Місяць тому +34

    Loved this Tom. Thank you for a wonderful listen

  • @townsville69
    @townsville69 Місяць тому +8

    I remember watching the 3500-pound episode and thinking 'I would have slapped down the money, and been out the door, before the full stop fell'. Then, hidden it under a mountain to keep my precious safe.

    • @jaxwagen4238
      @jaxwagen4238 Місяць тому +3

      That roadshow expert was definitely trying to get themselves a deal

    • @oz_jones
      @oz_jones Місяць тому

      ​@@jaxwagen4238*himself

  • @VaryaEQ
    @VaryaEQ Місяць тому +13

    I would absolutely die. This is fantastic!! Also, interesting that the Hobbit was first published the day before Bilbo and Frodo's birthdays.

  • @stevegeorge7773
    @stevegeorge7773 Місяць тому +7

    Stories are powerful. How apt a tale as this for a book as this iconic in our modern world.

  • @Stampistuta
    @Stampistuta Місяць тому +3

    Really well put together giving us the background and the context of who Aunt Jane is. Personally I was shocked how low the roadshow estimate was and even its eventual sale price seems modest.

  • @Trotter_Tolkien
    @Trotter_Tolkien Місяць тому +8

    I have only seen one dust-jacket that did not have the Dodgeson>Dodgson correction. Wish my dust-jacket on my copy was in anywhere as near as good a condition as Aunt Jane's copy 😢

    • @tomwayling
      @tomwayling  Місяць тому +5

      Having one at all makes it better than most!

  • @louiseberman4241
    @louiseberman4241 Місяць тому +6

    I remember watching this episode. I was absolutely gobsmacked by the price. 😊😆

  • @simonprocter5505
    @simonprocter5505 Місяць тому +7

    Thanks for the interesting video and enthusiasm about the subject. I remember the original AR valuation and going to grab my cheque book at the time…

  • @satubock
    @satubock Місяць тому +6

    I don't know much about rare books but I do know about the LoTR fandom and was thinking the whole time that it had to be worth six digits now.

  • @romystumpy1197
    @romystumpy1197 Місяць тому +6

    I agree,the long format is more satisfying

  • @j-dmachado4349
    @j-dmachado4349 Місяць тому +4

    Incredible analysis! Fascinating! What a dream it would be - how I would treasure a signed Tolkien first edition from his own lifetime!! 🤩

  • @jonathanmcfadden9939
    @jonathanmcfadden9939 6 днів тому

    I can’t stop watching these videos!

  • @michaelm7823
    @michaelm7823 Місяць тому +4

    I could listen to you do these all day long. Wonderful.

  • @themasterninja110
    @themasterninja110 Місяць тому +4

    Goose bumps watching this. Ive been a huge fan of the lord of the rings for as long as i can remember.

  • @HaneenIAdam
    @HaneenIAdam Місяць тому +2

    Wow! you make this whole book talk sound so so enthralling and enchanting. Thanks for such great content Tom.

  • @richardmaloney9156
    @richardmaloney9156 5 днів тому

    Finally a 'reaction video' that's not just taking someone else's work. Great work, Tom.

  • @roscelsavery
    @roscelsavery Місяць тому +4

    Oh my this was fantastic 😍 greetings from Dominican Republic 💙

  • @infjjedi3335
    @infjjedi3335 Місяць тому +5

    This was wonderful. Thank you ❤

  • @roadrunnercrazy
    @roadrunnercrazy Місяць тому +1

    Fascinating video. Looking forward to the next one.

  • @Bourne1984
    @Bourne1984 Місяць тому +1

    Fabulous vid. Looking forward to the longer vids Tom.

  • @grisha_prorokov
    @grisha_prorokov Місяць тому +3

    what a great video, thanks for a longer video!

  • @OSBA71
    @OSBA71 Місяць тому +2

    Great video, Tom. So very interesting. Can't imagine coming across that book in the ol' family library!

  • @hikinanyakin8540
    @hikinanyakin8540 Місяць тому +14

    One of your best videos!

  • @linnulman5883
    @linnulman5883 Місяць тому +2

    I enjoyed every minute of this, both your passion and research. I'm not Tolkien reader, but fans seeing this must be just beside themselves. But I love any book's story!

  • @eskybakzu712
    @eskybakzu712 Місяць тому +3

    My grandfather owns a numbered first edition first printing signed edition of Ulysses ...

  • @SeamusMartin1
    @SeamusMartin1 Місяць тому +1

    I so love your channel, Tom. Thank you.

  • @jayrey5390
    @jayrey5390 Місяць тому

    I'd love more of your long form work, it's a topic I know very little about and a curated dip into rare, important and interesting books, book related topics and frankly whatever you want to show us! Thank you for your work, already a channel I keenly follow.

  • @thomasdequincey5811
    @thomasdequincey5811 Місяць тому +3

    This was good. I really enjoyed it.

  • @chrisroyboat
    @chrisroyboat Місяць тому +3

    Incredible video! Hope to see more long form!

  • @TheJesus787
    @TheJesus787 Місяць тому +1

    This content makes me want to sit down and watch more. Thanks!

  • @kirbymarchbarcena
    @kirbymarchbarcena 21 день тому

    Tom's excitement is so contagious that I can't help but smile.

  • @finch45lear
    @finch45lear Місяць тому

    I hope you continue to make videos. Your natural passion for beautiful books is wonderful and I hope contagious so as to encourage others to collect and more importantly read these magnificent works of literature.

  • @user-fh2vx3hd6c
    @user-fh2vx3hd6c Місяць тому +1

    My family still has our first edition inscribed to my Great Uncle C.S. Lewis

  • @AmericanaGardens
    @AmericanaGardens Місяць тому

    Your love for books is contagious!

  • @o-scarface6973
    @o-scarface6973 Місяць тому +2

    I absolutely love your channel

  • @joker_g7337
    @joker_g7337 Місяць тому +4

    Thank you for taking the time of making this video. You have a very calm voice.
    I have a question if I may. I own first editions of old books (Hornblower series, several Antoine de St. Exupery and Montecristo). I also inherited a short manuscript of a children book written by my grand father at the beginning of WWII.
    None of those books were expensive but they are nonetheless treasures. What simple precautions should I take to protect them for a long time?

    • @tomwayling
      @tomwayling  Місяць тому +5

      Luckily books are relatively easy to look after, and they are hardy enough to survive for hundreds of years.
      The ground rules are:
      Keep them in a stable environment - around 60-70F or 16-20C and at a stable humidity (40-50% relative humidity if you measure it).
      Keep them out of direct sunlight.
      Shelve them upright on a shelf with other books, using bookends for support if necessary.
      Take them off the shelves to look through them and lightly dust them from time to time.
      Hope this helps!

    • @joker_g7337
      @joker_g7337 Місяць тому

      @@tomwayling thank you very much for your answer! :D

  • @Nat1videos
    @Nat1videos Місяць тому +1

    Great video! I have always daydreamed about finding a first edition in the back of an old book store, or in an estate sale or loft... this video kind of dashes my hopes as I realise that people are probably keeping goof tabs on them lol. Still really enjoyed this :D

  • @evah1928
    @evah1928 Місяць тому

    I’m considering getting a degree in rare books so your channel is so helpful! Keep at it!!

  • @panicbuyflax3461
    @panicbuyflax3461 Місяць тому +6

    How could he not use gloves for such a priceless book!
    Kidding I love your videos, Tom❤️

    • @Tvianne
      @Tvianne Місяць тому +1

      because you risk to tear it.

    • @panicbuyflax3461
      @panicbuyflax3461 Місяць тому +2

      @@Tvianne twas a joke

    • @Tvianne
      @Tvianne Місяць тому

      @@panicbuyflax3461 ahhhh, ok.

  • @X_Ov3R-_-Ki11
    @X_Ov3R-_-Ki11 Місяць тому

    Your passion is infectious.

  • @NRTSean
    @NRTSean Місяць тому +1

    Thank you. As a bibliophile and fan of Tolkien was fascinated by this.

  • @DRpokeme
    @DRpokeme Місяць тому

    Wonderful to see and hear, love books.

  • @hakonsoreide
    @hakonsoreide 13 днів тому +2

    Only £3,500? Even in 1990 that sounds ridiculously low to me. £35,000 is probably more like it. Whoever bought it in 2003 also seems to have got a bargain.

  • @lebronzejames
    @lebronzejames Місяць тому +3

    350k seems like still a bargain ♡

  • @jonjonsson6323
    @jonjonsson6323 Місяць тому +2

    I saw that episode and at the time it was seriously underprised even then

  • @michaelfotta5781
    @michaelfotta5781 Місяць тому +2

    Mr. Ayling,
    You are inspiring me to spend much more time at flea markets here in America searching for books. Although I am enjoying the ‘hunt’, my wife may not be your biggest fan 😂

  • @WordsCanBeLikeXRays
    @WordsCanBeLikeXRays Місяць тому

    I love the long form content.

  • @jtb811
    @jtb811 28 днів тому

    Man looking at that book I am drooling. I have a couple of signed first editions but nothing like that. I would love to have something like that on my bookshelf.

  • @brandoncornwell52
    @brandoncornwell52 Місяць тому

    That was a complete surprise, and I think that you have correctly assessed the actual value of this incredible little book. I’m surprised that it was seemingly so undervalued in the Sotheby’s auction, but with such a high profile, public space at which to be sold I suppose that was its approximate worth, though I’d have paid twice that if I had the means to do so. Interesting video.

  • @TrippinDrago
    @TrippinDrago Місяць тому +5

    Absolutely brilliant!

  • @mulemule
    @mulemule Місяць тому +1

    *A fine and fun revisiting of perhaps THE greatest copy of "The Hobbit" in public hands. Your deliberate and **_fact-based_** valuation is esp. welcomed.*
    *(A rare and refreshing approach amidst UA-cam's commentariat where "armchair experts" shoe-horn mere opinion in place of **_inviolable facts.)_* 🏆

  • @yurkshirelad
    @yurkshirelad Місяць тому +2

    I'm pretty sure my dad had a copy with that cover many years ago. Unless my memory is playing tricks on me.

  • @ariochiv
    @ariochiv Місяць тому

    I remember watching that Roadshow episode and being surprised at the low figure for the book... but I'm certainly not a book collector.

  • @pulchralutetia
    @pulchralutetia Місяць тому +2

    Brilliant video Tom but please speak closer to the mic - we can't hear you properly!

  • @MarcusVipsaniusAgrippaLXIII
    @MarcusVipsaniusAgrippaLXIII 16 днів тому +1

    I have a first edition of the hobbit. Would be glad to share photos.

  • @bazza945
    @bazza945 Місяць тому +4

    In the early 1960s, I read The Lord of the Rings trilogy. Even though I was an avid reader of anything I could get my hands on, I didn't like LotR. However, sometime later I read The Hobbit and loved it. In my opinion The Hobbit should have been Book One of the Lord of the Rings QUARTET.

  • @acousticboy9029
    @acousticboy9029 Місяць тому +11

    Look at the crowd gathering

    • @Tvianne
      @Tvianne Місяць тому

      only the popcorn is missing 😁

  • @WizardKingCorey
    @WizardKingCorey 6 днів тому

    A magic piece of history

  • @HemiChrysler
    @HemiChrysler 25 днів тому

    I was surprised to observe that my 1995 hardback edition has the same dust jacket design as the original 1937 edition.

  • @chrisgreaves8855
    @chrisgreaves8855 Місяць тому +3

    Awesome, than you.

  • @terryl858
    @terryl858 Місяць тому

    Thanking you

  • @PatTriesAgain
    @PatTriesAgain Місяць тому

    make your volume a little louder. outside of that, it's perfect.

  • @richardseymour3399
    @richardseymour3399 27 хвилин тому

    September 22 is also Bilbo's birthday.

  • @PopeLando
    @PopeLando 27 днів тому

    Buyer pays $300,000. Opens the book. "Hey, where's the letter to Auntie Jane??" "Oh, I put that in the recycling..."

  • @dannil9878
    @dannil9878 Місяць тому

    More long form vids pls

  • @jeewa7114
    @jeewa7114 Місяць тому +1

    I borrowed a copy that looked like that from my library recently. Unfortunately I didn't have much time so I didn't get to read the whole thing

    • @oz_jones
      @oz_jones Місяць тому

      Probably a fascimilie. I hope at least 😂

  • @TheMoneypresident
    @TheMoneypresident Місяць тому

    Remember, my school library having a dust cover exactly like that.

  • @benwakefield93
    @benwakefield93 Місяць тому

    Can I offer a tip for your videos. Some sort of opening and closure with a logo? Maybe some music? Just to make you stand out a bit more

  • @cdub4693
    @cdub4693 27 днів тому

    The great British missionary to Australia and New Zealand FW Boreham. Who is the greatest Christian essayist in history. His rarer books are going for thousands now and are highly collectible in the states for years. Maybe you can honor him with a video.

  • @willk7184
    @willk7184 Місяць тому +1

    I thought it was generally better *not* to have a personalized inscription, but rather simply a signature.

    • @nicks40
      @nicks40 Місяць тому +2

      Other way around - especially if the dedicatee is someone well-known or with a connection to the author.

  • @Rocketboy1313
    @Rocketboy1313 Місяць тому +1

    I was going to guess a quarter million.

  • @dc7370
    @dc7370 Місяць тому

    Goring's estate could purchase the book

  • @discomcpeej7574
    @discomcpeej7574 Місяць тому +2

    Homie this is an extremely interesting video. Simply fascinating source material, and for me, easy click bait. But every time you bounce away from the microphone it. is. maddening. I have to keep turning up and then instantly lowering the volume whenever you go back to the original video. The sound on the A.R. portions are far louder than when it cuts back to you. Great content, though.

  • @adam_meek
    @adam_meek Місяць тому +1

    begging the question = assume as true the very proposition you're trying to prove.

  • @sole129
    @sole129 Місяць тому

    If I had that kind of money I would buy it. But then again thats why I am not rich.. moneywise;)

  • @benwakefield93
    @benwakefield93 Місяць тому

    Am i the only one who's never heard it called a dust wrapper before? Dust jacket right? I am English too 😂

  • @rosettiwrites
    @rosettiwrites Місяць тому

    I'll have to check out if my 1937 second impression is worth anything!

    • @nicks40
      @nicks40 Місяць тому

      UK or US? Second impression or second edition?

    • @rosettiwrites
      @rosettiwrites Місяць тому

      @@nicks40 UK 1937 Unwin second impression but no dust cover.

    • @woofbarkyap
      @woofbarkyap 3 дні тому

      @@rosettiwrites definitely, take it to a reputable auction house or dealer, preferably several of them, don't just jump at the first offer

    • @rosettiwrites
      @rosettiwrites 3 дні тому

      @@woofbarkyap Absolutely - I had it valued by Bonhams Auction House just from photos but haven't decided whether or not to sell it. It's been with me since I was 10!

  • @davewhite3629
    @davewhite3629 Місяць тому

    What mein kampf doesn't make the list 😮

  • @Mtlmshr
    @Mtlmshr 25 днів тому

    Brother needs to find something to do with his hands?

  • @J1mmyMack
    @J1mmyMack Місяць тому +1

    Ever shayn on antiques raydshay 😅

  • @lepoidevinhendy
    @lepoidevinhendy 27 днів тому

    My sister is married to a rich guy and he gives her whatever she wants so she buys but little does he know that everything she has is a fake. She puts that money on the side for probably a rainy day. True story kislux

  • @nemo4evr
    @nemo4evr Місяць тому

    Well my thought are, if it was Tolkien himself that taped that letter to the book, his fingerprints might be on it, and if there is DNA stuck to it. . .maybe we can clone him 🙂

    • @JLee-rt6ve
      @JLee-rt6ve 27 днів тому +1

      All you need is a healthy ovum!

  • @andeven1
    @andeven1 Місяць тому

    why do you look like Sméagol

  • @Torquemada-su1cn
    @Torquemada-su1cn Місяць тому +1

    Showing the clips you're talking about in a box-out 'TV' is annoying

  • @thewealthofnations4827
    @thewealthofnations4827 Місяць тому

    I was so annoyed by thay lady. She cares more about the money than the family history.

    • @JaneNewAuthor
      @JaneNewAuthor 9 днів тому +1

      People sometimes want to know for insurance purposes. You don't know she was the one who sold it - it could have been her husband.

  • @user-xm4ep1rl1j
    @user-xm4ep1rl1j День тому

    Stop bloody interrupting!

  • @erikanders3343
    @erikanders3343 12 днів тому

    you should not move in and out of your mic range

  • @SteveXNYC
    @SteveXNYC 5 днів тому

    Hobbit 😂

  • @docsavage8640
    @docsavage8640 28 днів тому

    Imagine this book being worth money. 😆

  • @ncdave4
    @ncdave4 Місяць тому

    Sit on your hands man... gesticulation as you use it will only lend emphasis for 30 seconds then it's just boring along with the material.. then POOF we sign off

  • @Thrawn90
    @Thrawn90 16 днів тому

    Way to take a most a 2 min video and stretch it to 12 minutes.

  • @TheWhale45
    @TheWhale45 Місяць тому

    You're chewing your words. Enunciate. FFS. and stop interrupting the fellow it's annoying.

  • @williampage622
    @williampage622 28 днів тому

    You talk to much.

  • @orpheus9037
    @orpheus9037 Місяць тому

    Good Lord your editing is annoying! Run the full clip from Roadshow, then follow with your comments. This is getting to be a real problem with Content Creators on UA-cam: They think inserting their sidebar annotation of a clip, causing them to fragment the footage into smithereens, is vastly more important and interesting than the clip itself. In fact, their comments are often redundant. They are clueless about how to edit and build interest: let the viewer first form their own opinion about the material, then introduce your own comments. Anything else simply frustrates the viewer.

  • @simon_1987
    @simon_1987 Місяць тому

    Its a crap book though

    • @SpiralSine6
      @SpiralSine6 Місяць тому

      Baffling how you manage to think this and also watch this channel, like those two demographics don’t overlap

    • @simon_1987
      @simon_1987 Місяць тому

      @@SpiralSine6 it's just nice to see someone have a genuine passion for something.
      It would be nice if he didnt praise a druggy stoner book so highly

    • @user-jw7cq6gu6o
      @user-jw7cq6gu6o Місяць тому

      @@simon_1987 If you think it is a druggy stoner book you clearly have not read it.