Reddit mentions of The Hobbit Facsimile First Edition

You just want to be able to read the original first edition text?

They released a "First Edition Fascimile" not that long ago.

The copies that are shown on the picture are softcovers and a 75th anniversary edition. There are many many more! There are some really nice edition out there, like alan lee's illustrated edition or the folio society edition. I'd suggest you buy one of those for her, unless you are able to spend between 3652 and 35.000 dollars.

The first edition replica costs $26. If she really wants the first edition text, I'd suggest you to buy this.

https://www.amazon.com/Hobbit-Facsimile-First-J-Tolkien/dp/0007440839

https://www.amazon.com/Hobbit-Facsimile-First-J-Tolkien/dp/0007440839

The History of The Hobbit by John Rateliff contains more or less the drafts and original passages as they were before refinement and publishing. I think this is what you want, the facsimile of the original 1937 version, unfortunately it won't be out till next year.

You can get the facsimile first edition here . The Riddles in the Dark chapter is different than what you are used to (along with other differences).

Facsimile

Gift edition

The Facsimile comes in a slipcase, the gift edition comes in a box with a lenticular cover. It contains the book, a CD of readings by Tolkien, the Hobbit map and a booklet with the publishing history and a previously unpublished lecture by Tolkien delivered to school children in Oxford.

The Hobbit First Edition Facsimile if it comes out in time.

You're looking for The Hobbit facsimile first edition. http://amzn.to/2ClbWU8. This would be the 8.2" height version. Someone else has linked to amazon with the pocket version of 5". It's up to you.