A rare first edition signed copy of JRR Tolkien’s classic novel The Hobbit estimated to be worth about $A65,000 will go under the hammer in London next month. Considered by some collectors to be the ultimate prize for Tolkien fans, the book was published in 1937 and features a range of black and white sketches by the world-famous author. Also up for grabs will be a copy of the first foreign language edition of The Hobbit, translated into Swedish in 1947, and the last known photograph ever taken of Tolkien. Auction house Bonhams estimates the much-sought after book could attract bids of between STG20,000 ($A43,802) and STG30,000 ($A65,703) from collectors around the world. Tolkien signed the book for his friend Elaine Griffiths, who had a hand in the author’s publishing success. Auction of The Hobbit first edition