The Lord of the Rings, 1st UK Edition, 1st Impressions with Original Dustjackets., And Custom Leather Slipcase
London: Allen & Unwin, 1954.
J.R.R. Tolkien. 1st Edition, Hobbits, Lord of the Rings. Original Cloth. 8vo - over 7¾ - 9¾" tall. Very Good Plus / Very Good. Item #2231
8vo - over 7¾" - 9¾" tall. The Lord of the Rings, by J.R.R. Tolkien. Published by George Allen & Unwin, in 1954, 1954, and 1955, the 1st UK Edition, 1st impressions. The Fellowship of the Ring is a 1st impression published July 29th, 1954, one of 1500 printed for the UK. The Two Towers is a 1st impression published November 11th, 1954, one of 2250 printed for the UK. The Return of the King is a 1st impression published October 20th, 1955. This copy is the 1st State, as per Hammond & Anderson, with the signature mark '4' and having the slipped type on page 49. Correspondence with Wayne Hammond has indicated he has revised his original definition of the 1st state, from what was described in the Tolkien Bibliography, making this the later state. All original maps are present and in Near Fine condition, no tears or extra folds. All three books are in their original dustjackets showing some soiling and a little fading to the red lettering on the books. Previous owners names (different) to all three books, along with a couple of bookstore stickers. No other markings or writing in any of the books. The front endpapers show a moderate amount of offsetting on the books, less so to the Two Towers and Return of the King. No foxing noted in any of the books. The dustjackets are not price clipped, and they have some loss to the tops and bottoms of the spine on the Fellowship and The Two Towers. A bit of rubbing and splits or loss to a few area's, mostly around the folds. The previous owner had reinforced the folds of all three dustjackets with (what appears to be) archival tape, along with a couple of small closed tears as well. These are a unsophisticated set of books, there was no restoration work performed on any of the three books. The text blocks are all clean, bright and tight, without any internal foxing. Red topstain is still bright and clean on all three books, not faded as often found. A beautiful, collectable set of first editions of this classic of fantasy literature. The gilt is bright and untarnished on the spines. The boards are very clean and bright, with a couple of minor liquid spots to the boards, virtually no shelf wear on the bottom edge. The maps in the first two books are the 1st state maps with the point of the red dot off the coast of Umbar. A highly sought after set of First Impressions of this classic of fantasy literature, with a custom red leather slipcase to protect and house these 'precious' books. Digital photo's available, inquire if interested. Other Tolkien books available, include both the UK and US editions, original cloth bindings, custom fine bindings, and Signed/Numbered/Limited Editions. Very Good Plus / Very Good.
Price: $25,750.00 save 5% $24,462.50