The Lord of the rings

J.R.R Tolkien

Edité par George Allen and Unwin

A uniform early set of Tolkien's, The Lord of the Rings. A rare opportunity to acquire a very early edition set.

The Fellowship of the Ring. Second Impression (1954)
The Two Towers. Second Impression (1955)
The Return of the King. First Impression (1955)

All three volumes are presented in the original red cloth with bright gilt lettering, the red top stain, and their original Dust Jackets, creating a notably coherent and attractive shelf presence. Sets with this level of uniformity and completeness are increasingly uncommon, particularly of early edition.

Each volume retains its folding map, clean, crisp, and without tears or misfolds. Tape shadows to the endpapers and a contemporary ownership name appear consistently across the set, suggesting careful early stewardship. The faint corresponding impressions on the rear maps are minimal and unobtrusive.

Fellowship of the Ring. Second Impression (1954)
A strong, very good copy. Cloth lightly marked and corners gently bumped. Top stain faded as often seen. Front hinge cracked but firm. Tape impressions to the half title and a light bump to the lower text block corner. Booksellers label (Beck Book Co., Adelaide) to front pastedown.
The price clipped second impression jacket is good. Lightly marked with small edge tears and modest wear.

The Two Towers. Second Impression (1955)
Very good. Corners bumped and edges lightly marked. A small, unobtrusive stain to the top edge of the final leaves.
The unclipped second impression jacket is very good, clean, gently handled, with one tiny chip and two short creased tears.

The Return of the King. First Impression (1955)
A very good example of the true first impression. Cloth with a few light marks; corners bumped; edges lightly marked.
The unclipped first impression jacket is very good, bright, complete, and lightly used.

Bibliographic Significance
Early impressions of The Lord of the Rings are increasingly sought after, particularly in matched sets with original jackets. Print runs were modest:

Fellowship second impression. 2,500 copies
Two Towers second impression. 1,800 copies
Return of the King first impression. 7,000 copies

The scarcity of the second impressions, makes well preserved sets such as this, notably desirable.

Overall
A very good, well matched, and highly presentable early set, complete with all maps and original jackets. A compelling opportunity for the serious Tolkien collector seeking a coherent, early issue trilogy with strong aesthetic and bibliographic appeal.

Further photographs or detailed condition notes are available on request. N° de réf. du vendeur ABE-1772105297511

Détails bibliographiques

Titre : The Lord of the rings
Éditeur : George Allen and Unwin
Reliure : Couverture rigide
Etat : Assez bon
Etat de la jaquette : Assez bon
Edition : Edition originale