the lord of the rings, Edition originale (892 résultats)

Hardcover. Etat : Near Fine. Etat de la jaquette : Near Fine. First Edition. Allen and Unwin. 1954, 54, 55 Impressions 1,1,1 of each title. A lovely set. Near fine jackets with no tattering, chips or serious marks. Some minor blemishes and age discoloration. Spines are not too darkened, which is rare. What is unique about this set is the dust jackets are closer to the original grey colour, not faded beige/ whiite. This is extremely unique as you usually only see this colour on the flaps. The books are clean, no foxing, no marks, and gilt bright. FotR has fade mark's to inside end pages likely from an old jacket protector. RotK binding is slightly loose, but nothing serious. About as good as they come and will ever see as these sets are now very rare with original jackets. With fairly uniform wear, these books have been together a long time, but not likely to have been purchased by one original owner as released. There was never the opportunity to buy them as a set as they were released at intervals. With modern books you are paying for the condition of the dust jackets, not books! Finding dust jackets without restoration and reconstruction is also rare, thus the price of this set. We will deliver these anywhere in the world for travel costs. Watch our shop for more early and first editions in the coming months. We have been a specialist Tolkien dealer for 22 years and we expect more books to be listed under consignment from our old customers as we near the new films and other activity in the Tolkien market. We expect new higher prices across all editions and printings the next two years, buy now. Note, shipping costs do not included insurance. We usually hand deliver high value items which is cheaper than insurance. We will quote this price at cost. If you have any questions, please email us. Visit our website to learn more about Festival Art and Books, Festival in the Shire and our founder and expert, Mark D. Faith.

Etat : Fine. First Edition. 1954, 1954, 1955. Three volumes. First edition, first printings, signed by J.R.R. Tolkien on the title page of The Two Towers. Finely bound by the Chelsea Bindery in red morocco, spines decorated and titled in gilt, with "Eye of Sauron" to front boards in gilt, dark green endpapers, and edges gilt. Housed in a red leather entry slipcase. Folding maps in red and black at rear of each volume. Fine. Pages lightly tanned. Tolkien's epic trilogy is considered one of the greatest fantasy works ever written and is among the best-selling books of all time. Its contribution to popular culture has been profound to say the least.

This is one of the finest first edition, first impression sets of The Lord of the Rings I have encountered in my career. An incredibly rare find, it's a privilege to offer this set for sale. Each dust jacket has retained the original soft grey-green hue, often mistaken for white due to the fading seen in many surviving copies over the years. What makes this set particularly remarkable is its provenance. It was previously owned by Margaret Bennet-Clark (later Carey), who worked in a senior role at the British Museuma short walk from the offices of the publisher, Allen & Unwin. Each volume bears her neatly inscribed name alongside the month and year of its publication, with The Two Towers also dated "22.11.1954," just under two weeks after its release. This consistency strongly suggests that Bennet-Clark purchased each book upon publication and inscribed them at the time. It would be highly unusual to later inscribe a name and publication date to match the original release months. This provenance supports the extraordinary likelihood that this set has remained together since day onea nearly unparalleled rarity among Tolkien first editions. First edition, first impression sets of The Lord of the Rings are famously scarce. The trilogy was published over a 15-month period, with no more than 3,000 complete sets available once The Return of the King was released. Over the decades, most sets have been "assembled" by collectors swapping in individual volumes to create the best possible condition. Truly original sets, like this one, are vanishingly rarearguably as rare as Tolkien's One Ring itself. Given the proximity of Allen & Unwin's office and bookshop at 40 Museum Street to the British Museum, it is highly likely that Bennet-Clark purchased each volume directly from the publisher. This connection adds further intrigue and historical value to an already exceptional set. This set stands out not only for its provenance but also for its remarkable state of preservation. Each dust jacket retains its original soft grey-green colour, a feature lost in many other examples due to fading. Combined with the pristine condition of the books themselves, this is truly an investment-grade set of Tolkien firsts. Description and condition: First editions, first impressions. 3 vols, 8vo. An excellent, fine set a breakdown of each follows: The Fellowship of the Ring: Original publishers red cloth in excellent, almost new condition. Seriously the best binding I have encountered on Fellowship. The red top stain is the most vibrant I have ever seen. The binding and book at this stage looks new. Internally it is absolutely beautiful, bar some discoloration and darkening to both endpapers. To the front endpaper we find the previously mentioned ownership inscription with the date May 1954. The map at the back of the book is in fine condition. This is a fine book. The dustjacket is beautiful and retains the slight grey/green from when first published. One of the best Fellowships one could hope for. The Two Towers: Condition is almost the same as above, in that it is excellent. Ownership inscription to the front endpaper with date 22.11.1954. The map is fine. The dustjacket again retains the off grey/green and is an excellent example. Signature mark '4' present on page 49. The Return of the King: Same as the previous. An excellent example.

This set of The Lord of the Rings from 1954-1955 is a 1st edition, 1st impression and is in near-fine condition, with 1st state dustjackets. An incredibly rare find, it's a joy to have for sale. This acclaimed work began as a sequel to J.R.R. Tolkien's 1937 children's fantasy novel The Hobbit, and developed into something grander. Written between 1937 and 1949, much of it in letters to his son in the midst of WWII, it was eventually released in 1954-1955 as a trilogy to a growing fanbase. It has since become one of the most influential contributions to literature this century, enjoyed by adults and children alike. In addition, it is the third best selling novel of all time, with 150 million copies sold.

Hardcover. Etat : Very Good. Etat de la jaquette : Very Good. First Edition. Allen and Unwin. 1954, 54, 55 Impressions 1,1,1 of each title. Not as nice a condition overall as my fine 1,1,1 set, but the original dust jackets are above average which is now what you are paying for with rare first editions. Finding dust jackets without restoration and reconstruction is increasingly rare, thus the price of this set. Jackets have the normal discoloration to the spines, (sunny and mould) with the usual mix of use staining and marks, but very little paper loss overall except to spine ends. Two Towers and The Return of the King are above average books, but Fellowship has some old mould damage to the inside front cover and end pages. This has long been treated, but the severe mould stained the paper with black patches as per the photo. You could have the inside cover paper replaced with a good chance of matching the colour, however it would then appear too new. Given that 90% of the value is in the dust jacket, it's best to leave them as-is as far as future investment. We want to stress the unique feature and value here is the lack of restoration, where 70% of more first editions coming on the market have some amount of restoration these days. Purist collectors want the real thing, warts and all. Note, shipping costs do not included insurance. We usually hand deliver high value items which is cheaper than insurance. We will quote insurance or delivery at cost. If you have any questions, please email us. Visit our website to learn more about Festival Art and Books, Festival in the Shire and our founder and expert, Mark D. Faith.

An excellent first edition, first impression set of The Lord of The Rings published by George Allen and Unwin between 1954-55. The first edition was published in editions of 3,000 copies, 3,250 copies, and 7,000 copies respectively, so that there are no more than 3,000 sets in first impression throughout. The three books together in first edition, first impression, first state are now incredibly scarce in their original printed dust jackets here with the original off grey/green. So many believe them to be white which they aren't interestingly! Many went white over the years due to sunning. A rare set and in truly collectible condition. Description and condition: First edition, first impression set, 3 vols, 8vo, original publishers red cloth throughout, each one in fine condition. The red top stain on each is vibrant which is now rare as most are faded. All maps are in pristine condition. All dustjackets are near fine-fine with the odd nick here and there. Some browning to the spines as can be seen in pictures. Fellowship has a strong crease to the spine. A seriously collectible set of 1/1's. On Two Towers, Signature mark '4' present on page 49.

First Edition. Three octavo volumes. Bound in deep red morocco leather by Bayntun-Rivière, titled and decorated in gilt to spines with gilt "ring" devices to the compartments, and gilt embellishments to the raised bands. All edges gilt. Internally clean and fresh, marbled endpapers. First Impression of each volume; Third State of text in Return of the King, with signature mark "4" and slipped text on p.49. A very beautiful set indeed in an elegant signed morocco binding. Housed in a felt-lined red cloth slipcase with a red silk ribbon. From the library of Sylvia Jewkes, wife of Prof. John Jewkes, both of whom were notable British economists and academic writers. Professor Jewkes was the Professor of Economic Organization at Merton College, Oxford, with his tenure and residence overlapping with that of J.R.R. Tolkien for 11 years. The two families were next door neighbors whilst Tolkien was writing Lord of The Rings, and the Jewkes' daughter Sally recalled Tolkien reading to her from his writings when she was a little girl. The books bear the ownership of Sylvia Jewkes in all three volumes, and are accompanied by a two page 1963 ALS response from Tolkien addressed to "Dear Jewkes" and recalling their close friendship during this period. The 2 page communication, dated December 17th 1963, is a rather beautiful example of Tolkien's correspondence as he enters old age. He thanks Professor Jewkes for his letter, and expresses how much pleasure it gave him; "Very nice too, if a bit melncholy to recall the days when I was still an inhabitant at Merton, and I was lucky enough to have you as a next door neighbour." The two had shared a close collegiate relationship at Merton, but obviously drifted further apart as they both developed in their careers, a fact which Professor Tolkien addresses: "I do hope however you don't imagine I have been absent from table in recent years out of any kind of dudgeon or lack of Mertonian feeling. It has been simply due to my disabilities, personal and domestic.I am 72 in a few days time (Jan 31), and I suffer already one of the disabilities of passing 70." He goes on to express his anxiety regarding the ill health of his wife Edith (who died in the same year as her devoted husband, 1971); "nearly every week is an adventure of uncertain result." Tolkien promises to make a special effort to attend a Merton College event in the coming term, and in a delightful post-script offers a very specifically Tolkien joy of the season: "Best Wishes for Christmas - We Ents do not really approve of Yule Logs!" In a departure from his more usual signing, he closes the letter "Ronald Tolkien" with a flourish. A full transcription is available on request. A beautiful set in an artisanal binding, with a splendid and rather moving association. Any first edition, first impression set of Lord of The Rings is desirable and sought after.

Second editions of the author's classic trilogy, signed by Tolkien in each volume. Octavo, 3 volumes, original cloth, folding maps. Association copy, inscribed by the author on the half-title page, "Signed for Ethel May with love J. R. R. Tolkien." Volumes two and three are signed by J.R.R. Tolkien on the half-title page. The recipient, Ethel Burchfield was theÂwifeÂof Robert Burchfield, a lexicographer and scholar who was mentored by Tolkien. Burchfield studied at Magdalen College, Oxford, where he was tutored by Tolkien and C.S. Lewis. Burchfield would go on to develop a Tolkien-like fascination with linguistics and would become theÂeditorÂofÂtheÂSupplement toÂthe Oxford English Dictionary. TheÂtwo men remained friends and correspondents for muchÂofÂtheir lives with Burchfield later crediting Tolkien as "the puckish fisherman who drew me into his glittering philological net." Near fine in near fine dust jackets, with "E. M. Burchfield St. Peters. XII 1967." Housed in a custom half morocco clamshell box made by The Harcourt Bindery. An exceptional set, most rare and desirable signed, with noted provenance. The Lord of the Rings began as a sequel to Tolkien's 1937 children's fantasy novel The Hobbit, but eventually developed into a much larger work. It was written in stages between 1937 and 1949, much of it during World War II in letters to his son, "and finally, having polished it to his own satisfaction, published it as a trilogy from 1954 to 1955, a volume at a time, impatiently awaited by a growing audience. It is considered one of this century's lasting contributions to that borderland of literature between youth and age. It seems destined to become this century's contribution to that select list of books which continue through the ages to be read by children and adults with almost equal pleasure." (Eyre, 134-35). It has went on to become the third best selling novel of all-time with 150 million copies sold.

Hardcover. Etat : Fine. Etat de la jaquette : Fine. 1st Edition. First Editions, First Impressions of ALL three books. A wonderful set. Each book is the TRUE FIRST EDITION with the ORIGINAL First Issue dustjacket. The dustjackets have the 21s net printed price is present on ALL three dustjackets. The dustjackets have some wear and discoloration. The books are ALL First Printings with the words "First Published in 1954" printed on the copyright page of "Fellowship of the Ring" "The Two Towers" and "First Published in 1955" on the copyright page of "The Return of the King" The books are bound in the original RED boards from the publisher. There is some wear to the spine and edges. The pages are clean in ALL three books with NO writing, marks or bookplates. A beautiful complete set of all three books housed in a custom clamshell box. We buy Tolkien First Editions.

First editions, first states of each title comprising the The Lord of the Rings Trilogy. Octavo, 3 volumes, original red cloth, folding map in the rear of each volume. Near fine in excellent dust jackets with light rubbing and wear. An exceptional set. The Lord of the Rings began as a sequel to Tolkien's 1937 children's fantasy novel The Hobbit, but eventually developed into a much larger work. It was written in stages between 1937 and 1949, much of it during World War II in letters to his son, "and finally, having polished it to his own satisfaction, published it as a trilogy from 1954 to 1955, a volume at a time, impatiently awaited by a growing audience. It is considered one of this century's lasting contributions to that borderland of literature between youth and age. It seems destined to become this century's contribution to that select list of books which continue through the ages to be read by children and adults with almost equal pleasure." (Eyre, 134-35). It has went on to become the third best selling novel of all-time with 150 million copies sold.

Etat : very good. Etat de la jaquette : very good. first, advance review copy. Advance review copy of volume one. All three books and dust jackets are first printings in very good condition. Some bleeding from covers at edges of The Return of the King. George Allen and Unwin, 1954, 1954, and 1955. Housed in a custom-made slipcase.

custom folder. Etat : Very Good. First edition. A REMARKABLY REVEALING LETTER: TOLKIEN DISCUSSES HIS SPECIFIC FEARS ABOUT THE TWO TOWERS AND DEFINES "THE FOUNDATION" OF THE LORD OF THE RINGS AND CONNECTS IT TO HIS LIFE'S WORK. The Fellowship of the Ring (the first volume of The Lord of the Rings trilogy) was published on July 29, 1954. There were a number of rave reviews (mostly notably from Tolkien's friend C.S. Lewis) but there were also enough harsh or critical assessments (particularly the reviews in the Daily Telegraph and Sunday Times) to concern Tolkien and make him anxious about the reception of the second volume, The Two Towers. Professional reviews were one worry, but Tolkien always seemed even more eager to discover if his works connected with "regular" readers as well. One such reader whose opinion he held in high regards, was one of his early supporters, Miss F.L. Perry, whom he had corresponded with earlier about The Hobbit and The Fellowship of the Ring. The present letter was written on November 22, 1954 -only eleven days after the publication of The Two Towers - but the opening of the letter implies that Tolkien has already written her for her thoughts on his new book ("I did not mean to put you to any trouble") and has been eagerly awaiting her reply. Then, in a revealing passage that gives insight into Tolkien's thinking on potential failures of The Two Towers, he confesses that he worried about how his readers would accept the return of Gandalf (who was presumed dead at the end of The Fellowship of the Ring), and more generally, "would feel a falling off on a failure of their expectations," or "feel they had had enough after the novelty had worn off, and perhaps regret the decrease of hobbitry and elfishness as the darkness increases and war and terror come out of the East." With relief - and evidently pleased with Miss Perry's previous response - he writes that "All this is answered! Though by no means all are so satisfied by Gandalf." It's clear that Miss Perry was curious to learn more about Tolkien's writing and the history of Middle-earth, for Tolkien then goes on a wonderful digression first focusing on The Lord of the Rings before shifting to a discussion of his previously published work grounded in Anglo-Saxon history (noting, interestingly, that he is at his best when he is writing "verses arising from the emotions of a story, and written to represent the feelings of other 'characters' than myself"). He concludes with an important statement identifying the theme that unites all his work, both reality-based and fantasy-based. The historical work, he writes, "is really on the theme which has always engrossed me and is the foundation of 'The Lord of the Rings': the noble and the ignoble. For hobbitry you have the plain farmer-soldier; for the chivalry, a young minstrel or poet." He concludes his letter with the hope that Miss Perry will stay with him through volume III, "when all the complicated plot, and many characters, must be drawn together." The text reads in full: Nov. 22nd 1954 Dear Miss Perry It was very nice indeed of you to write; but I did not mean to put you to any trouble, specially not when unwell. Still, I was anxious about one or two points: specially about the return of Gandalf; and generally whether my friends would feel a falling off on a failure of their expectations; or feel they had had enough after the novelty had worn off, and perhaps regret the decrease of hobbitry and elfishness as the darkness increases and war and terror come out of the East. All this is answered! Though by no means all are so satisfied by Gandalf. However, all the reviews of the T.T. so far have been good, and Edwin Muir (Observer) is much less patronizing. As for the Chronicles: it has been impossible to include all that I have written or sketched out in this book. But there is really quite a lot of stray information about Arwen scattered about. It was the northern Númenórean realm of Isildur with its capitals at Annúminas and Fornost of which a good deal is said in the 'Council of Elrond.' The King of Angmar becomes the Lord of the Ringwraiths, who appears in Book 1, and will appear again. I have written a good deal of verse (of very varying merit), and some of it has been published here and there. But I have never collected it. I think I am best at the kind of thing seen in the present book - verses arising from the emotions of a story, and written to represent the feelings of other 'characters' than myself. The very long narrative poems, I do not suppose will be ever published. They may! Of longer things a 'Breton Lay,' Aotrou and Itroun was published in the 'Welsh Review' (now deceased); and on Dec. 3 you can hear (if you wish) a dramatic dialogue in alliterative verse concerning the 'Battle of Maldon (fought A.D. 991), broadcast by the B.B.C. It might interest you since it concerns one of the most heroic events in Anglo-Saxon history, and is the history of Essex; the death of the great Duke Byrhhnoth of Essex in battle with the Vikings of Anlaf (Olaf Tryggvason) of Norway. And also because it is really on the theme which has always engrossed me and is the foundation of 'The Lord of the Rings': the noble and the ignoble. For hobbitry you have the plain farmer-soldier; for the chivalry, a young minstrel or poet. I hope you will soon be better. And I hope, too, that you will continue to approve of Vol III, when all the complicated plot, and many characters, must be drawn together. Thank you once more for your kindness in writing, and for the great encouragement you have given. Yours sincerely, [signed] J.R.R. Tolkien Autograph Letter Signed. Four pages on two sheets (170 x 132 mm) of Tolkien's 76 Sandfield Road stationery. Custom presentation folder. Usual mailing folds, a few spots, particularly on last page; visually very attractive, showcasing Tolkien's famous calligraphic handwriting. As far as we can tell, this letter is unpublished. References: Carpenter, Humphrey. J.R.R. Tolkien: A Biography. Boston: Hou.

Full Morocco. Etat : Fine. No Jacket. 1st Edition. A true first edition first impression set of The Lord of the Rings, by J R R Tolkien, published by George Allen and Unwin, London, with J R R Tolkien's signature tipped in. Only 3000 copies of the first impression of The Fellowship of the Ring were printed. The printers then broke down the typesetting frames for reuse, so when a second impression was required, it was actually a completely new impression, not a reuse of the originals. This makes the true first of The Fellowship of the Ring a genuinely rare book. The Two Towers had a print run of 3250. The Return of the King ran to 7000 copies. It has the signature mark "4" in page 49, as well as the "sagging" text, which Hammond describes in his Tolkien bibliography as the First State. The books come in a neat understated slipcase in red cloth, showing the exquisite workmanship on the spines. Each volume is custom-bound to high specification in full red morocco with the eye in the ring motif on the front boards that appeared on the dustwrappers of the 1st editions. The boards also have a single line gilt frame. The spines have gilt lined and raised bands, with gilt titles and author stamped to spines, the famous JRRT design to the base of the spines along with the dates of publication: 1954, 1954, 1955. All edges gilt. Inner gilt ferrule frames to interior, and to the rear bearing the binder's stamp: Temple Bookbinders, who were bookbinders to HM Queen Elizabeth. Internally the books are EXCEPTIONALLY clean, without foxing except for a few tiny spots to the final page of each volume, where the map has allowed air to circulate over the page and to the half title page of The Fellowship of the Ring. The maps are intact, sharp and clean. The bindings are tight, clean, open easily and are expertly done. A really fine set. Prices for Tolkien first editions are rising and rising, and this set is offered at a lower price for those wishing to own a fabulous cultural artefact. Shipping free worldwide. DM me for any questions. Thank you for your interest! -1 p. Signed by Author(s). Book.

[Fantasy Classic] FIRST EDITIONS, First impressions; signature '4' and 'sagging' type on p.49 of 'The Return', being the bibliographers' FIRST STATE (Hammond & Anderson, p.89). Octavo (23 x 14 x 10cm), pp.[2] 423 [3]; pp.[2] 352 [2]; pp.[2] 416 [2]. With maps at the rear of each volume. folding maps at rear of each volume. Publisher's red cloth with gilt titles to spines, red tint to top edges, in original dust-wrappers, each priced at 21s. Contents clean, no ink names, eps. with some offset toning from jacket flaps, edges of text blocks have some toning/spotting, topstains remain strong if a little speckled, minor bumps to extremities. Jackets are uniformly toned to the spines, spines have had some repairs from an expert paper conservator. A used, but natural set which sits well. Very good. A fantastical trilogy, "The Lord of the Rings" is one of the greatest books of the twentieth century, containing amazing details of a new mythology, never really surpassed. It is one of the best selling books of all time, with over 150 million copies sold. Basis for the epic film series directed by Peter Jackson, 'The Return' (2003) winning a record 11 Oscars from 11 nominations. Hammond and Anderson [A5], listed in Time Magazine; 100 Best Modern Novels. Book Collector No.274, p58-9.

custom folder. Etat : Very Good. First edition. EIGHT MONTHS BEFORE PUBLICATION, TOLKIEN ANXIOUSLY INTRODUCES HIS MASTERPIECE, THE LORD OF THE RINGS, TO A FAN OF THE HOBBIT. Tolkien had begun work on The Lord of the Rings in December of 1937 and by early 1950, after over twelve years of labor, the writing was essentially complete. The road to publication, however, was not an easy one, for Tolkien feared his book would have difficulty finding an audience. In February, 1950, he wrote about his concerns to his publisher (Allen & Unwin): "My work has escaped from my control and I have produced a monster: an immensely long, complex, rather bitter, and rather terrifying romance, quite unfit for children (if fit for anybody)." (Carpenter, 213). Tolkien's admission that he had produced a "monster" turned out to be prescient, for seeing the book through publication proved to be a challenge for both him and his publisher and three years after completion, the first volume (The Fellowship of the Rings) was still not in print. At the time of the present letter -December 2, 1953 -publication finally seemed imminent, and Tolkien was understandably nervous. Writing to Mrs. F.L. Perry, a fan of The Hobbit, he explains the delays in publication (it was supposed to be published by Christmas, 1953), worries that the book will be too long and expensive to reach a wide audience, introduces the world of The Lord of the Rings and expresses his hopes that she will like the book despite humbly worrying that it is filled with too much history, geography, and genealogy. His was right to be concerned about further delays in publication -the first edition of The Fellowship of the Ring wouldn't actually appear until July 29, 1954 - but of course his other major concern -that the book would not find an audience - was wildly misguided. The letter reads in full: December 2nd, 1953 Dear Mrs. Perry, Thank you very much for your letter, and kind words. All I can say is that, if you have so much enjoyed The Hobbit, then at least you will not be disappointed with The Lord of the Rings. Unfortunately, I have not only been crushingly busy this year, but also during October and November often ill, and certain adjuncts, necessary to publication, which only I can supply (e.g. maps) have been so long delayed that issue of Vol. I for Christmas, as planned, has become impossible. I hope it will appear early in 1954, and the next two vols. in quick succession. I am correcting the proofs of Vol. II at the moment. I do not know the price yet. Alas! Having put so much into this sequel, it has grown to such a large book that size and cost alone will, I fear, keep it out of many hands that would enjoy it. But I hear that the Americans are taking it up, after seeing an advance copy of Vol. I, and I am told that may make a larger issue and a rather lower price possible on the side of the Water. There is no more about Mirkwood or the northern countries, I am afraid; and the story moves away down the Great River to the kingdoms of the South. But there is a great deal of Ancient History and geography and genealogy in it: too much, I dare say, for all but the most devoted friends of Hobbits. I would send you some proof-copies, if I had any to spare, and if I did not think that you would enjoy it more, when it is complete, and has maps and appendices and all. But I hope very much that when at last you get it you will not be disappointed. It will take a very long time to read, even once, and even quickly! Yours sincerely, [signed] JRR Tolkien Typed Letter Signed ("J.R.R. Tolkien") to Mrs. F.L. Perry, two pages, on one half-sheet (both sides) of Tolkien's 76 Sandfield Road stationery. Center mailing fold, two tiny closed tears at extreme edges; generally fine. Housed in custom presentation folder. As far as we can tell, this letter is unpublished. References: Carpenter, Humphrey. J.R.R. Tolkien: A Biography. Boston: Houghton Mifflin, 2000.

Hardcover. Etat : Fine. 1st Edition. John Ronald Reuel Tolkien (1954-55) 'The Lord of the Rings', UK first editions, first impressions of all three volumes, published by George Allen & Unwin. Most luxuriously rebound in full red leather. Housed in a full white leather solander case. Condition: the books present in fine condition. There are no previous owner's marks, no names, no bookplates. The volumes were in very good condition before they were rebound without any foxing, nor tears or other blemishes to the paper. All three volumes also come with their original maps. Production details: bound in full red Pentland Indian goatskin supplied by J. Hewit and Sons. The leather has been vegetable tanned and hand polished to give it a two tone finish. The page block edges are gilded on all three sides. The three front panels are graced by Tolkien's own design, i.e. The Gates of Moria on The Fellowship of the Ring; Elvish Runes on The Two Towers; Tree of Gondor on The Return of the King. The artwork is stamped and gilded. The rear panels show Tolkien's monogram stamped and gilded in gold. The endpapers are handmade and supplied by master marbler Freya Scott at Paperwilds (UK). The red and gold swirls represent the hellish fire of Mordor and go well with the red goatskin. Five raised bands on the spine per volume with the respective title and author's name. The volumes are housed in a white full leather solander box lined with white suedel to protect the books. The front of the solander shows the 'One Ring the binds them all' with the Eye of Sauron just like on the original dust jacket art of the true first editions. The Elvish Runes to the top and bottom edge are replicated from the title pages of the first editions. The top line is in the Cirth script and reads "The Lord of the Rings translated from the Red Book". The bottom edge graces the following in Tengwar script: "of Westmarch by John Ronald Reuel Tolkien. Herein is set forth the history of-the War of-the Ring and the Return of the King as seen by the Hobbits". This also explains our choice of binding the volumes in red leather. This is perhaps the most beautiful rebound set ever created. We have not added any artistic liberties to the design. All design points are faithful to how Tolkien himself would have liked to see the book produced. All executed with the best quality materials available which speaks for itself. A quality production to last the ages to be passed from one generation to another. The Fellowship of the Ring had a print run of 3,000 copies; The Two Towers saw 3,250 copies printed; and The Return of the King was printed in 7,000 copies. We have more images to share if required. We welcome direct contact. First and Fine.

Etat : Good. First Edition. First edition, 7th, 5th, 4th impressions respectively. Signed by J. R. R. Tolkien on the title page of The Fellowship of the Ring. Bound in publisher's red cloth with spines lettered in gilt. Folding maps in red and black at rear of each volume. Good. Fellowship of the Ring is rebacked. Cloth is worn and stained, gilt on spine is tarnished and rubbed, spines faded. Cambridge booksellers ticket at front pastedowns with previous owner's name to each front free endpaper dated 1959; light toning to contents. Lean to bindings of The Two Towers and The Return of the King. A well loved and read set of the fantasy classic, the first volume of which is signed by Tolkien.

Etat : Near Fine. First Edition. 1954, 1954, 1955. Three volumes. First edition, first printing of each volume of Tolkien's iconic Lord of the Rings trilogy. With the signature mark "4" on page 49 of The Return of the King. Recently bound in full red leather with spines lettered in gilt, housed in a customs red cloth-covered slipcase. Near Fine, with all three folding maps at rear. Topstains mellowed, light spotting to textblock edges. Contents lightly tanned, with an occasional light stain or corner crease. A lovely set of Tolkien's epic trilogy, which is considered one of the greatest fantasy works ever written and is among the best-selling books of all time. Its contribution to popular culture has been profound.

Hardcover. Etat : Near Fine. Etat de la jaquette : Near Fine. 1st Edition. The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien - First Edition Set (1954-1955) with Dust Jackets and Original Maps. Rare first edition set of J.R.R. Tolkien s The Lord of the Rings, including The Fellowship of the Ring (4th Impression, 1955), The Two Towers (1st Impression, 1954), and The Return of the King (1st Impression, 1955). Complete with original dust jackets and fold-out maps, in very good condition. Ideal for Tolkien collectors and literary enthusiasts. The Lord of the Rings J.R.R. Tolkien First Edition (1954-1955) Published by George Allen & Unwin, London Includes fold-out maps The Lord of the Rings, George Allen & Unwin, published in 1955, 1954, and 1955, the 1st UK Edition, 4th, 1st, 1st impressions. The Fellowship of the Ring (4th impression, November 1955): The jacket is present and shows noticeable fading, particularly on the spine, where the red color has considerably faded to brown. The front and back panels have minor discoloration and wear along the edges, with some mild scuffing and small tears. There is no price clipping on the jacket. The red cloth boards are in good condition, though there is some minor fading along the edges. The gilt lettering on the spine is still bright, but there is noticeable rubbing to the spine tips. There is no foxing present on the pages, and the text block is clean and well-preserved. An ownership name and date ( Marjorie Graham, October 1965 ) is written on the front free endpaper. The original fold-out map at the rear is present and in excellent condition, with no tears or marks. The Two Towers (1st impression, November 11, 1954): The original dust jacket is present and in better condition than The Fellowship of the Ring s jacket, though there is significant fading on the spine, turning it to a brownish hue. The front cover has retained more of its original color, but the edges show mild wear, particularly at the spine tips. The rear flap mentions blurbs from The Fellowship of the Ring, and the price on the jacket is still present. The red cloth boards show some light fading, especially around the edges. The spine is slightly rubbed, but the gilt lettering remains legible and clear. Ownership name and date ( Marjorie Graham, October 1965 ) is present on the front free endpaper, consistent with the other volumes in the set. There is no foxing visible on the pages, and the text block is clean and tight. The fold-out map is in excellent condition, complete and intact with no visible damage or wear. The Return of the King (1st impression, October 20, 1955, later state): The jacket is in good condition, though it shows significant fading on the spine and some wear to the front and back panels. The spine s once-red tone has faded to a brownish shade, similar to the other volumes, with noticeable wear and scuffing along the spine tips and edges. There is no price clipping on the jacket. The red cloth boards are in very good condition, with minimal wear, but there is some light fading at the spine edges. The gilt lettering on the spine remains bright with only slight rubbing to the spine ends. Ownership name and date ( Marjorie Graham, October 1965 ) is inscribed on the front free endpaper. Internally, the book is very clean with no foxing present, and the text block is well-preserved. The fold-out map at the back is present and in very good condition with no visible wear or damage. All three books retain their original dust jackets, which show significant fading, particularly on the spines, where the once-vibrant red color has turned to brown. The front and back panels have minor edge wear, scuffing, and small tears, but they are otherwise intact with no price clipping. The red cloth boards of all three volumes are in good to very good condition, with minimal wear and some slight fading, primarily on the edges. The gilt lettering on the spines remains bright and legible across all volumes, though there is some minor rubbing, particularly on the spine tips.

Hardcover. Etat : Near Fine. Etat de la jaquette : Near Fine. First Edition. Allen and Unwin. 1956, 56, 57 Impressions 5,4,3 A lovely first edition set. Outstanding condition dust jackets and books! Dust jacket are grey rather than tan, which is much closer to the original unfaded colour on the flaps and very rare! This is now extremely hard to find, in any condition. Uniform fading to jacket colours, no tattering to spine ends. FotR has a small closed tear upper left cover as shown. Books are clean and bright, read-once condition. There's a small onwners name on the inside cover of each indicating they were bought together at the time as a set! Again very unigue. We have indicated in previous listings impressions 7,5,4 or 7, 4,3 in all probability could have been purchase as a set of three titles in the bookshops of the day, some with the first ever slipcases. You could never buy the frirst printings of each title at the same time except by luck of distribution. Much less common, but equally probable is this set 5,4,3 impressions which is the very earliest "production set" published in 1956. It was common to re-use jackets so FotR 6th printing jacket on a 5th book, TT 3rd jacket on 4th book, RotK 3rd jacket on 3rd book. They would have been bought this way in the shop. We feel these very early, cherished sets are special having been purchased before Tolkien's works became so famous and iconic. These early collectors were trend setters of the day. We advise our investment customers to buy the earliest set you can afford, in the best condition possible.These sets will appreciate the fastest.

Hardcover. Etat : Good. Etat de la jaquette : Good. 1st Edition. Dust jackets: Age-toned with some repairs and minor loss, most notably to the lower spine of The Fellowship of the Ring. The Fellowship of the Ring: Mottled with patchy staining; gilt title faded on spine. Contents clean and bright. The Two Towers: Cloth clean; contents bright and fresh. The Return of the King: Patchy fading to spine and gilt title; otherwise in excellent, bright condition. The set housed in a protective slipcase. A very good set of the first issues of Tolkien s masterpiece, the single most important work of fantasy literature in the twentieth century. The Lord of the Rings established an enduring mythology, reshaping the genre. www.rarebooks.ie.

Hardcover. Etat : Fine. 1st Edition. Condition: Fine. First Edition. 1954, 1954, 1955. Three volumes. First edition, first printing of each volume of Tolkien's Lord of the Rings trilogy. With the signature mark "4" on page 49 of The Return of the King. Bound in full red leather with spines lettered in gilt, housed in a customs red cloth-covered slipcase. Fine, with all three folding maps at rear. Gilded at top, no spotting or staining. Contents very slightly tanned. A lovely set of Tolkien's epic trilogy, which is considered one of the greatest fantasy works ever written and is among the best-selling books of all time.

Hardcover. Etat : As New. 1st Edition. The Lord of the Rings, George Allen & Unwin, 1954/54/55 1st UK Edition. The true 1st Printing of the Lord of the Rings, a beautiful rebound set, executed by Temple Bindery, Temple Bookbinders of Oxford. The true 1st printings of the 3 volumes of the Lord of the Rings, comprised of "The Fellowship of the Ring", "The Two Towers", and "The Return of the King". The Fellowship of the Ring is a 1st impression published 1954. The Two Towers is a 1st impression dated 1954. The Return of the King is a 1st impression dated 1955, true 1st State with the signature mark '4'. All original maps are present and in Near Fine condition. An extraordinary set of first editions of this classic of fantasy literature. The set is housed in a custom case to protect and show these beautiful books, with silk ribbon markers to pull then out of the case. With raised bands, gilt tooling, and gilt ruled edges. Title, Author, on black and JRRT symbol all in Gold, as well as a 'Ring and Eye' device in Gold from the original UK dustjackets are featured on the front boards of all three books, as well as a Golden edge around the front board, as well around the first free page. A beautiful design, executed by Temple Bindery, Temple Bookbinders of Oxford. All are very clean and bright, with only some minor marks on the original red top stain, and with no writing or signatures. Beautiful looking set, with a classic design. Very beautiful rebinding! A nice addition to any Tolkien collection.

Hardcover. Etat : As New. 1st Edition. The Lord of the Rings, George Allen & Unwin, 1954/54/55 1st UK Edition. The true 1st Printing of the Lord of the Rings, a beautiful rebound set, executed by Temple Bindery, Temple Bookbinders of Oxford. The true 1st printings of the 3 volumes of the Lord of the Rings, comprised of "The Fellowship of the Ring", "The Two Towers", and "The Return of the King". The Fellowship of the Ring is a 1st impression published 1954. The Two Towers is a 1st impression dated 1954. The Return of the King is a 1st impression dated 1955, true 1st State with the signature mark '4'. All original maps are present and in Near Fine condition. An extraordinary set of first editions of this classic of fantasy literature. The set is housed in a custom case to protect and show these beautiful books. With raised bands, gilt tooling, and gilt ruled edges. Title, Author, on black and JRRT symbol all in Gold, as well as a 'Ring and Eye' device in Gold from the original UK dustjackets are featured on the front boards of all three books, as well as a Golden edge around the front board, as well around the first free page. A beautiful design, executed by Temple Bindery, Temple Bookbinders of Oxford. All are very clean and bright, with only some minor marks on the original red top stain, and with no writing or signatures. Beautiful looking set, with a classic design. Very beautiful rebinding! A nice addition to any Tolkien collection.

Finely bound set of each title comprising the The Lord of the Rings Trilogy. Octavo, 3 volumes, bound in full red morocco, gilt titles and tooling to the spine, front panels, folding maps. In fine condition. Housed in a custom slipcase. The first printing of the second, revised, edition (with "Second Edition 1966" on the copyright page with no further printings listed). An exceptional set. The Lord of the Rings began as a sequel to Tolkien's 1937 children's fantasy novel The Hobbit, but eventually developed into a much larger work. It was written in stages between 1937 and 1949, much of it during World War II in letters to his son, "and finally, having polished it to his own satisfaction, published it as a trilogy from 1954 to 1955, a volume at a time, impatiently awaited by a growing audience. It is considered one of this century's lasting contributions to that borderland of literature between youth and age. It seems destined to become this century's contribution to that select list of books which continue through the ages to be read by children and adults with almost equal pleasure." (Eyre, 134-35). It has went on to become the third best selling novel of all-time with 150 million copies sold.

Hardcover. Etat : Fine. No Jacket. 1st Edition. First American Editions, First Printings. Complete trilogy originally published in three separate volumes, in America by Houghton Mifflin. This is a custom leather bound set in jet black Italian goatskin, marbled Italian endpapers, in slipcase of black cloth. All three volumes are First Printings, in Fine original condition, with the accompanying maps for each volume re-set to the rear paste-downs. Texts unmarked, without gilding or staining; clean, unmarked, with no foxiing or soil or other issues. 423pp./352pp./416pp. An elegant presentation of Tolkien's classic trilogy, for the discerning collector. Q20986 Unique Custom Hardcover in Custom Slipcase.

Hardcover. Etat : Very Good. Etat de la jaquette : Very Good. 1st Edition. A complete set of the first US editions of the Lord of the Rings trilogy. Each volume has the correct first printing points, including the all important year on the title page. Very good in very good dust jackets. Much smaller printings than the first UK editions. Housed in a custom-made collector's slipcase.

Hardcover. Etat : Fine. 1st Edition. FIRST EDITIONS, 2nd, 2nd and 1st impressions respectively. Tolkien's sequel to 'The Hobbit' (1937), 'The Lord of the Rings' was not a trilogy at all, the author conceiving it as a single work divided into six continuous books. It was his publishers who divided it into three parts to avoid heavy printing costs at the outset and possibly to feel the water given the amount of time which had elapsed since Tolkien's previous fantasy novel. Of course it has never been out of print since. Octavo. Finely bound in recent full red morocco with uniform decoration including single rule to boards, gilt titles and tooling to spines in 6 compartments within raised bands, with original spines bound-in, marbled endpapers, all edges gilt. Fold-out map present in each volume. A small depression to upper board of 'Fellowship', otherwise a very fine and handsome set.

Etat : Good. Etat de la jaquette : Fair. "The Fellowship of the Ring" third American impression with all points present. Shallow 'v' shape to bottom edge of Tolkien portrait on rear panel, no Allen & Unwin device on half-title, no year on title page, and no colophon on p. 424. Map laid in, loose from original glue. Moderate wear and foxing to dust jacket. Minimal loss to corners. 5cm chip to spine panel top edge with significant loss, 1cm chip to bottom edge. 3.5cm closed tear to edge bordering rear panel. Moderate sun fading to spine panel. Small damp stain to rear panel upper corner. Unclipped with no flap price as printed. In mylar protector. Minor wear and soiling to blue cloth boards, corners slightly rubbed. Minor sun fading to head and foot of spine. Top corners bumped, spine somewhat cocked. Gilt lettering near full luster. Light soiling and foxing to text block edges. Foxing more pronounced on endpapers. Pages crisp and securely bound. "The Two Towers" first American impression with all points present. Small nick in 'r' on dust jacket title, manufacturer defect present only on first impression jackets. Year 1955 present on title page and copyright year 1954 on copyright page. Original map securely attached to rear pastedown. Minor wear and foxing to dust jacket. Corners slightly chipped with minimal loss. 3cm closed tear to bottom of spine panel, very small circular puncture to lower middle panel. 1cm chip to top edge. Minor soiling and moderate foxing to rear panel with superficial abrasions along edge of spine. $5.00 price unclipped in mylar protector. Minor wear and light soiling to blue cloth boards. Corners and spine head and foot slightly bumped. Faint sun fading to somewhat cocked spine. Gilt lettering near full luster. Light foxing to text block edges and endpapers. Pages crisp and securely bound. "The Return of the King" first American impression with all points present. $5.00 flap price written with two uprights, year 1956 present on title page. Map laid in, loose from original glue. Minor foxing to dust jacket. Corners slightly chipped with minimal loss. 1 and 1.5cm chips to top of spine panel. 4cm chip to bottom of panel. Very small puncture to rear panel inner edge. $5.00 price unclipped in mylar protector. Minor wear and soiling to blue cloth boards, corners slightly rubbed. Spine cocked. Gilt lettering near full luster. Light foxing to text block edges and endpapers. Pages clean and securely bound. All titles have intermittent marginalia and underlining in pencil, likely contemporary. Two newspaper clippings and one banknote from the Pacific National Bank of San Francisco laid into "Fellowship." On reverse side of banknote is a handwritten Cirth script letter. One clipping is of a review of "Fellowship" with date 1/15/55 penciled in and the other a report on Tolkien's death dated 9/9/73. .

Hardcover. Etat : Near Fine. Box Tryptic by Pauline Baynes (illustrateur). 1st Edition. The rarest first edition set of, The Lord of the Rings. Allen & Unwin 1963 year set, 13,10,10 printings produced as a special limited edition set, only 1000 total produced for the 1964 year. History: The first editions of each of the three book titles were printed fourteen, eleven and eleven times respectively. The impressions configuration roughly correspond to years as sets sold after 1960 as they were then purchase as sets in stores. When Allen & Unwin decided to published The Lord of the Rings in a three-volume deluxe hardback edition, they asked Pauline Baynes to design a slipcase. She was an artist that Tolkien felt best depicted his vision of Middle Earth. This slipcase for these sets unfortunately didn't wear well; this set being an exception, having some fade and scuffs, few of the original slipcases still exist. Like some dust jackets, the original slipcase of this set is the most valuable feature. This is truly a once in a lifetime chance to buy a 1964 set in original slipcase with books in near fine condition that appear not to have been read. There may only be 4 or 5 other such sets in this condition and at this time I don't think any others are being offered. There will be an extra shipping charge due to their weight, both in the US and overseas. Near Fine with slight scuffing at the top and bottom from being slid in and out of the case. All interior pages and maps are in excellent condition. Bindings & boards are tight, square, and flat. Slipcase is in very good to excellent condition with few bumps, scuffs and 2 small tears one top & one bottom corner. Color Art is slighty faded and there is one scare on binding side of the case. See photos. Special shipping required, to be charged when shipped.