The Lord of the Rings, 4th 3-1 Deluxe, 1974 with special box

J.R.R. Tolkien

Published by Allen & Unwin, London, 1974

About this Item

Allen & Unwin, 1974 4th printing of the first 3 in 1 deluxe edition. Near fine book and VG slipcase, label clean, box has wear but solid. As good as they come. Box is paper covered, not vinyl. The first three boxes of The Lord of the Ring deluxe 3 in 1 were covered in vinyl/plastic. In 1976 The very first 1976 Hobbit deluxe in a slipcase was introduced. A very few number of the Hobbit Deluxes exist with paper covered boxes. However, this was later switched back to vinyl as one presumes it wears better and last longer. In recent years we discovered one 1974, 4th printing edition (likely available 1975) with a paper covered box which we assume was a prototype/ experimental box for the 1976 Hobbit. We've since seen only a handful. Nearly all 1974 4th LotR and 1976 Hobbits found have vinyl covered boxes, making paper covered boxes for both books very rare and collectable. The difference in boxes is simply a different title label. They are rare because the paper boxes simply didn't survive the wear and tear as well as plastic. Both versions should be collected.

Seller Inventory # 002585

Bibliographic Details

• Title: The Lord of the Rings, 4th 3-1 Deluxe, 1974 with special box
• Publisher: Allen & Unwin, London
• Publication Date: 1974
• Language: English
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition: First Edition.
• Printing: 4th Printing
• Condition: Fine
• Dust Jacket Condition: Near Fine
• Seller catalogs:
  • J.R.R. Tolkien