The Lord of the Rings Trilogy - First Edition Early Impression Set (8th-7th-5th Impressions) in Slipcase [1959-1960]

Tolkien J.R.R.

Published by Allen & Unwin, 1959

About this Item

Early first edition set of The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien, published by George Allen & Unwin.

The Fellowship of the Ring is a First edition, eighth impression (1959), in the correct ninth impression dust jacket (as issued). The Two Towers is a First edition, seventh impression (1960), in the correct ninth impression dust jacket (as issued). The Return of the King is a First edition, fifth impression (1959), in the correct ninth impression dust jacket (as issued).

The original red cloth boards show only very light shelf wear, with clean surfaces and bright gilt lettering to the spines. The bindings remain firm and tight throughout. A previous owner's name is neatly written on the front free endpaper of The Two Towers. The endpapers are otherwise clean and notably free from the foxing commonly encountered in early sets.

All folding maps are present, clean and complete. The maps in the first two volumes have a small closed tear at the point of attachment, as is frequently encountered.

The dust jackets display the usual fading to the spines. The jacket of The Fellowship of the Ring has been professionally restored at the head of the spine, where the upper two centimetres had previously been lost and have been sympathetically rebuilt. The front and rear panels remain fresh in appearance. Tape residue is visible on the inside of the jackets from an earlier repair. All dust jackets are complete and retain their original unclipped price.
The original slipcase shows signs of use but remains structurally sound and complete.

A Very Good+ and highly collectible early first edition set, offering an attractive and increasingly scarce opportunity to acquire Tolkien's classic trilogy in matching early impressions with original dust jackets and rare slipcase.

Seller Inventory # 3053

Bibliographic Details

• Title: The Lord of the Rings Trilogy - First Edition Early Impression Set (8th-7th-5th Impressions) in Slipcase [1959-1960]
• Publisher: Allen & Unwin
• Publication Date: 1959
• Language: English
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition: 1st Edition
• Condition: Very Good
• Dust Jacket Condition: Very Good
• Seller catalogs:
  • J.R.R. Tolkien