THE LORD OF THE RINGS, comprising: THE FELLOWSHIP OF THE RING; THE TWO TOWERS; THE RETURN OF THE KING (3 VOLS) FINE BINDINGS First Ed, 1st/ 1st / 1st

TOLKIEN, J R R

Published by George Allen & Unwin, Ltd, LONDON, 1954

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. Seller Inventory # 008591

Bibliographic Details

Title: THE LORD OF THE RINGS, comprising: THE ...
Publisher: George Allen & Unwin, Ltd, LONDON
Publication Date: 1954
Binding: Full Morocco
Condition: Fine
Dust Jacket Condition: No Jacket
Signed: Signed by Author(s)
Edition: 1st Edition.
Book Type: Book