The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings, Four Paperback Book Boxset from 1973, Uncreased Spines, Near Fine Condition, Red Slipcase.
New York: Ballantine Books, 1973. J.R.R. Tolkien. 2nd Edition. Mass Market Paperback. 12mo - over 6¾" - 7¾" tall. The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings, by J.R.R. Tolkien. A four volume paperback set housed in the Publishers original Red pictorial slipcase, featuring the Heraldic symbols that were drawn by J.R.R. Tolkien. These illustrations include the ones designed to represent Feanor, Idril Celebrindal, Earendil, Luthien Tinuviel, Fingolfin, Elwe, Luthien Tinuviel and Finwe. This is one of the few published sets that includes all four books, The Hobbit, The Fellowship of the Ring, The Two Towers, and The Return of the King. This is also the first set to feature the illustrations by J.R.R. Tolkien, as the covers of the book and slipcase, rather then the Barbara Remington designs as found on previous issues. These paperback books are in Near Fine condition, with almost no tanning to the spines. All four books appear unread, showing a slight crease to the Hobbit spine, no creases to the other spines. Still fit into the box, rather tightly as usual. No names or markings, the textblock is very clean and bright, unlike most sets from this era. The slipcase has a few rubs and bumps, mainly to the corners and edges, plus some to the bottom with some spots of color loss. Overall a Near Fine set in wonderful condition. The Hobbit is a 43rd printing, The Fellowship is a 43rd printing, The Two Towers is a 41st printing, and the Return of the King is a 39th printing all from September 1973. Hammond and Anderson's, A Descriptive Bibliography notes that "after the 40th (March 1973) and no later than the forty-second (September 1973)", the Hobbit was sold in sets with the Lord of the Rings, housed "in a slipcase, gold or red, printed paper over boards, featuring Heraldic devices by Tolkien." This design was used until 1983, when the covers were changed again. So this set is an early one from that period. Very unusual to find a set that has not been damaged after almost 50 years. A great find for the collector. Minor rubbing and bruising to the slipcase, showing some color loss, the only minor fault. Digital photo's available, inquire if interested. Other Tolkien books available, include both the UK and US editions, original cloth bindings, custom fine bindings, and Signed/Numbered/Limited Editions. Item #2190