New York: Ace Books, 1965. Jack Gaughan. 1st Edition. Soft cover. 12mo - over 6¾" - 7¾" tall. The infamous Ace Books "pirated edition" from 1965. The opening salvo of the "War over Middle- Earth". A lovely Very Good Plus matched set of this notorious edition. This is the only paperback 'Lord of the Rings' to be printed based on later printings of the 1st Edition. All others were based on the revised editions. Houghton Mifflin, seemed to have been in technical violation of the law by having imported too many copies printed by Allen & Unwin. Ace Books took notice of the sales and overseas production of the books, (which are marked, 'Printed in Great Britain'), determined that LotR's had fallen into the public domain in the United States, and launched their own edition in spring 1965. {Hammond and Anderson, pg 104} So to secure their American copyright, Tolkien was asked to submit new material to create a new Edition, and so secure their copyright beyond question. Tolkien conducted a personal campaign against Ace Books in letters to his American fans. The "War over Middle-earth' was fought in the popular press, with the publicity contributing to increased sales and popularity. Within a year, Ace gave in to public pressure. They agreed to print no more copies, and they negotiated royalties to be paid to Tolkien. This set of books has a bit of tanning to the pages, much less than the norm, from the highly acidic paper, and very light creasing to the spines. Only minor amount of rubbing to the exterior, with the covers very bright and clean. No previous owners names in any of the books and no other marks or writing noted. A custom red leather slipcase featuring Tolkien's Ring and Eye device on the front, with his JRRT monogram gilt stamped on the back. Makes for a beautiful presentation of these classic books. 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 #2630

London: Harper Collins, 2002. Alan Lee. Illustrated Edition. Hardcover. 4to - over 9¾" - 12" tall. The Lord of the Rings, by J.R.R. Tolkien. Illustrated by Alan Lee. Published by Harper Collins in 2002, a Near Fine bright 3 volume set in the original color pictorial dustjackets, now in mylar dustjacket protectors. One slightly bumped corner, a couple of minor splits to the seams of the slipcase, now neatly repaired. The three volumes are the 3rd/3rd/1st printing, from 2002, being the first time ever that the Alan Lee illustrated Lord of the Rings was issued in 3 volumes with all 50 of his color plates. The earlier edition had only 48 color plates and was a smaller size. These images eventually defined the look and feel of Peter Jackson's movie trilogy, and earned Alan Lee an Academy Award. A beautiful fully illustrated set for the Tolkien enthusiast. 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 #2628

Boston: Houghton Mifflin, 1977. J.R.R. Tolkien. First Thus. Original Cloth. 8vo - over 7¾ - 9¾" tall. The Lord of the Rings, by J.R.R. Tolkien. Published by Houghton Mifflin, 1965 Second Editions, 14th/13th/13th impressions issued in 1977, the last set to be issued in the iconic Robert Quackenbush dustjackets. This is also the only set issued in the Red Publishers Slipcase, rather than the black one. An exceptionally clean and bright set of this classic of fantasy literature still housed in the original publishers red slipcase showing some fading to the label on the front panel, and some minor scratching to the top of the slipcase. The set is in original cloth with the original price clipped dustjackets, showing the correct ISBN number on the dustjackets, now in removable archival protectors. The black cloth boards feature Tolkiens original "Ring & Eye" device stamped in various colors, with matching topstain and dustjacket color on each book. The books are all in Near Fine condition, with their matching Near Fine dustjackets, no loss or tears to the edges. No names or writing or foxing whatsoever to the books. The dustjackets show some slight fading to the spine colors, much less than the norm. Dustjackets are price clipped, and none have the blindstamp on the rear boards, meaning these are not the book club edition. The topstain on the books is unmarked and clean, slightly darkened o the Fellowship. The set is housed in the original publishers red slipcase with the label to the front, showing some fading, no splits or damage. Original maps are attached at the rear, in Fine condition, with no extra folds, or tears to any of the maps. 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. Near Fine / Near Fine. Item #2626

New York: Ballantine Books, 1965. J.R.R. Tolkien. 2nd Edition. Soft cover. 12mo - over 6¾ - 7¾" tall. The Lord of the Rings, Original Green Publishers Slipcase. A set of the 'only authorized' paperback's, first published by Ballantine in October 1965. This set was published in November 1965 and consists of the one of the first boxed sets of The Lord of the Rings in the scarce original green publisher's slipcase. The slipcase is showing some wear to the corners and edges, one neatly repaired split on the bottom side. The Fellowship of the Ring is the 3rd printing of 1965. The Two Towers and The Return of the King are the 2nd printing, all from November 1965. These are all in Very Good Plus/Near Fine condition, with a few light creases to the spines and a bit of discoloring to the white areas. No previous owner's name nor any other markings in the books. Remarkable condition considering almost 60 years old. The set of books have the Barbara Remington Triptych artwork, in color, which Tolkien objected to, wondering where the idea's for the illustrations originated. The answering salvo of the "War over Middle- Earth". To establish a new copyright, Tolkien was asked to submit new material to create a new Edition, and so secure their copyright beyond question. Tolkien conducted a personal campaign against Ace Books in letters to his American fans. The "War over Middle-earth' was fought in the popular press, with the publicity contributing to increased sales and popularity. Within a year, Ace gave in to public pressure. They agreed to print no more copies, and they negotiated royalties to be paid to Tolkien. 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 #2621

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 covered 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 earliest 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. The Hobbit is a 42nd impression published in September 1973, along with The Fellowship of the Ring is a 43rd impression, The Two Towers a 40th impression and The Return of the King a 39th impression all from September 1973, one of the earlier sets in this edition. 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 from that period - September 1973. The slipcase shows some corner bruising along with minor scraps, but the spines of the four books are in near perfect condition. They do not appear to be faded or tanned in any way. A lovely find for the collector. 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 #2619

London: Harper Collins, 1991. J.R.R. Tolkien. First Thus. Hardcover. 8vo - over 7¾" - 9¾" tall. The Lord of the Rings, by J.R.R. Tolkien. Published by Harper Collins in 1991. This set features the unused drafts of Tolkien's artwork for the dustjackets of The Lord of the Rings, as well as the publishers slipcase art. The dustjackets are in Near Fine condition with no loss, no rubbing and no darkening to the spines. The original Publishers Black slipcase has one bumped corner to the upper rear of the slipcase. This set of books is in Near Fine condition with some minor tanning to the textblock of the books. First thus, a later 2nd edition set, with all three Lord of the Rings books being the 1st impression of this edition. In all three volumes, the map of The West of Middle-earth at the End of the Third Age and the Map of Gondor, Rohan and Mordor appear spread over the final pages of each book. No previous owners names or any marks to the books. 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 #2617

London: Folio Society, 1979. Ingahild Grathmer & Drawn By Eric Fraser. Special Edition. Quarter Leather. 8vo - over 7¾" - 9¾" tall. Published in 1979 by the Folio Society, The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien. In Near Fine condition with slipcase. Quarter Bound in Dark Maroon Leather and cloth, this is the stated 1st printing of the 1st Folio Edition, whereas the Folio 1976 Misbound Deluxe Edition is a different colored edition being the actual 1st printing of the Folio edition (per Hammond) this is now considered the second state or printing. The Title page of this edition does state "Folio Society" as it should. Illustrated by Ingahild Grathmer & Drawn By Eric Fraser. A splendid companion to the 1st Folio set of the Lord of the Rings, with matching design and format. Gilt is still bright and untarnished on this book, a couple of minor flecks missing. No scuffing to the leather on the spine, but a little soiling and minor wear to the edges of the slipcase. 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 #2615

London: Folio Society, 1997. Ingahild Grathmer and drawn by Eric Fraser. First Thus. Hardcover. 8vo - over 7¾ - 9¾" tall. A complete set of the major works of J.R.R. Tolkien, which include The Hobbit, The Lord of the Rings, and The Silmarillion. The Hobbit was published by the Folio Society in 1997, the 1st impression in the latest style binding. The Lord of the Rings is the 1st impression of 1997 in the latest style of binding. The Silmarillion is also a 1st impression of 1997. All are illustrated by Eric Fraser, Ingahild Grathmer, and Francis Mosley respectively. A wonderful matched set made of high quality acid free paper, and bound in full vegetable parchment to create a beautiful set of Tolkien's primary works. All three issues are housed in their own separate publishers slipcase, and are in Near Fine condition. No writing, no marks, no faults. All are unread, crisp and tight, clean and bright. 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. Near Fine / No Jacket, as Issued. Item #2613

London: Allen & Unwin, 1977. 1st Edition. Hardcover. 8vo - over 7¾ - 9¾" tall. The Silmarillion, by J.R.R. Tolkien. This copy is the 1st printing of the 1st UK Edition published in 1977 by Allen & Unwin. This is the UK Export Edition, bound by William Clowes & Sons Ltd, with no price on the unclipped dustjacket. The book is in Near Fine condition, with no previous owners name or any other marks. No bumped corners noted, no stains to the blue cloth, gilt bright and shiny. The edges of the textblock are clean and unfoxed, with the top stain unfaded. A very clean and bright dustjacket, with no fading or tanning, bright red colors to the title, Near Fine condition. A wonderful copy of J.R.R. Tolkien's lifetime work containing his account of the mythology of Middle-earth, edited by his son, Christopher Tolkien. The map of Beleriand and the Lands to the North appears as a fold-out map, and is printed in black and red, no tears or marks noted, very clean and bright. Noted points or error's: Page 330 line 4 shows no period after Feanor. Page 352 line 39 has an italicized "and" in 'Lord of Waters and King of the Sea'. Making this the First State of the First Impression of the First Edition. A highly collectable copy, housed in a custom black leather slipcase, gilt stamped with the JRRT Monogram, and Tolkien's Heraldic device representing Luthien Tinuviel stamped on the covers of the black leather. 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 #2609

London: Harper Collins, 2000. J.R.R. Tolkien. Limited. Quarter Leather. 8vo - over 7¾" - 9¾" tall. The Lord of the Rings, by J.R.R. Tolkien. Published by Harper Collins in 2000, the 2nd impression of the 1997 Deluxe Limited Edition. Printed on India Paper to reduce the size to approximately 1". Quarter Bound in Black Leather and Black Cloth with Gilt title, Author, Publisher and Tolkien Monogram to the spine. Matching in size and design the Harper Collins Limited Editions of The Hobbit, The Silmarillion, and The History of Middle Earth Series. Has the large Tolkien Monogram gilt stamped on front boards. Housed in original publishers black cloth slipcase with the monogram design gilt stamped to the exterior, matching the gilt design on the book. Shows a little dust marking and minor rubbing to the cloth. All edges gilded, showing no markings or rubs, no names or writing in the book. A beautiful example of the Limited Deluxe edition in Near Fine condition. 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 #2604

London: Harper Collins, 2004. J.R.R. Tolkien. First Thus. Hardcover. 8vo - over 7¾" - 9¾" tall. J.R.R. Tolkien. First Thus. Hardcover. 8vo - over 7¾" - 9¾" tall. The Harper Collins 2004 UK Deluxe Edition of The Hobbit, by J.R.R. Tolkien. "The definitive edition of the text, fully reset and corrected for this special edition, with many unique features: Exclusive 16 page introduction by Christopher Tolkien about the history of 'The Hobbit'. The illustration, "The Three Trolls are turned to Stone" by J.R.R. Tolkien, appears for the first time. Fully illustrated by the author, with 14 illustrations appearing in full color. Also appearing for the first time is a fold-out version of Thror's Map, with the 'magic' runes only visible when the map is held up to the light, as the author intended. For the first time the Map of Wilderland appears in blue and black, as the author originally intended. Tolkien's drawing of Mirkwood appears as the front endpaper and interior illustration. Quarter bound in green, stamped in red and gold foil on grey boards, and housed in a matching slipcase. Printed and bound by Lego SpA in Italy, on superior quality paper and including a green silk ribbon marker. This edition is available for a limited time only." The loose leaf flyer that was originally issued with the book in not included, it is missing. No faults to this lovely copy, Near Fine, unmarked, crisp and tight. This Deluxe Edition is a beautiful companion to the 50th Anniversary Edition of 'The Lord of the Rings', as well as matching the UK Deluxe Editions of the Children of Hurin, The Silmarillion, The Legend of Sigurd and Gudrun, The Tales of the Perilous Realm, The Fall of Arthur, Unfinished Tales, Beowulf, Story of Kullervo, Beren and Luthien, and The Fall of Gondolin. 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 #2600

London: Folio Society, 1990. Ingahild Grathmer & Drawn By Eric Fraser. First Thus. Hardcover. 8vo - over 7¾ - 9¾" tall. The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien. A beautiful, Near Fine, 1st impression set of the second style of binding issued by the Folio Society in 1990. They are illustrated by Ingahild Grathmer and redrawn by Eric Fraser. Printed in Great Britain, set in Barbou with Libra Display type, bound in full "Elephant-Hide" at the Bath Press in Avon. This binding features the "Seven (Silver) Rings for the Dwarf-lords", within "Three (Gold) Rings for the Elven-kings", surrounded by "Nine (Red) Rings for Mortal Men", encompassed by the "One Ring" (Gold) "to rule them all". Wonderful symbology, and beautiful execution to form the gilt design for the front boards of each book. Topstain in a dark 'blood red' color. This set of books shows no faults, clean and tight. Housed in the original publishers slipcase in Near Fine condition as well, with some light general rubbing. A beautiful set, hard to find in this lovely condition. 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 #2598

London: Allen & Unwin, 1963. J.R.R. Tolkien. 1st Thus. Original Cloth. 8vo - over 7¾" - 9¾" tall. The Lord of the Rings, by J.R.R. Tolkien, published by George Allen & Unwin in 1963. The true 1st UK Deluxe Edition 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". This set is bound in the original Black Buckram cloth with gilt titles, author and publisher to the spines of each volume. Each volume features Bevel-Edged boards, gilded page edges, and original silk bookmark sewn in. The books are in Near Fine condition, with no marks and only minor rubbing to the covers and a few marks or rubs to the gilded edges, previous owners label and embossed stamp to the front free endpaper of each of the three books. The textblocks are clean and unmarked, with a very tight binding. The spine of the Two Towers is only slightly lighter in color, less so than the common flaw with this edition. Seems to only occur with the Two Towers, and never the other two books. The books are housed in the very scarce original publishers slipcase featuring the Pauline Baynes color "Triptych" artwork. This case has one mildly bumped corner, and a little rubbing to the edges amd corners as is often found. Clean and bright, one of the nicest I've run across in many years. The scarcest of all the original Allen & Unwin 1st Editions, as well as the Houghton Mifflin issues. According to publishers records, 1000 or less sets produced. Briefly mentioned in the Tolkien bibliography by Hammond and Anderson on page 98. The outside of the slipcase show some superficial rubbing, but whole and complete, without any major stains, faults or tears. A rare opportunity for this scarce set with it's original Pauline Baynes illustrated slipcase. Digital images available upon request. Other Tolkien sets, original and rebound are available. Inquire if interested. A wonderful addition to anyone's Tolkien collection. Item #2596