Boston: Houghton Mifflin, 1965. J.R.R. Tolkien. 2nd Edition. Original Cloth. 8vo - over 7¾" - 9¾" tall. The Lord of the Rings, by J.R.R. Tolkien. Published by Houghton Mifflin, 1965 Second Editions, 5th/4th/4th impressions . An exceptionally clean and bright set of this classic of fantasy literature. The set is in original cloth with the original unpriced 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 matching Near Fine dustjackets. No names or writing or foxing whatsoever to the books. The dustjackets show virtually no rubbing or wear, with a tiny bit of color loss to the top spine fold of the Two Towers. The spines are not faded as is common to these brightly colored jackets. The dustjackets are not priced or clipped, and all have the blindstamp on the rear boards, meaning these are the Book Club edition. The topstain on the books is unmarked and clean, slightly darkened but not faded. The set is housed in the original publishers slipcase in Very Good Plus condition showing a little light fading to the black paper covering. The only fault noted is the slipcase shows a bump to the top left rear corner, with associated paper splitting. Still firm and sound to protect the books, no damage to the books at all. Original maps are attached at the rear, in Near Fine condition, with one small 1/2" tear to the mounting fold of The Fellowship, no extra fold noted. A lovely early set of the 2nd US Edition. 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 #2049

London: Harper Collins, 2019. J.R.R. Tolkien. First Thus. Hard Cover. 8vo - over 7¾" - 9¾" tall. The newest UK Deluxe Edition by J.R.R. Tolkien, published in 2019, matches in style and design the earlier Deluxe Editions issued by Harper Collins. This is the 1st printing/impression of this newest edition released just in time for the Christmas Season. Sealed in shrinkwrap, the interior photos are of an opened copy. From the included leaflet, "Features a colour frontispiece showcasing each of the North Pole stamps that accompanied the letter from Father Christmas" "All of the paintings, drawings, letters and envelopes sent by Father Christmas reproduced in full colour, including some appearing here for the very first time." "Quarter-bound with white boards, stamped in silver foil and illustrated with Tolkien's own pictures of Father Christmas and Polar Bear." The book is housed in a matching publishers custom built illustrated slipcase, which is presented with a facsimile of one of the North Pole stamps" "Every December an envelope bearing a stamp from the North Pole would arrive for J.R.R. Tolkien’s children. Inside would be a letter in a strange, spidery handwriting and a beautiful colored drawing or painting. The letters were from Father Christmas. They told wonderful tales of life at the North Pole: how the reindeer got loose and scattered presents all over the place; how the accident-prone North Polar Bear climbed the North Pole and fell through the roof of Father Christmas’s house into the dining room; how he broke the Moon into four pieces and made the Man in it fall into the back garden; how there were wars with the troublesome horde of goblins who lived in the caves beneath the house, and many more. No reader, young or old, can fail to be charmed by Tolkien’s inventiveness in this classic holiday treat." 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 #2043

U.S.A. Houghton Mifflin, 1983. First Edition. Hard Cover. 8vo - over 7¾" - 9¾" tall. Finn and Hengest, The Fragment and the Episode, by J.R.R. Tolkien, edited by Alan Bliss. Published by Houghton Mifflin in 1983, this is the First American Edition, 1st Impression. From the blurb, Tolkien's 'most significant contribution to Anglo-Saxon studies is to be found in his lectures on the story of Finn and Hengest, two fifth-century heroes in northern Europe. The story is told in two Old English poems, Beowulf and The Fight at Finnesburg, but told so obscurely and allusively that its interpretation has been a matter of controversy for more than a hundred years. As elucidated by Tolkien the story is a classic tragedy of divided loyalties, of vengeance, blood and death; it had the added interest that the Hengest who plays the leading role in it was very probably the Hengest who led the first Germanic invasion of Britain, and that the events it describes immediately preceded that first invasion.' 'It was Professor Tolkien's own wish that the preparation for publication of his work on Finn and Hengest should be undertaken by Alan Bliss, who studied under him from 1946 to 1948. From three separate sets of lecture notes, ranging in date from before 1930 to after 1960 Professor Bliss has pieced together a coherent statement of Tolkien's latest views expressed entirely in his own words.' The book and dustjacket are both in Near Fine condition, no names, marks, or writing noted. No foxing or offsetting, with the text block clean and bright. A lovely copy for the Tolkien collector, very 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 #2038

London: Allen & Unwin/Unwin Hyman/Harper Collins, 1983. J.R.R. Tolkien. First Edition. Original Cloth. 8vo - over 7¾" - 9¾" tall. The History of Middle Earth, Volumes 1 - 12. All 1st Impressions with Custom Slipcases A complete History of Middle Earth, in Twelve Volumes, housed in 3 custom leather slipcases. All 12 volumes are Near Fine in Near Fine dustjackets. Only the lightest of rubbing to the dustjackets, no chipping or tears. An outstanding set for the collector. Allen and Unwin first printings of the first 4 volumes, Unwin Hyman first printings of the second 4 volumes, and Harper Collins first printings of the final 4 volumes. Only #7 of the 12 volumes is price clipped. Points of issue on the 12 books are as follows: No price on dustjacket #9, #10, #11, & #12. Price on dustjackets #3, #5, #6, #8. A&U price sticker on #1, #2, & #4. No names or writing in any of the books. No foxing or offsetting in any of the books. The first four books, published by Allen & Unwin have the topstain on the top edge. The final 3 volumes have the slightest toning to the edges of the text block as so often found. Edited by Christopher Tolkien from his father's manuscripts, detailing the evolution of Tolkien's life long works dealing with Middle Earth. Custom black leather covered slipcases to house and protect this lovely collection. 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 #2032

Allen & Unwin, 1963. J.R.R. Tolkien. First Edition. Original Cloth. 8vo - over 7¾" - 9¾" tall. The Lord of the Rings, by J.R.R. Tolkien. Published by George Allen & Unwin, an early 1960's set of the UK 1st Editions. The Fellowship of the Ring is a 13th impression published in 1963. The Two Towers is an 10h impression published in 1963. The Return of the King is a 9th impression published in 1962. An exceptionally well preserved set of first editions of this classic of fantasy literature. The set is housed in the original publishers off white slipcase with the label on one side. The slipcase shows some water marks to the top and the surrounding edges, no bumps to the corners, very nice and bright condition, only very lightly soiled other than the damp stains. It has done a wonderful job and protected the books from almost any damage. The Fellowship shows a damp stain to the top of the spine, a small ink spot midway down, and some darkening to the spine of the book from the damp stain. Same previous owners name to the front pastedown of all three books, no other marks or writing to the books. No signs of foxing or offsetting in any of the books, or to the outer edges of the textblocks. Overall this set is in Very Good Plus condition, light soiling to the dustjackets, mostly to the spines, with minor rubbing and tiny bits of loss to the fold areas, a couple small closed tears to the spine folds on the Fellowship, no fading to the lettering. The text block is clean and bright. The red topstain is clean, without any spotting or fading. The exterior cloth is extremely clean, with the gilt slightly tarnished and bright, a bit more tarnished due to damp stain on The Fellowship. The books are still clean and tight, and the maps are attached, and in excellent condition, no extra folds or tears noted, a couple of small tears neatly repaired to the mounting edges of The Two Towers and Return of the King. The dustjackets are in great shape with only minor chips or tears to the edges, except the previously mentioned closed tears to the Fellowship. None are price clipped and are the original and correct impression for all three books. A beautiful First Edition set, still housed in the original Publishers Slipcase. A fabulous set for the collector, difficult 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 #2022

London: Allen & Unwin, 1969. J.R.R. Tolkien. First Thus. Original Cloth. 8vo - over 7¾" - 9¾" tall. The Lord of the Rings, De Luxe Edition, by George Allen & Unwin. This is the 1st impression of the one volume De Luxe Edition of the Lord of the Rings, published by Allen & Unwin in 1969. A Near Fine copy of the book, in a Near Fine slipcase. The book basically has no faults, clean and bright, no markings or wear. No previous owners names or writing noted. The case is in very nice condition, no bumped corners, hardly any rubbing or scuffs noted. This edition is printed on India Paper, making the full 3 volumes bound into a single volume, only 1 inch thick. The black buckram cloth has the Tolkien design depicting the Numenorean throne with 'Elendil' in tengwar, stamped on upper cover in gilt, silver and green. Mottled black and grey wove endpapers, all edges trimmed and speckled light green. Housed in the original publishers slipcase, only the first few impressions were issued with the slipcase. Both maps bound in, and in Fine condition, no tears or loss. An beautiful example of this wonderful edition. 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 #2011

London: Readers Union, 1960. J.R.R. Tolkien. First Edition. Hard Cover. 8vo - over 7¾" - 9¾" tall. The Lord of the Rings, by J.R.R. Tolkien. A beautiful set of this unusual presentation of Tolkien's trilogy. Not for sale to the general public, limited to members of the Readers Union only. Published by the Readers Union in 1960 with the permission of George Allen & Unwin Ltd, London. The books are in Near Fine condition, with no names or writing, and a slight amount of offsetting to the endpapers. Housed in the original dustjackets, all are Very Good Plus condition, having a bit of loss to the top and bottom of the spine ends, and the corners of the fold areas, a couple of closed tears. Previous owner has used clear tape on the back of the dustjacket to reinforce and stop any further damage to the fragile dustjackets. one of the dustjackets are price clipped, and they show a bit of light tanning to the spines. These unusual dustjackets are in Very Good Plus condition, and show beautifully. All maps are tipped in at the rear, and in excellent condition, no tears or misfolds noted. This set features a line drawing by an unnamed artist for The Readers Union, of 'Sauron's Eye'. The only set to have this particular and very unusual dustjacket. Scarce in this lovely condition. Includes a custom leather slipcase with gold foil stamping for display and protection of these beautiful 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 #1996

London: Allen & Unwin, 1956. J.R.R. Tolkien. 2nd Edition. Hard Cover. 12mo - over 6¾" - 7¾" tall. The Hobbit, or There and Back Again, by J.R.R. Tolkien. Published by Allen & Unwin in 1956, this is the 8th impression. The book is in Very Good Plus condition, with a moisture mark to the back panel cloth. The rest of covers are clean and unmarkedl. No previous owners names or writing noted. The second blank page has a closed tear, approximately 2 inches long, now neatly repaired. A few scattered foxing spots to the first blank page, and another shows on the title and contents page. The dustjacket is price clipped front and rear, with the publishers new price printed to the front flap. Two months into production of the 7th Impression of the Hobbits, along with the remaining original 7th Impression dustjackets, Allen & Unwin changed the price as found on this true UK 7th impression dustjacket. The jackets were price clipped -- both front and rear flap -- by Allen & Unwin publishing company itself, with their new price of 12s.6d overprinted below the impression notation on the front flap. So this copy is one with the overprinted price of 12s 6d. A bit of soiling and a small moisture mark to the flap edges and to the white areas of the dustjacket, with the spine slightly darkened. The verso of the dustjacket also shows some darkening, but does not seem to have transferred to the book itself. There is a moisture stain and some green color transferred from the books cover to the back of the dustjacket, but does not show on the exterior of the dustjacket. The back panel of the book shows the moisture mark with some color loss to the cloth. The dustjacket shows some edgewear and with minor color loss, a small closed tear to the spine fold area, with a larger chip missing at the top of the spine, and almost no loss to the bottom. Tips of the flap folds show some minor loss. The original green cloth features dark blue stamping of Tolkien's own design, the iconic Mountains and Dragon. The title verso has the full printing history up to this 8th impression of 1956. Colors are bright and the white areas are only lightly soiled, with minor tanning of the spine. Edges of the text block are clean and unfoxed, with the topstain unfaded but showing a large moisture mark. A beautiful copy, of an early printing, of this much sought after children's classic. Additional digital images are 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 #1987

London: Harper Collins, 2018. Alan Lee. First Trade. Original Cloth. 8vo - over 7¾" - 9¾" tall. The Fall of Gondolin, by J.R.R. Tolkien. Published by Harper Collins in 2018, a 1st impression, signed by the illustrator Alan Lee. No faults, no bumps, As New. "A brand new standalone tale of Middle-earth, the third and final of J.R.R. Tolkien's 'Great Tales" "Using the original manuscripts and many sources spaced over decades, Christopher Tolkien has constructed a linked narrative of the first real story of Tolkien's imaginary world. Includes a red and black Map of Beleriand drawn by Christopher Tolkien, which appears as a fold out sheet. Eight color paintings and fifteen pencil sketches, specially commissioned from award winning artist, Alan Lee. Includes a preface and chapter by Christopher Tolkien on the evolution and writing of the tale. Housed in a custom black leather slipcase, stamped in gold with custom device to the front boards, Tolkien JRRT Monogram to the rear boards, no previous owners names, or any other markings, As New. 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 #1967

London: Allen & Unwin, 1937. J.R.R. Tolkien. First Edition. Hard Cover. 12mo - over 6¾" - 7¾" tall. The Hobbit, or There and Back Again, by J.R.R. Tolkien. This is the 1st printing of 1937, featuring the black and white frontispiece of The Hill: Hobbiton across the Water', with all illustrations by the author. A wonderful copy, showing some soiling to the cloth, a previous owners name to the first blank page. Housed in a custom full leather and marbled paper slipcase, to house and protect this classic. This is one of the original 1500 copies,1st (First) Impression of the 1st (First) Edition that was published 21st of September 1937. It has the two maps and ten illustrations, by the author, all in excellent condition. The original decorative map endpapers have no markings or previous owners names. Thror's Map in the front, is in relatively clean condition with the pastedown brighter than the free end. The Wilderland Map is also in clean condition, again with the slightly darkened free end, both maps are whole and have no splits along the gutter. The book exhibits some spine lean, but the binding is still firm and tight. The text block is relatively clean and bright, The top edge is dusty and faded, with the green topstain just barely visible. The edges of the textblock are lightly soiled. The cloth covered boards with the dark blue decoration of Tolkien's Mountains and Dragon design, are a bit darkened along the spine and the edges. The tips of the spine are pushed with no loss, lower front corner has some loss to the cloth revealing the boards underneath. A wonderful copy, exceedingly scarce in any condition in this day and age. A tremendous opportunity to acquire this classic of modern fantasy literature. A facsimile of the original dustjacket is provided with this book. The full leather slipcase is made to reflect the original Mountains and Dragon design by the author, and features complimentary hand marbled paper covered trays. 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 #1937

Boston: Houghton Mifflin, 1958. J.R.R. Tolkien. 1st Edition, Hobbits, Lord of the Rings, Hard Cover. 8vo - over 7¾" - 9¾" tall. The Lord of the Rings, Comprised of the Fellowship of the Ring, the Two Towers, and the Return of the King, by J.R.R. Tolkien. Published by Houghton Mifflin, these are the 8th impression of 1959 for The Fellowship of the Ring, the 6h impression of 1959 for The Two Towers, and the 4th impression of 1958 for The Return of the King. These books and dustjackets are in Near Fine condition, with the Two Towers and Return of the King being price clipped. No foxing or offsetting to the text block or endpapers, The Fellowship has a couple of tape ghosts to the front endpapers, and one to the rear endpapers. No previous owners names or markings in any of the books. All maps are tipped in, and in Near Fine condition as well. Virtually no wear to the edges of the dustjackets, and only the lightest rubbing to the tips of the folds and spine, no loss. A beautiful, tight, bright set, with no fading or tanning of the spine. A custom red leather slipcase is provided to show and protect this valuable collection. 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 #1925

London: Harper Collins, 2017. Alan Lee. First Edition. Hard Cover. 8vo - over 7¾" - 9¾" tall. Beren and Luthien, by J.R.R. Tolkien, published by Harper Collins in 2017. The First Edition, 1st impression of the newest release from the myths and legends of Middle-Earth, as conceived by the author. The tale of Beren and Luthien was written after the authors return from the Battle of the Somme in 1916. The story grew and changed over the years, with the developing of Middle-earth and it's intertwined history and associations. The love between Beren, a mortal man and Luthien, an immortal elf, was opposed by her father. Setting Beren on an impossible task before he may wed Luthien, he must rob the greatest of all evil beings, Melkor, of a Silmaril. Christopher Tolkien shows us the story, from its initial conception, thru the changing aspects found in the authors later verse and prose. The story is brought to life with nine full color illustrations along with numerous line drawings by the illustrator, Alan Lee who has also signed this copy on the Title page. Housed in a full black leather slipcase, featuring a Luthien Tinuviel device to the front panel, and the JRRT monogram to the rear. 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 #1901

1968. 1st Edition, Hobbits, Lord of the Rings, 12mo - over 6¾" - 7¾" tall. Autographed, 2 page (front & back) hand written letter and envelope to Ingrid Pridgeon, on his 'Professor J.R.R. Tolkien' letterhead, with Sandfield Road, Headington, Oxford address crossed out and 'c/o Messers Geo. Allen and Unwin, 40 Museum St. Condon WC 1, typed in. "Dear Ingrid, Thank you very much for your letter. I am sorry that I cannot answer it more fully.; I am having rather a bad time. I have left Oxford, and in the middle of a move I fell downstairs and damaged my right leg so badly that it is in plaster from toe to hip, and I am on crutches. That makes everythig very difficult. Crutches also make one's hands v. tired, and writing is laborious (and wobbly). pg 2. I notice Spire Hollin : very shire-like. hollin is (northern, for of holly: used in Book I of L.R.: I lived for a while in Leeds in a Hollin Lane. I am v. glad to know that you liked and enjoyed my books. I hope soon, when the mess of moving (my books and papers are still piled in boxs) is past, and I am recovered to get on with more books. Yours Sincerely J.R.R. Tolkien. The address (to my publishers) will always find me. I have a secretary there." Envelope hand addressed and canceled from Bournemouth-Poole in 1968 and addressed to: Miss Ingrid Pridgeon, 15 Spire Hollin, Glossop Derbyshire Housed in a Custom Terra Cotta Leather Binder lined with beautiful handmarbled papers by Joan Ajala of Australia. Features two mylar folders to hold the letter and envelope for easy viewing. 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 #1821