Boston, New York, London: Houghton Mifflin, 1992. Alan Lee. First Thus. Hard Cover. 4to - over 9¾" - 12" tall. The Lord of the Rings, by J.R.R. Tolkien. Comprised of The Fellowship of the Ring, The Two Towers, and The Return of the King. Published by Houghton Mifflin in 1992, a three volume set housed in a dark blue leather custom slipcase featuring the Centenary Logo stamped in silver to the sides . The books feature Alan Lee's Illustrations that were commissioned to celebrate the Centenary of Tolkiens Birth. Only one printing of this lovely set was ever published. All three of these books have the date under the publisher on the title page, a Houghton Mifflin point for the 1st printings, as well as the full numberline 1 thru 10 on the verso of the title page. The dustjackets feature some of Alan Lee's most famous illustrations, with a Silver Band to the top and bottom with the runes in black. All dustjackets in Near Fine condition with a tiny bit of rubbing to the silver band mainly at the fold areas. A very uncommon and hard to find set, virtually without blemish. A beautiful unmarked set bound in blue cloth with the JRRT monogram stamped in silver to the front boards of the books. No previous owners names or markings, not price clipped, in extraordinary condition. All original illustrations by Alan Lee thru the 3 books. You can follow how the recent movies were first visualized by Lee, and carried thru by Peter Jackson, with Lee's assistance throughout the movie's production. An exceptional set of books, only one printing of these books were ever produced. This separate three book set, makes handling and viewing much less of a problem then the single volume editions that were large and awkward to handle. Housed in custom dark blue leather slipcase featuring the Centenary Logo in silver stamped to both side panels. 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 #2202

New York: Ballantine Books, 1978. 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 Gold 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 Very Gook Plus condition, with a slight amount of uniform tanning to the spines a little scrape across the spines of the final two books. All four books appear very gently read, with very light creases to the spines, and a bit of tanning to the textblock. Still fit into the box, not quite as tightly as usual. Same previous owners gift inscription to verso of front cover, no other markings. The slipcase has a bit of rubbing, but no bumped corners. Overall a Near Fine set of books in beautiful condition, with a box that shows some rubbing but no loss of color to the edges. The Hobbit is a 73rd printing from August 1979, The Fellowship is a 68th printing from December 1978, The Two Towers is a 66th printing from Aug 1979, and the Return of the King is a 61st printing from November 1978. 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 one from that period. Very unusual to find a set that has not been damaged after almost 40 years. A great 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 #2198

Boston: Houghton Mifflin, 1965. J.R.R. Tolkien. Second 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, 12th/11th/11th impressions . An exceptionally clean and bright set of this classic of fantasy literature. The set is in original cloth with 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 Very Good Plus dustjackets, showing almost no fading to the spines, a little minor chipping to the flap edges from entering the slipcase, some minor color loss at the flap and spine fold areas, very minor overall, with one larger chip to the upper spine fold of The Fellowship. No names or writing or foxing whatsoever to the books. Dustjackets are not priced or clipped, but none of the books have the blindstamp on the rear boards, meaning these are the trade edition books in Book Club dustjackets. The topstain on the books is unmarked and clean, slightly darkened to the Fellowship and Two Towers, but not faded. The set is housed in the original publishers slipcase with the label to the front. The slipcase shows some wear and rubbing but still in Very Good condition. Original maps are attached at the rear, in Near Fine condition, no extra folds, a couple of minor splits at the mounting hinges. 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 #2195

London, Sydney, Wellington: Unwin Hyman, 1988. First Thus. Hard Cover. 8vo - over 7¾" - 9¾" tall. The Lord of the Rings, One Volume Edition with the Index and Appendices, published by Unwin Hyman in 1988. This is the 1st impression of this lovely edition, featuring the dustjacket artwork by Roger Garland. A Near Fine copy of the book, in a New Custom Black Leather Slipcaset. This edition is a bit unusual and quite hard to find, especially in this lovely condiiton. The book is bound in blue cloth with gilt lettering to the spine, and features a navy blue silk ribbon marker. The book is in Near Fine condition with a minor split to the lower edge of the front gutter, with a small blue stain to the top edge of the text block, shown in the photos. The front and rear endpaper have a previous owners chop stamped in red ink to the pastedown side. This 1st impression lacks any maps, which were reinstated in the later impressions, and spread over the last few pages. No other writing or marks noted besides the chop mark. An excellent example of this wonderful edition, hard to find as likely limited in numbers issued by Unwin Hyman. 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 #2184

London: Harper Collins, 2019. J.R.R. Tolkien. First Thus. Hard Cover. 8vo - over 7¾" - 9¾" tall. Letters From Father Christmas, the 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 new edition released just in time for the Christmas Season in 2019. "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 #2180

London: Harper Collins, 2014. J.R.R. Tolkien. First Edition. Hard Cover. 8vo - over 7¾" - 9¾" tall. Beowulf, A Translation and Commentary, Together with Sellic Spell, UK De Luxe Edition. Published by Harper Collins in 2014. From the blurb, 'The translation of Beowulf by J.R.R. Tolkien was an early work, very distinctive in its mode, completed in 1926: he returned to it later to make hasty corrections, but seems never to have considered its publication. This edition is twofold, for there exists an illuminating commentary on the text of the poem by the translator himself, in the written form of a series of lectures given at Oxford in the 1930s; and from these lectures a substantial selection has been made, to form also a commentary on the translation in this book. From his creative attention to detail in these lectures there arises a sense of the immediacy and clarity of his vision. It is as if he entered into the imagined past: standing beside Beowulf and his men shaking out their mail-shirts as they beached their ship on the coast of Denmark, listening to the rising anger of Beowulf at the taunting of Unferth, or looking up in amazement at Grendel's terrible hand set under the roof of Heorot. But the commentary in this book includes also much from those lectures in which, while always anchored in the text, he expressed his wider perceptions. He looks closely at the dragon that would slay Beowulf 'snuffling in baffled rage and injured greed when he discovers the theft of the cup'; but he rebuts the notion that this is 'a mere treasure story', 'just another dragon tale'. He turns to the lines that tell of the burying of the golden things long ago, and observes that it is 'the feeling for the treasure itself, this sad history' that raises it to another level. 'The whole thing is sombre, tragic, sinister, curiously real. The "treasure" is not just some lucky wealth that will enable the finder to have a good time, or marry the princess. It is laden with history, leading back into the dark heathen ages beyond the memory of song, but not beyond the reach of imagination' Sellic Spell, a 'marvellous tale', is a story written by Tolkien suggesting what might have been the form and style of an Old English folk-tale of Beowulf, in which there was no association with the 'historical legends' of the Northern kingdoms.' This De Luxe Edition includes the complete text and has the following special features. A colour frontispiece presenting J.R.R. Tolkien's painting of a coiled dragon together with two versions of Grendel's Mere. Quarter-bound with grey boards, stamped in gold foil with the coiled dragon motif, and housed in a matching custom-built slipcase. Printed on superior quality paper and including a silk ribbon marker. This book is As New, the shrinkwrap unopened, with photos of another opened copy. Has no markings, no bumped corners, no previous owners name. It is New, unread, and unopened, still sealed in original shrinkwrap. 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 #2175

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 #2173

London: Unwin Hyman, 1987. J.R.R. Tolkien. 2nd Edition. Hard Cover. 8vo - over 7¾" - 9¾" tall. The Lord of the Rings, by J.R.R. Tolkien. The Revised (2nd) Edition. Vol I: The Fellowship of the Ring is a 17th impression. Vol II: The Two Towers is a 15th impression. Vol III: The Return of the King is a 15th impression, all from 1987, the 2nd printing of this style set by Unwin Hyman. None of these books have any topstain, but are clean and white. The maps are all present, only the The Fellowship map has a small amount of folding to the mounting side edge. This is an unusual and hard to find set published by Unwin Hyman in 1987. All three volumes are in Near Fine condition with a clean bright edges, clean and bright textblock, and in Near Fine unclipped dustwrappers, showing no edgewear or rubbing. The dustjackets have no fading to the spines, or to the colored lettering. No bumped corners to the books, no previous owners names or writing. There are basically no major faults to these books, crisp, tight and bright. No shelfwear to the bottom of the boards, no previous owners names or any writing. No foxing or offsetting to any of the books. The original publishers Green paper covered slipcase to house and protect this classic Lord of the Rings set, is in less than fabulous condition, showing quite a few scuffs to the edges, the top is bowed up a bit, and the top back was split, now neatly repaired. The books may have been read, but exhibit no spine lean, or damaged edges or spines. Modest price for this set of significant and collectable books. Other Tolkien books available, include both the UK and US editions, original cloth bindings, custom fine bindings, and Signed/Numbered/Limited Editions. Item #2168

London: Harper Collins, 2002. J.R.R. Tolkien. First Thus. Hard Cover. 8vo - over 7¾" - 9¾" tall. History of Middle-Earth 3 Volume Box Set, by J.R.R. Tolkien. Published by Harper Collins in 2002, these have the full number line from 1 - 9. Edited by Christopher Tolkien, who collected the vast amount of manuscripts, maps and illustrations, left by his father and edited them into 12 volumes which were published as the History of Middle-Earth. Book I is the first five books collected into one, and represent work done during the 1920s and 30s and fully relate the early history of The Silmarillion. Book II is comprised of the middle four books, and relates the full and unique account of the creation of The Lord of the Rings. Book III is comprised of the last 3 books, and relates to the later history of the Silmarillion along with the account of writing of the Prologue and Appendices to The Lord of the Rings, that links these two works thru the historical structure of the Ages. The 3 volumes are all in Near Fine condition, in Near Fine dustjackets, now protected in archival protectors. A beautiful set, undamaged, as many were in the shipping from the publisher. A very hard to find set, let alone one with the publishers 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 #2165

Boston: Houghton Mifflin, 1954. J.R.R. Tolkien. 1st Edition. Original Cloth. 8vo - over 7¾" - 9¾" tall. The Lord of the Rings, published by Houghton Mifflin. A lovely First Edition First Impression set of the classic Lord of the Rings. Housed in a custom dark blue leather slipcase, to show and protect the set. The Fellowship of the Ring is the 1st US Impression, published in 1954. Has the date 1954 on the Title page. This copy is in its original dustjacket, with the correct issue points. The dustjacket shows a considerable chipping to the top and bottom of the spine, and some loss to the tips of the flap folds. The flap fold are starting to split in spots, but still in one piece. The spine of the dustjacket is somewhat faded, but still shows the golden color and red on the lettering. The boards are very nice, showing a little soiling to the edges, some shelf wear to the bottom, with the spine frayed and showing a little loss of color. The corners are not bumped, but again showing some shelfwear. A previous owners name and address to the front boards, along with a tape ghost at the bottom edge, no other writing. The endpapers show a little offsetting, and lightly tanned. The text block shows no markings or folded corners, clean & bright. The original map is present, unmarked, no tears or extra folds noted. The map shows the 1st state point of the red dot off the coast of Umbar. Overall, a beautiful Very Good copy of a very scarce and desirable book. The Two Towers is a 1st impression, published in 1955 with the date on the title page, in its original dustjacket, with the correct issue points of the "stripe" at the top and bottom of the front, the "notch" in the "R" of Towers, all points present and visible. These points are found only on the 1st impression dustjackets. The dustjacket has some edgewear to the folds and the ends of the spine. A pair of 1/2" closed tears to the bottom front corner and the top spine fold area, only minor color loss to the edges of the tears. The colors remain bright and vibrant, with only the most minor soiling. The book itself is Very Good Plus condition, no offsetting or foxing, and minimal soiling to the boards. The gilt remains bright and untarnished. The original map is present, unmarked, no tears or extra folds noted. This map also has the 1st state point of the red dot off the coast of Umbar. A beautiful copy, extremely scarce in this condition, with only 1,000 copies published. The Return of the King is a 1st impression, with the date, 1956 on the title page, indicating a true 1st Impression. The book also has the signature mark '4' on page 49, with the slipped type. The dustjacket shows no fading, and only the most minor chips or loss at the spine folds and tips of the flap folds. The rear panel shows quite a bit of soiling and staining to the flap fold areas, while the dark grey color doesn't appear to be faded or soiled to the front or spine, only the white back panel and flaps. The dustjacket also shows the first state point of the "larger, bolder" dollar sign, with the double uprights extended. The dustjacket does show a couple of fold overs on the upper corner on the front flap, now straightened. The boards are very clean and bright, no soiling, gilt still bright, no shelfwear noted. The corners don't show any bumping. Some age darkening to the endpapers, but no names or writing. The map is present and shows no tears or extra folds, clean and bright. The text block is clean, with no markings or folded corners. Another very nice copy of an extremely collectable book. Overall the set presents beautifully, with nice colors, only the most minor chipping and loss at a few corners. All maps are present, and in Very Good Plus condition. An extremely scarce set, in collectable 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 #2159

Boston: Houghton Mifflin, 1963. J.R.R. Tolkien. Hard Cover. 16mo - over 5¾" - 6¾" tall. The Hobbit, or There and Back Again, by J.R.R. Tolkien. A beautiful copy of an early printing of The Hobbit. The 1963 14th overall printing, or the 10th printing of the 2nd Edition (1951). A Very Good Plus book in a Very Good Plus original dustjacket designed by Tolkien, as found on the original UK Editions. Stated 14th impression on front flap, not priced or clipped, noted as printed in Great Britain, this dustjacket shows a little rubbing to the spine folds and to the flap folds, with minor chips and color loss. There are a few closed tears to the edges, with a 2 inch closed tear to the back panel with very minor color loss to the edges. The book is clean and bright with the bright green colored original cloth from the publisher. A gift inscription to the second blank page, no other names or any other writing noted. Shows no shelf wear, soiling, or bumped corners. Features the title, dwarves hat, author and publisher stamped on the spine in blue. Front boards have "The Hobbit" stamped in blue as well. Contains the full color frontispiece "The Hill: Hobbiton-across-the Water", as well as the original line drawings by Tolkien. The maps are in excellent condition, red and black ink still show clear and bright against the unfoxed endpapers. The jacket shows some soiling in the white sections, and the spine is lightly tanned. A beautiful copy, scarce in original dustjacket in this Very Good Plus condition. A custom green leather slipcase to house this lovely edition is provided, featuring the Mountains and Dragon design as found on the UK cover. Digital photo's available, inquire if interested. Other Tolkien books available, Item #2147

Boston: Houghton Mifflin, 1977. 1st Edition, Hobbits, Lord of the Rings, Hard Cover. 8vo - over 7¾" - 9¾" tall. The Silmarillion, by J.R.R. Tolkien. This is the 1st printing of the 1st US Edition published in 1977 by Houghton Mifflin. It has the 1st State point of 'Father' Giles of Ham listed in the books by J.R.R. Tolkien. The book is in Near Fine condition, with no names, writing or marks at all. A very clean and bright dustjacket, with no fading, or tanning to the spine. Only the most minor of rubbing, mainly to the top edge and folds. No fading or soiling, the dustjacket is in Near Fine condition, and it is not price clipped. The book does not have a blind stamp, so this is a true 1st Edition, not the Book Club Edition. 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 extra folds noted. Maroon topstain is bright and unfaded. An extremely collectable copy, housed in a custom black leather slipcase, gilt stamped with one of Tolkien's Heraldic devices and his JRRT Monogram to the covers of black leather. Any questions, please feel free to ask. 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 #2142