Boston: Houghton Mifflin, 1972. 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, 9th/8th/8th impressions issued in 1972/1973. An exceptionally clean and bright set of this classic of fantasy literature still housed in the original publishers slipcase. 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 their matching Very Good Plus dustjackets with minor edgewear, mostly to the flap & spine fold areas. No names or writing or foxing whatsoever to the books. The dustjackets show some fading to the colors and a few minor rubs or scuffs, the only faults noted. Dustjackets are unpriced, 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 on The Fellowship. The set is housed in the original publishers slipcase with the label to the front, still in Near Fine condition, one bump to the upper edge. 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. Item #2373

London: Allen & Unwin, 1978. J.R.R. Tolkien. De Luxe Edition. Original Cloth. 8vo - over 7¾" - 9¾" tall. The Lord of the Rings, UK De Luxe Edition, by George Allen & Unwin. This is the 6th impression of the 1 volume De Luxe Edition of the Lord of the Rings, published by Allen & Unwin in 1978. A Near Fine copy of the book, in a Near Fine case, with the label to the front, unfaded. The book basically has no faults, clean and bright, a number written to the upper corner of the half title page, no other writing 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 box, still with the original onion skin wrapper around the book. A marvelous copy of the beautiful edition, becoming scarce in this Near Fine/Fine condition. Both maps bound in, and in Fine condition, no tears or loss. 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 #2371

London: Allen & Unwin, 1978. 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 Allen & Unwin. The Revised (2nd) Edition. Vol I: The Fellowship of the Ring is an 8th impression published in 1974. Vol II: The Two Towers is a 10th impression published in 1978. Vol III: The Return of the King is also a 10th impression, published in 1978. All three volumes are in Near Fine condition with the top edge stained red, a bit of fading to the Return, clean and bright textblock, with a previous owners name to the pastedown on the Fellowship, no other writing noted. The original red/maroon cloth boards are clean and bright. No foxing or offsetting to the endpapers. Original maps are in still in place, in excellent condition, no tears or extra folds. The Very Good Plus dj's show beautifully with one tiny chip to the upper rear spine fold area, no other chips or loss, some minor rubbing to the edges. Only the Fellowship dustjacket is price clipped. These are later impressions of the 2nd Edition that appear with a differently colored background to the dustjackets. The Fellowship is a dark green color, the Two Towers is a purple color, and The Return a brown color. An opportunity for this significant and collectable set of books. Custom made leather slipcase included in the price. Other Tolkien books available, include both the UK and US editions, original cloth bindings, custom fine bindings, and Signed/Numbered/Limited Editions. Item #2362

London: Folio Society, 1999. Ingahild Grathmer and drawn by Eric Fraser. Hard Cover. 8vo - over 7¾" - 9¾" tall. A complete set of the 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 1999, the 3rd impression. The Lord of the Rings is the 3rd impression of 1999. The Silmarillion is also a 3rd impression of 2003. 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. Item #2359

London: Harper Collins, 1991. John Howe. First Thus. Hard Cover. 8vo - over 7¾" - 9¾" tall. The Lord of the Rings, by J.R.R. Tolkien. Published by Harper Collins in 1991, the Centenary Edition three volume set housed in a custom red leather slipcase featuring the Centenary device on the front and rear boards. The Fellowship is a 2nd impression, while the Two Towers and Return are 1st impressions. The books feature John Howe's Illustrations to the dustjackets. The dustjackets feature some of John Howe's most famous illustrations, with a Gold Band to the top and bottom with the runes in black. All dustjackets in Very Good Plus condition with minor rubbing to the gold bands, minor loss of color, a few small wrinkled areas to top gold band on the books along with a couple of spots to the rear boards. Dustjackets do not show any fading to the red lettering on the spine as so often found. The red leather slipcase features a fully felt lined interior with a ribbon pull. A very uncommon and extremely hard to find set, lovely condition, bound in green cloth with title, author, publisher and Tolkien monogram in gold to the spines of the books. None of the dustjackets are price clipped, all in lovely condition. Top edge of the textblocks are a little dusty, the Fellowship textblock is toned compared to the other two books. An exceptional set of books quite 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 #2357

New York: Ace Books, 1965. Jack Gaughan. First Thus. Mass Market Paperback. 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 is Near Fine, almost no wear to the edges or covers. Also much less tanning to the pages than the norm, from the highly acidic paper, and almost no 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, no other marks or writing noted. A custom red leather slipcase featuring Tolkien's Ring and Eye device, with Tengwar Title & Author on one side, and his JRRT monogram gilt stamped on the back. Makes a beautiful presentation of these exceptional 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 #2353

New York: Ballantine Books, 1975. 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 Foil 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 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. 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, 1973 - 1983. Very unusual to find a set that has aged this well after 45 plus years. The case shows a bumped corner, that has slightly dented the upper back corner of The Return of the King. The Hobbit is a 55th printing, The Fellowship is a 53rd printing, The Two Towers is a 49th printing, and the Return of the King is a 48th printing, all from July 1975. The books are in lovely unread condition with lightly creased spines, and show a light tanning to the white areas of the spines. The textblock of all four books are clean and bright, with no tanning or foxing, no previous owners names or marks noted. A lovely find for the collector. Other Tolkien books available, include both the UK and US editions, original cloth bindings, custom fine bindings, and Signed/Numbered/Limited Editions. Item #2350

Boston and New York: Houghton Mifflin, 1965. J.R.R. Tolkien. 1st Edition, Hobbits, Lord of the Rings, Original Cloth. 8vo - over 7¾" - 9¾" tall. The Lord of the Rings, by J.R.R. Tolkien. Published by Houghton Mifflin , 1965/1965/1965 1st Editions, 15th imp./13th imp./11th impressions. These are later printings of the 1st US Edition. A lovely set of first editions of this classic of fantasy literature. The set is housed in a custom red leather slipcase featuring Tolkiens Ring & Eye Device with Tengwar Title and Author on front and the JRRT Monogram to the rear. The set is all original cloth with the correct original dustjackets. The dustjackets are all in Very Good Plus condition, with bright colors and only the slightest fading to the spines, The Two Towers with a few chips and loss to the edges mostly to the top back edge of the spine fold area. No foxing or offsetting to the endpapers, as is so often found. All the rest of the pages, and edges are clean and crisp, Property of Navy stamped to bottom edge of textblock on the Two Towers. Previous owners name in The Return of the King. Gilt to the spines is clean and bright. The dustjackets exhibit all the correct issue points for the books, including the correct price, and color combination. The books are tight and clean without foxing, fading, and none are price clipped. Besides being a beautiful looking set and being one of the last First Editions printed, this set is very collectable. The original maps are present in all three volumes, no extra folds or tears noted. Other Tolkien books available, include both the UK and US editions, original cloth bindings, custom fine bindings, and Signed/Numbered/Limited Editions. Item #2346

Boston: Houghton Mifflin, 1960. J.R.R. Tolkien. 1st Edition. 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. A lovely set consisting of the 9th impression of 1960 for The Fellowship of the Ring, the 8th impression of 1961 for The Two Towers, and the 8th impression of 1961 for The Return of the King. These books and dustjackets are all in Very Good Plus condition, with some scuffs and edgewear, mainly to the spines of the first two books. The Two Towers shows a scrape along the top edge with the boards showing thru a bit. No foxing or offsetting to the text block or endpapers. No previous owner's name, no other writing in any of the books. None of the dustjackets are price clipped, all show the original $5.00 price, except the Fellowship which was unpriced until 11th or 12 impression. All maps are mounted to the rear pastedown as issued, in Fine condition with no tears or misfolds, minor browning to the folds. A beautiful, tight, bright set still shows a hint of the yellow topstain, with the top edges being a bit dusty. Not many matched sets in this lovely condition any more. A custom slipcase, covered with black leather gilt stamped featuring Tolkien's own Ring & Eye design stamped to the front panel, the Tolkien monogram to the back panel, and the Ring Verse to the other side panel, providing protection and a beautiful display of this valuable set. 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 #2344

Boston and New York: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 2021. J.R.R. Tolkien. First Thus. Quarter Leather. 8vo - over 7¾" - 9¾" tall. The Lord of the Rings, by J.R.R. Tolkien. Published in 2021 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt. This is the first Illustrated Edition which features Tolkien's own paintings, drawings, and illustrations. This one volume edition is the 1st impression of this lovely edition of Tolkiens classic tale of adventure, fully illustrated in colour for the first time by the author himself. The original maps drawn by Christopher Tolkien appearing as large fold out posters. It also features the Ring Verse written in Black Script in white on the red edge stain. From the blurb, "Since it was first published in 1954, The Lord of the Rings has been a book people have treasured. Steeped in unrivalled magic and otherworldliness, its sweeping fantasy and epic adventure has touched the hearts of young and old alike." The definiteve edition of this epic work of adventure is now, for the first time in its history, presented together with the author's own paintings, drawings and illustrations produced to accompany his own journey, making this as close as possible to the version that J.R.R. Tolkien imagined as he wrote his way to Mordor and back again. 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 #2337

London: Allen & Unwin, 1961. 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 George Allen and Unwin in 1961, these books are middle impressions of the 1st UK Edition, originally published in 1954/1954/1955 respectively. The Fellowship of the Rings is an 10th impression published in 1961, in its correct unclipped 10th impression dustjacket. The Two Towers is an 8th impression published in 1961, in its original price clipped dustjacket. The Return of the King is a 7th impression published in 1961, also in its original price clipped dustjacket. All three books have their original dustjackets which are in Very Good Plus/Near Fine condition showing some light soiling with a few minor chips to the edges, and only very lightly tanned to the spine. The books are in Very Good Plus condition without any offsetting to the endpapers. The red cloth boards show very well, no dampstains or soiling to note. No previous owners name or writing in any of the books, but The Fellowship has a previous owners bookplate on the front pastedown, mostly hidden by the dustjacket flap. Each book has it's own original foldout map tipped in at the rear, and all are in excellent condition with no tears or extra folds noted. A custom red leather slipcase, featuring Tolkien's Ring & Eye design along with Tengwar title & author, with the Tolkien monogram to the rear, to house and protect this wonderful set of 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 #2325

Boston: Houghton Mifflin, 1984. J.R.R. Tolkien. First Edition. Original Cloth. 8vo - over 7¾" - 9¾" tall. A complete History of Middle Earth, in Twelve Volumes. Houghton Mifflin 1st Edition 1st printings of all 12 volumes. All Near Fine dustjackets are unclipped and housed in protectors, #2 has a slight bit of fading to the spine. All books have the full numberline 1 - 10 on title verso and/or the publishing date on the Title Page, indicating they are all the 1st printings, or impressions, no blindstamp indicating any are book club editions. No names or any writing in any of the books. No foxing or offsetting in any of the books. Edited by Christopher Tolkien from his father's manuscripts, detailing the evolution of Tolkien's life long works dealing with Middle Earth. Housed in 3 custom black leather slipcases featuring the Tolkien Monogram with the 'History of Middle Earth', author, editor, and publisher gilt stamped to the covers. A significant and highly collectable set of this sought after 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 #2320

London: Harper Collins, 2021. Ted Nasmith. 1st Edition. Hard Cover. 8vo - over 7¾" - 9¾" tall. The Nature of Middle-Earth UK Deluxe Edition, published by Harper Collins in 2021. Still in shrinkwrap, carefully opened to confirm it is the 1st impression. From the blurb, "The first ever publication of J.R.R. Tolkien's collected final writings on Arda and Middle-earth, which range from the complexity of the mathematical calculations necessary to achieve a fundamental rigour to the core themes of Time and Ageing in Arda and Middle-earth, to meditations on Fate, the Spirit and Death, discussions of the lives, lands and beasts of Numenor, and notes on the comsumption of mushrooms and even who had beards, now presented in this de luxe edition with many exclusive features. Drawing together the original manuscripts, typescripts and notes produced during the years following publication of The Lord of the Rings, Carl Hostetter presents an absorbing new insight into Tolkien's imaginary world." This elegant slipcased edition is stamped in gold foil, and printed on heavyweight acid-free paper, it includes a ribbon marker and is housed in a custom-built matching slipcase. The writings in The Nature of Middle-earth reveal the journeys that Tolkien took as he sought to better understand his unique creation. From sweeping themes as complex and profound as the metaphysics of Elvish immortality and reincarnation, and the Powers of the Valar, to the more earth-bound subjects of the lands and beasts of Numenor, the geography of the Rivers and Beacon-hills of Gondor. This new collection, which has been edited by Carl F Hostetter, one of the world's leading Tolkien experts, is a veritable treasure-trove offering readers a chance to peer over Professor Tolkien's shoulder at the very moment of discovery: and on every page, Middle-earth is once again brought to extraordinary life. 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 #2304