The Lord of the Rings, 1st UK Edition, 1st Impression Set in Custom Fine Bindings
London: Allen & Unwin, 1954.
J.R.R. Tolkien. First Edition. Full-Leather. 8vo - over 7¾" - 9¾" tall. Near Fine / No Jacket. Item #2515
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, 1954/54/55 1st UK Edition, all 1st impressions. The Fellowship of the Ring is a 1st impression published July 29th, 1954. One of 1500 printed for the UK. The Two Towers is a 1st impression published November 11th, 1954. One of 2250 printed for the UK. The Return of the King is a 1st impression published October 20th, 1955. This copy is what was originally defined as the 1st State with the signature mark 4 as well as the slipped type on page 49. From correspondence with Wayne Hammond who has revised his original definition of the 1st state, from what was described in the Tolkien Descriptive Bibliography, making this the later or 2nd state. All original maps are present and in Near Fine condition, no tears or extra folds. An extraordinary set of first editions of this classic of fantasy literature. The set is fully rebound in Black Morocco Leather with Red Leather insets with the Title and Author gilt stamped. The individual books feature the White Tree of Gondor on the front boards, with the JRRT Monogram to the rear boards, single gilt rule to the inside and outside edges. The set is further characterized by custom hand Marbled endpapers, by Joan Ajala of Australia, all edges trimmed and gilded, and is housed in a custom black cloth and leather entry case to protect and show these beautiful books. These are distinguished by compartments, with raised bands, gilt tooling, and gilt ruled edges. Title, Author, Publisher and Date, as well as a 'Ring and Eye' device from the original UK dustjackets are featured in the compartments, with the White Tree of Gondor featured on the front boards of the books. A beautiful design, executed by the Chelsea Bindery. All are very clean and bright with no foxing to any pages, and with no writing or signatures. Fantastic looking set, with a classic design. No expense spared in creating this finely bound, and highly collectable set of classics. A Tolkien Collector's dream 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.
Price: $28,000.00 save 5% $26,600.00