The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings, Four Paperback Book Boxset from 1973
New York: Ballantine Books, 1973.
J.R.R. Tolkien. 2nd Edition. Mass Market Paperback. 12mo - over 6¾" - 7¾" tall. Near Fine / No Jacket, as Issued. Item #2619
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.
Price: $150.00 save 5% $142.50