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 a First impression in Near Fine condition, lacking the flyer/advertisement page. Has no markings, no bumped corners, no previous owners name. 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, 2007. Alan Lee. 1st Edition. Hard Cover. 8vo - over 7¾" - 9¾" tall. The Children of Hurin by J.R.R. Tolkien, published April 2007 by Harper Collins. Signed by the illustrator, Alan Lee, on the title page. "The Children of Hurin, UK De Luxe Edition The first standalone tale of Middle-earth since 1977, and the first complete version of one of J.R.R. Tolkien's 'Great Tales', with many exclusive features:" "Drawing together J.R.R. Tolkiens original manuscripts, using many sources spaced out over decades, Christopher Tolkien has constructed a narrative without any editorial invention." "Includes a brand new red and black Map of Beleriand specially drawn by Christopher Tolkien, which appears as a fold-out sheet." "Contains eight colour paintings and twenty-five pencil sketches, specially commissioned from award-winning artist, Alan Lee." "Features an exclusive colour frontispiece painting by Alan Lee." "Includes a specially written introduction and appendix on the history and writing of the tale by Christopher Tolkien." "Quarter-bound in blue with grey boards, stamped in gold foil with a unique motif of the Helm of Hador created by Alan Lee, and housed in a matching custom-built slipcase." "Printed on superior quality paper and including a silk ribbon marker." "This edition available for a limited time only." This Deluxe Edition is matched in style and design to the 50th Anniversary Deluxe Edition of 'The Lord of the Rings', and The Deluxe Hobbit that were concurrently issued in 2004. Soon to be augmented by the issue of a matched Deluxe Silmarillion in September 2007. 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.. Signed by Illustrator & Editor. 1st Edition. Hard Cover. As New/No Jacket, as Issued. Illus. by Alan Lee. 8vo - over 7¾" - 9¾" tall. Item #2061

Riverside Press Cambridge: Houghton Mifflin, 1950. Pauline Baynes. 1st Edition, Hobbits, Lord of the Rings, Hard Cover. 8vo - over 7¾" - 9¾" tall. Farmer Giles of Ham, The Rise and Wonderful Adventures of Farmer Giles, Lord of Tame, Count of Worminghall and King of the Little Kingdom, by J.R.R. Tolkien. This is his second major published work, preceded only by the Hobbit. Published in 1950, printed in Great Britain, this is the 1st impression of the 1st Edition, published by Houghton Mifflin. A Near Fine book, illustrated by Pauline Diane Baynes, the exterior boards show no soiling or bumped corners. The interior textblock is clean & bright, no previous owner names or any other writing. This was her first commission for Tolkien, who famously said of her Farmer Giles work, that it had "reduced {his} text to a commentary on her drawings". The book has a tight binding, no foxing or offsetting to the endpapers. There is some light fading to the spine of the original dustjacket, which is not price clipped. Near Fine condition, with some rubbing to the folds, along with a few minor closed tears to the edges, the largest one, about 15 mm's, to the top rear spine fold area. The blue and orange colors are bright and clean, no spots or soiling, just the minor fading to the spine. Textblock is clean and bright, without any foxing, no names or writing. Features two color plates by Pauline Baynes, as well as being illustrated on almost every page with her line drawings. Highly collectable, this is a lovely copy for any Tolkien fans collection. Housed in a custom blue leather slipcase, featuring the line drawing of Chrysophylax, gilt stamped to front 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 #2219

Firsts Magazine, 1995. 1st Edition. Soft Cover. 4to - over 9¾" - 12" tall. Firsts Magazine, Collecting Modern First Editions, Cover story featuring The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien. Published October, 1995, Volume 5, Number 10. The article titled: J.R.R. Tolkien: Moonlighting in Middle-Earth. Magazine is in Near Fine condition, no marks, no writing, has been stored in plastic, keeping the cover fresh and clean. No bent corners or other faults noted. A beautiful copy for the Tolkien 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 #696

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, a bit more edgewear to book #4. 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 #3 and #4 of the 12 volumes are price clipped. Points of issue on the 12 books are as follows: No price on dustjacket #2, #7, #9, & #11. Price on dustjackets #5, #6, #8, #10, & #12. A&U price sticker on #1. No names or writing in any of the books. No foxing or offsetting inside any of the books, there is some foxing to the outer edge of the textblock on a number of the books. The first four books, published by Allen & Unwin have the topstain on the top edge. The final 3 volumes have the lightest toning to the edges of the text block, with #12 being more toned 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 #2119

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

Bath: Folio Society, 2002. Ingahild Grathmer and drawn by Eric Fraser. Limited/Numbered. Quarter Leather. 8vo - over 7¾" - 9¾" tall. Folio Deluxe Edition of The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings, by J.R.R. Tolkien. Folio Society Limited Numbered Edition, Four Book Set, housed in two slipcases, with Limitation Number of #1305 of 1750. Now available as a HAND BOUND LIMITED EDITION in a magnificent new binding of Moroccan goatskin leather and pure Indian silk. This slipcased edition is in Near Fine condition, appears to be unread, as all four books are clean and tight. No soiling to the silk moire covers on the books from handling, no rubs to the leather or gilt. A must for all Tolkien fans and serious collectors as well! These stunning 4 volumes of Tolkiens most loved stories, exhibits the finest quality features imaginable: *Hand numbered Limited Edition, copy #1305 of 1750 *Hand-bound in Moroccan goatskin leather and pure Indian silk *Illustrations designed by Ingahild Grathmer and drawn by Eric Fraser *Full leather slipcases with scalloped edges *Gilded top edges with ribbon page marker *Renowned calligrapher, John Andrew, has designed the lettering used on the spines and 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 #2218

Boston: Houghton Mifflin, 1958. J.R.R. Tolkien. 2nd Edition. Hard Cover. 12mo - over 6¾" - 7¾" tall. A lovely copy of an extremely scarce early Hobbit. The 1958 printing, of the 2nd Edition (1951), or the 10th printing overall (1937). This copy is a stated 10th impression from the dustjacket, published by Houghton Mifflin from sheets imported from Great Britain. Stated 10th impression on front flap, not price clipped, noted as printed in Great Britain. One of probably only 1000 imported from Allen & Unwin, lacking the printing history on title verso, to help them circumvent the import restrictions and US copyright laws. The book features the original dustjacket with the Mountains and Dragon design by the author, in Near Fine condition. Some tanning or offsetting to the front flap interior from a newsprint article that had been laid inside. The spine also shows some tanning while the front and back panel are only lightly soiled. Almost no edgewear, other than a couple of spots to the spine folds and flap fold areas The boards show no soiling or marking, no shelfwear to note. The text block is clean, with some darkening to the margins. No bumped corners, virtually without major fault. The dustjacket is not price clipped, and has no markings. It shows only the most minor of rubbing, with a very small amount of loss, to the tips of the spine areas and flap folds. A beautiful, bright, clean copy, one of the copies with the light green boards stamped in blue, that are very hard to find. 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, with the red and black ink still showing clear and bright against the endpapers. Both maps have no foxing, no marks, or previous owners names. A highly collectable copy, hard to find in this Near Fine/Very Good Plus 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 #2162

New York: Houghton Mifflin, 1984. Michael Hague. First Thus. Hard Cover. 4to - over 9¾" - 12" tall. This later edition was published in 1984 by Houghton Mifflin. It is the 1st Impression, with the full numberline and date to the title page. First Thus as it contains numerous illustrations by Michael Hague. No writing or marks, Near Fine. 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 #2211

London: Allen & Unwin, 1979. J.R.R. Tolkien. De Luxe Edition. Hard Cover. 8vo - over 7¾" - 9¾" tall. An early issue of the Allen & Unwin De Luxe Edition of The Hobbit. This copy is the 2nd impression, published in 1979, of the 1st De Luxe Edition of 1976, with the Tolkien line drawings colorized by H. E. Riddett. This book is housed in a custom slipcase as the original was missing. Bound in black buckram cloth, with gilt artwork on the front boards of Tolkien's 'Green Dragon" gilt stamped in red, silver & gold. The front shows a couple of spots, probably drops of water that have swelled the buckram, and when wiped off it has taken a bit of the shine off the cover. Not too bad, but noted for accuracy. Gilt ruled compartments with Title, Author, and publisher on the spines. An nice copy for the collector. No names, writing or faults noted in the book. Maps are bound in, rather than used as the endpapers. There are no bumps to the boards, with the few small spots to the buckram, while the slipcase features the JRRT Monogram to both sides. Overall a Very Good Plus copy of this wonderful book, housed in it's new custom black leather 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, Limited Editions, and odd bits of ephemera are available. Item #2217

London: Folio Society, 2001. 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 2001, the 5th impression. The Lord of the Rings is the 6th impression of 2001. The Silmarillion is an 8th impression of 2013. 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 #2204

London: Unwin Paperbacks, 1979. J.R.R. Tolkien. First Thus. Mass Market Paperback. 12mo - over 6¾" - 7¾" tall. The Lord of the Rings, the 25th Anniversary Collection, by J.R.R. Tolkien. This set was published by Unwin Paperbacks in 1979 to celebrate the 25th Anniversary of the publication of the Lord of the Rings. This set is housed in the Original Publishers slipcase, Silver with Black, and includes the 16 page fully illustrated anniversary booklet. This set of books is in Very Good Plus condition, with a slight bit of creasing to the spine of The Fellowship, none to the other two books, with only minor rubbing and a couple of small folded over edges. No names or other markings to the books. The booklet is in very nice condition, no marks, no tears, a slight bit of tanning to the exterior edges. 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 #2196

London: Harper Collins, 2014. First Thus. Hard Cover. 8vo - over 7¾" - 9¾" tall. The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien. Published by Harper Collins in 2014, the 60th Anniversary Edition, a four volume boxed set featuring Tolkien's original unused dustjacket designs, together with the fourth volume, A Reader's Companion, which includes special features and the definitive edition of the text. This set is still sealed in the publishers shrinkwrap, with one slightly bumped upper rear corner of the slipcase. I doubt if it has bumped the corner of the book, but it is possible. 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 #1533