J. R. R. Tolkien (1955 1956) The Lord of the Rings trilogy, first editions

  

Tolkien (1956, 1956, 1955) The Lord of the Rings trilogy. UK first edition set (The Return of the King first printing; The Fellowship of the Ring and The Two Towers fourth printings), published by George Allen and Unwin. The Fellowship of the Rings (4th printing, 1956, in a third printing dust jacket).

The Two Towers (4th printing, 1956, in a third printing dust jacket). The Return of the King 1st printing, 1955, in a first printing dust jacket; second state (or variant) with a 4 at the bottom of page 49, one of 7,000 copies printed. 7,000 copies were printed of The Return of the King in its first print run. There are several states or variants of the first edition, with a 4 or without a 4 on page 49.

Tolkien bibliography experts change their minds every few years what state precedes the other. Thus, we prefer the term variant to state. Notice that the first and second volume come with third impression dust jackets respectively. Since the third and fourth print runs were published within a few months apart it is likely that the publisher used the excess third printing dust jackets for the fourth print run. However, third printings are more valuable than fourth printings, and better than if fifth printings dust jackets were housing fourth printing books.

All three books retain their original maps as called for. Return of the King, which is the most valuable of the set is very clean and the only flaw is the slight browning of the wrapper on the spine.

All three books retain the original red colour top stain. All boards are vibrant in colour and well preserved as pictured.

Slight shelf wear, but nothing major. NO previous owners inscriptions, marks, stamps etc. Slight foxing and ghost marks to ffeps and where the maps allowed the circulation of air in the first two volumes. This is quite common as the paper of the dust jackets is quite thick allowing air to touch the front and rear free endpapers. None of the dust jackets is price clipped.

A whiff of foxing to the edges of the Fellowship and Two Towers wrappers. Tiny edge wear to wrappers, but no major chipping or tears as often seen. Slight toning to the spines, but not as extensive as seen on other specimen. Overall, a very well-reserved and beautiful set. LotR, the landmark book that has popularised the fantasy genre. Famously adapted by Peter Jackson in New Zealand. A new TV adaptation will certainly push the books popularity once more. Tolkien (1955 1956) The Lord of the Rings trilogy, first editions" is in sale since Saturday, May 4, 2019. This item is in the category "Books, Comics & Magazines\Antiquarian & Collectable". The seller is "firstandfine" and is located in Birmingham.

This item can be shipped to all countries in Europe, all countries in continental Asia, United States, Canada, Mexico.

• Fiction Subject: Fantasy
• Binding: Hardback
• Author: J. Tolkien
• Language: English
• Special Attributes: 1st Edition