A beautiful early impression set of the classic Lord of the Rings. Published by Houghton Mifflin from plates printed in Great Britain at the same time as the 1st UK impressions. Housed in custom slipcase, the colors of the dustjackets are bright and look spectacular.

The Fellowship of the Ring is the 1st US Impression, published in 1954. Has the date 1954 on the Title page. This copy is in its original dustjacket, with the correct issue points. The dustjacket shows a couple of minor chips to the top corners of the spine, and a little rubbing at the base. The boards are very nice, showing a little soiling to the top edge, minor shelf wear to the bottom. Not frayed or worn thru, also shows no bumped corners. A previous owners name and penciled price, no other writing. The endpapers show a little offsetting. The text block shows no markings or folded corners, clean & bright. The original map is present, unmarked, one minor tear repaired at the pastedown. Overall, a beautiful Very Good Plus copy of a very desirable book.

The Two Towers is a 2nd impression, in its original dustjacket, with the correct issue points of the "stripe" at the top and bottom of the front, the "gap" in the Hobbits hat, and the "cufflink", all points present and visible. These points are found only on the 2nd and 3rd impression dustjackets. The dustjacket has some minor chips and loss at the top and bottom of the spine. The colors remain bright and vibrant, with only the most minor soiling. No fading to the spine, as is so often found. The book itself is virtually fine, with no names or writing, no offsetting or foxing, and no soiling to the boards. The gilt remains bright and untarnished. The original map is present, unmarked, no tears or extra folds noted. A beautiful copy.

The Return of the King is a 1st impression, with the date, 1956 on the title page, indicating a true 1st Impression. The book also has the signature mark '4' on page 49, with the slipped type. The dustjacket shows no fading, and only the most minor chips or loss at the spine folds. The colors remain clear and bright, without fading. The dustjacket also shows the first state point of the "larger, bolder" dollar sign, with the double uprights extended. The boards are very clean and bright, no soiling, gilt still bright. The corners don't show and bumping. Some age darkening to the endpapers, but no names or writing. The map is present and shows no tears or extra folds, clean and bright. The text block is clean, with no markings or folded corners. Another very nice copy of an extremely collectable book.

Overall the set presents beautifully, with full colors, only the most minor loss at a few corners. All maps are present, and in Very Good Plus condition. A scarce set, in fabulous 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.