Tolkien Library Store - Original Cloth Bindings

#000554 - Lord of the Rings, Allen & Unwin 1st UK Edition, 1st Impressions with Original Dustjackets Near Fine/Near Fine - sold
A lovely example of the 1st impression book and original dustjacket, with a small amount of professional restoration to the fold

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George Allen & Unwin, published in 1954, 1954, and 1955, the 1st UK Edition, 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 the true 1st State, lacking the signature mark '4' and having the straight type on page 49.
Correspondence with Wayne Hammond has indicated he has revised his original definition of the 1st state, from what was described in the Tolkien Bibliography, to this.
All original maps are present and in Near Fine condition, no tears or extra folds.
All three books are in their original dustjackets, and all three have the same previous owners name and date in the books.
No other markings or writing.
The front endpapers show a small amount of offsetting on the Two Towers and Return of the King.
No other foxing noted in any of the books.
The dustjackets are not price clipped, and they have only the most minor of restoration to a few area's that had closed tears around the folds.
The text blocks are all clean, bright and tight, without any internal foxing or markings.
A beautiful, collectable set of first editions of this classic of fantasy literature.
                                                
 
The Fellowship of the Ring is a 1st UK Edition, 1st impression with the book in Very Good Plus/Near Fine condition.
Small previous owner's name to front free endpaper.
The gilt is bright and untarnished on the spine.
The boards are very clean and bright, with virtually no shelf wear on the bottom edge,
A couple of lightly bumped corners and a little spine lean the only faults.
The dustjacket is unclipped and shows beautifully.
 Virtually no tanning or fading of the spine and only the lightest soiling.
A beautiful, correct 1st impression dustjacket, which has had some very minor professional restoration.
                                            
The Two Tower's - 1st UK Edition, 1st impression, has the date (1954) on the title page, and no other printings listed, which would indicate a true 1st imp.
Book is in Very Good Plus/Near Fine condition. Same previous owner's name, no other writing. and with some light offsetting on the front free endpaper. The boards are very clean and bright, without any bumps to the corners, very little shelf wear on the bottom edges, and no noticeable wear to the spine tips. Gilt is still clean and bright, but there is a small wrinkle to the red cloth at the top of the spine. It does not effect the Title or 'Ring'.
The dustjacket is not clipped, and has virtually no tanning on the spine, again is only lightly soiled, with no fading to the red lettering on the spine.
No chips or wear to the edges, and only the smallest restoration to the fold area's and tips of the spine.
The original map is present, without any tears or extra folds, also has the 1st state point with the red dot off coast of Umbar.
A lovely copy, in its correct and original 1st impression dustjacket, with some minor professional restoration.

The Return of the King - 1st UK Edition, 1st impression,
true 1st state without the slipped type and signature mark '4' on page 49, as per Wayne Hammond's revised opinion.
Same previous owners name and 1955 date, only a very light bit of foxing/offsetting on the front free endpaper. The boards are very clean and bright, no bumped corners, and no shelf wear is evident. Gilt is again clean and bright. The dustjacket is not clipped, and is not tanned, and shows no fading to the red lettering on the spine, and again is only lightly soiled.
The bottom and top of the spine is a little pushed, but not worn.
The map is present and in Near Fine condition, no extra folds or tears noted.
The dustjacket is also the 1st State or issue, lacking the blurbs on the rear flap.


A lovely example of the 1st impression book and original dustjacket, with a small amount of professional restoration to the fold  

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.
Pictures (click to enlarge):
Terms of sale: Prices are only indications, always inquire if books are still available. We accept Money Orders, cash, or Credit Cards (paypal) for immediate shipping.  Checks will delay shipment for 10 days for checks to clear. Please inquire for shipping quotes.
Interested: Please send email to info@tolkienlibrary.com.