Tolkien Library Store - Original Cloth Bindings

#000124 - 1st US Lord of the Rings - 1st impression set - SOLD
8vo - over 7" - 9" tall. Houghton Mifflin, 1954/1955/1956 1st US Edition of the Lord of the Rings; a beautiful looking set of the 1st American Edition.
Houghton Mifflin , 1954/1955/1956 1st US Edition, The Fellowship of the Ring is a 1st impression published 1954, with the date on the title page. One of only 1500 copies imported from Allen & Unwin, and bound in the US.
This book has original dustjacket in Very Good condition, with the correct issue points of no price on the dustjacket flap, bottom edge of photo is cut straight across, 'd' is clipped in 10th line of blurb on 'Frodo', and the following 'o' is not nicked. The jacket shows some edgewear and minor loss at the folds and the tips of the spine. The larger loss is found at the top of the spine approx 1/4" x 1/2", and another open tear along the front fold approx 1" long by 1/4" wide. The rear panel shows some soiling in the white areas with a couple of spots scattered about. The largest spot being about 1/2" x 3/4" on the front, following "Ring", should be visible in photo's. Laid behind the original jacket is a facsimile, to help the jacket show better, and reduce the visable areas of the white dj protector. All said, a good looking dustjacket, with the red unfaded, all 1st state points noted, with the book and text block in Near Fine condition, with only slightest fading to the boards.

The Two Towers is a Near Fine 1st impression published 1955, in its original dustjacket, which shows the required points of the 'Stripe' defect and the 'notch' in the "R" of Tower on the front panel, found only on the 1st dustjacket.

The spine and upper edges, shows some darkening, probably from smoke, but has very minor loss, mainly at the tips of the spine and some rubbing to the fold areas. There is one small "pinhead" sized hole along the front flap, approx 3" from the bottom. The rear of the dj is slightly darkened, again more so at the top edge. Overall, a Very Good Plus example of a very scarce book and dustjacket, only 1000 original issue.

The Return of the King is a 1st impression published 1956, with the date on the title page. One of 5000 copies imported from Allen & Unwin, and bound in the US.
This copy is a 1st State with signature mark '4' and the infamous slipped type on page 49. This copy is in its original dustjacket, both in Near Fine condition. The dustjacket has one small closed tear approx 3/8" long, but without loss. The red color remains strong, without fading or darkening to the light grey background. No chips or edgewear, with a little darkening to the white on the back. Dustjacket also has the 1st state points of the "$5.00" price being 'larger and bolder' with 'two uprights extended' on the dollar sign. All original maps are present and in Near Fine condition. A very nice set of first impressions of this classic of fantasy literature. The set is housed in a custom slipcase. All are very clean and bright, top edges of the textblock are dusty, but still have vestiages of the yellow topstain remaining.

Very scarce with no foxing, and with no writing or signatures (Fellowship has a "Horn Book" stamp on ffep, the only marking). A beautiful looking set of the 1st American Edition.
 

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):
 
 
 
 
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Interested: Please send email to info@tolkienlibrary.com.