The Lord of the Rings, by J.R.R. Tolkien.
Published by George Allen & Unwin, 1954/54/55 1st UK Edition set with each book in its original dustjacket.
The Fellowship of the Ring is a 2nd impression, dated December 1954, less than 6 months after the 1st impression was released.The 2nd impression is significant for the errors introduced when the printers hurriedly reset the type to fill the 2nd order, without the publishers knowledge.
Having broken down the original typeset, they reset the type, without offering proofs or even ackowledging it had been reset.
Introducing numerous errors to the text, as well as incorporating a few of tolkien's corrections.
Many of the errors have remained in print until the latest revisions for the 50th Anniversary of publication.
The Two Towers is a 1st impression published November 11th, 1954.One of 2250 printed for the UK edition.
The Return of the King is a 1st impression published October 20th, 1955.This copy is the 1st State, as per Hammon & Anderson, with the signature mark '4' and having the slipped 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, making this the later state.
The dustjacket for the Return is the 1st State, without the blurbs on the rear flap.
All original maps are present and in Near Fine condition.
Both the Fellowship and Two Towers maps are 1st State with red dot off the coast of Umbar.
An extraordinary set of first editions of this classic of fantasy literature.
All are very clean and bright, without foxing and only a slight amount of offsetting from the dustjackets flaps.
Previous owners name's in the Fellowship and Return, and a bookplate under the flap on the Two Towers.
The original boards are all clean and bright, with shiny gilt on the spines. The red topstain is quite faded on the first two books, while still clear on the Return.
The dustjackets are lightly soiled, with some fading to the red lettering on the spine, as well as the spines being lightly tanned from exposure.
None are price clipped.
One small split to upper rear fold on the Fellowship dustjacket, no other loss or tears noted.
The Two Towers dustjacket shows some rubbing and minor loss to the top and bottom of the spine, no other loss noted.
The Return dustjacket has slightly more minor loss to the top and bottom of the spine, as well as closed tears to the upper & lower front flap fold area, with some tape reinforcement to the back of the dustjacket.
A beautiful set of First Editions of this classic of fantasy literature, with a custom marbled paper covered slipcase, to protect and house these 'precious' books.
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.