The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings, by J.R.R. Tolkien.
A four volume paperback set housed in the Publishers original Red pictorial slipcase, featuring the Heraldic symbols that were drawn by J.R.R. Tolkien.
These illustrations include the ones designed to represent Feanor, Idril Celebrindal, Earendil, Luthien Tinuviel, Fingolfin, Elwe, Luthien Tinuviel and Finwe.
This is one of the few published sets that includes all four books, The Hobbit, The Fellowship of the Ring, The Two Towers, and The Return of the King.
This is also the first set to feature the illustrations by J.R.R. Tolkien, as the covers of the book and slipcase, rather then the Barbara Remington designs as found on previous issues.
These paperback books are in Very Good Plus condition, with only the lightest of tanning to the spines. All four books appear unread, showing no creases to the spines. A couple of bent corners on The Two Towers, a couple of light initials on the back as well. Still fit into the box, rather tightly as usual.
No names, other than the initials on the back, the textblock is very clean and bright, unlike most sets from this era.
The slipcase has a few rubs and bumps, mainly to the corners and edges, plus some to the bottom with some color loss.
Overall a Very Good Plus set in wonderful condition.
The Hobbit is a 68th printing, The Fellowship is a 66th printing, The Two Towers is a 62th printing, and the Return of the King is a 60th printing, all from Jan and May 1978.
Hammond and Anderson's, A Descriptive Bibliography notes that "after the 40th (March 1973) and no later than the forty-second
(September 1973)", the Hobbit was sold in sets with the Lord of the Rings, housed "in a slipcase, gold (or blue, or red) printed paper over boards, featuring Heraldic devices by Tolkien."
This design was used until 1983, when the covers were changed again.
So this set is an early one from that period.
Very unusual to find a set that has not been damaged after almost 40 years.
A great find for the collector.
Minor rubbing to the slipcase, the only minor fault.
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.