Tolkien Library Store - Original Cloth Bindings - Boxed sets

The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings, Four Paperback Book Boxset from 1974, Unread, Uncreased Spines, Very Near Fine Condition, Red Slipcase

#001256 - The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings, Four Paperback Book Boxset from 1974, Unread, Uncreased Spines, Very Near Fine Condition, Red Slipcase - sold


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

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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 than the Barbara Remington designs as found on previous issues.
These paperback books are in Near Fine condition.
All four books appear unread, showing no creases to the spines.
Still fit into the box, not as tightly as usual.
No names or markings, 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 spots of color loss.
Overall a Near Fine set in wonderful condition.
The Hobbit is a 42nd printing from September 1973, The Fellowship is a 43th printing
September 1973, The Two Towers is a 40th printing September 1973, and the Return of the King is a 39th printing September 1973.
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 one of the earliest from that period.
Very unusual to find a set that has not been damaged after 40 years. The textblock is not aged, with the pages crisp and clean, not tanned as is common.
No names or markings, no creases to the spines, and no edgewear to the covers.

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.

Pictures (click to enlarge):
 
 
 
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Interested: Please send email to info@tolkienlibrary.com.