Tolkien Library Store - Original Cloth Bindings - Boxed sets

The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings, Four Paperback Book Boxset from 1974, Red Slipcase
#clp0269 - The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings, Four Paperback Book Boxset from 1978, Red Slipcase - sold

Paperback set housed in the Publishers Red pictorial slipcase, featuring Heraldic symbols drawn by J.R.R. Tolkien

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The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings, by J.R.R. Tolkien.
A paperback set housed in the Publishers 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 good condition.
No names or markings in The Hobbit, The Fellowship of the Rings has previous owner name "J.A. Holben, Jan. 22,1976", The Two Towers "J.A. Holben, 3-26-76" and The Return of the King "Jane Holben 5.4.76". The last two volumes also hold a tiny sticker "$1.50", while The Hobbit has the normal printed $2.50 and The Fellowship of the Ring the $1.50. There is also a $1.50 sticker on The Two Towers spine and are signs a similar sticker once stuck on the spine of The Return of the King as well.

The textblock is very clean and bright, unlike most sets from this era. The spines look broken from reading and show some loss to top and bottom
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.

The Hobbit is a 71st printing from November 1978, The Fellowship of the Ring, The Two Towers and The Return of the King are all 7th printing December 1969.

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. It is even strange to see these 1969 books sit inside this box!

A great find for the collector and a lovely set with the heraldic symbols by J.R.R. Tolkien.

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.