Description
A complete first-edition trilogy of Tolkien’s masterpiece, in original dust jackets.
Comprising:
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The Fellowship of the Ring — Fourth Impression
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The Two Towers — Third Impression
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The Return of the King — First Impression
All volumes are published by George Allen & Unwin and represent the true first edition, being printed from the original setting of type. Each volume retains its original cloth binding and its original Tolkien-designed dust jacket featuring the iconic “Eye of Sauron” motif. All folding maps are present and correct.
The books are internally clean, with light age-toning consistent with mid-1950s production. The dust jackets are original and unrestored, showing moderate wear at the extremities, light creasing, and some spine fading, but remaining complete and visually strong. The cloth boards are sound, with minor rubbing at spine ends.
Edition Statement
Although later impressions, all three volumes belong to the first edition of The Lord of the Rings, defined bibliographically as the first setting of type published by George Allen & Unwin. These impressions predate later textual revisions and are highly desirable to collectors as early, authoritative printings of Tolkien’s text.
Rarity & Importance
Complete first-edition sets of The Lord of the Rings in original dust jackets are increasingly scarce. Many surviving copies are found without jackets or with significant restoration. This set remains entirely original and complete, preserving its historical and collectible integrity.
The presence of original dust jackets—especially across all three volumes—greatly enhances both rarity and value, placing this set firmly within the upper tier of modern literary collectibles.
J. R. R. Tolkien: Author & Context
John Ronald Reuel Tolkien (1892–1973) was a philologist and professor of Anglo-Saxon at Oxford University whose academic expertise in early languages and myth profoundly shaped his fiction. Drawing on Old English, Norse, Celtic, and Finnish traditions, Tolkien constructed a fully realized mythology of exceptional depth and coherence.
The Lord of the Rings, published between 1954 and 1955, expanded the scope of fantasy literature and established conventions that define the genre to this day. Initially issued in relatively small print runs due to post-war constraints, the work gained stature through critical acclaim and reader devotion, eventually becoming one of the most influential literary achievements of the twentieth century.
The original Allen & Unwin editions—particularly those retaining Tolkien’s own jacket designs—are regarded as the definitive collectible form of the work, representing the text and presentation as Tolkien first intended.
Summary
A desirable and authentic complete first-edition set of Tolkien’s masterpiece, comprising early impressions and retaining all original dust jackets and maps. An essential cornerstone for any serious collection of modern literature, fantasy, or twentieth-century first editions.
