The Silmarillion – Signed Limited Deluxe Edition, 1998 – Number 450 of 500

Signed Limited Deluxe Edition — Number 450 of 500

A specially bound and slipcased issue of the first illustrated edition of J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Silmarillion, edited by Christopher Tolkien and illustrated by Ted Nasmith. Published by HarperCollins on 2 September 1998, it was limited to 500 numbered copies, each signed by the editor and the artist. This is number 450 of 500, with both Christopher Tolkien’s and Ted Nasmith’s signatures on the printed limitation page.

Christopher Tolkien assembled and edited his father’s mythology of the Elder Days for its first publication in 1977. The 1998 edition presented the work with Nasmith’s paintings for the first time; this signed deluxe issue gives that first illustrated edition a distinctive binding and matching publisher’s slipcase.

Illustrations, Text and Maps

The volume contains eighteen full-page colour paintings by Ted Nasmith, illustrating the landscapes, peoples and events of the First Age and the downfall of Númenor. The deluxe issue contains two fewer paintings than the standard illustrated trade edition: the two images used on that edition’s dust jacket are not reproduced here.

The text comprises Ainulindalë, Valaquenta, Quenta Silmarillion, Akallabêth and Of the Rings of Power and the Third Age, with genealogical tables, an index and an appendix on elements in Quenya and Sindarin names.

Christopher Tolkien’s map of Beleriand and the Lands to the North, coloured by H.E. Riddett, fills both the front and rear endpapers. The map of The Realms of the Noldor and the Sindar is printed within the volume. The deluxe edition is catalogued under ISBN 0-261-10373-3.

Original Deluxe Binding and Slipcase

In the publisher’s burgundy quarter-leather binding with rust-coloured cloth sides, a fine gilt rule at the leather-and-cloth join, gilt spine lettering and Tolkien’s monogram in gilt on the front board. The page edges are gilded and a ribbon marker is bound in. The matching rust-coloured cloth slipcase bears Tolkien’s monogram in gilt and accompanies this copy.

Condition

A fine, exceptionally well-preserved copy. The binding retains its rich colour, with clean cloth sides, bright gilt lettering and decoration, and lustrous gilt page edges. The photographed map endpapers, signed limitation page, text and colour-plate openings are clean and fresh.

The original matching slipcase retains its protective plastic wrapping. The book has been removed from the case and opened for photography; it is offered as an opened copy in fine condition.

This copy has been sold.

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.