Poems and Stories — 1980 First Deluxe Edition in Original Box

First Edition of the Illustrated Collection — 1980

Published in London by George Allen & Unwin in 1980, this is the first edition of J.R.R. Tolkien’s Poems and Stories, illustrated by Pauline Baynes and issued in the publisher’s deluxe binding and box. The copyright page states that the collection was first published in Great Britain in 1980, with no later impression listed. ISBN 0-04-823174-6.

The volume was typeset in 12 on 13 point Garamond by Bedford Typesetters Ltd and printed in Great Britain by W. & J. Mackay Limited, Chatham. Its generous page layout and coordinated use of black and orange printing give the collection a distinctive appearance.

Six Shorter Works, Illustrated by Pauline Baynes

The collection brings together The Adventures of Tom Bombadil, The Homecoming of Beorhtnoth Beorhthelm’s Son, On Fairy-Stories, Leaf by Niggle, Farmer Giles of Ham and Smith of Wootton Major. Together they range from verse and a dramatic response to the Battle of Maldon to Tolkien’s essay on fairy-stories and his shorter tales of imagination, comedy and Faërie.

Baynes’s illustrations include full-page pictures, decorative drawings and designs extending across facing pages. The photographed openings show the sombre scene accompanying Beorhtnoth, the lively feasting and dragon illustrations for Farmer Giles of Ham, and the richly detailed woodland scene for Smith of Wootton Major. A striking orange-and-white double-page design of birds among branching trees forms another part of the book’s visual presentation.

Original Deluxe Binding and Publisher’s Box

In the original black textured binding, with gilt spine lettering and rules and an elaborate tree stamped in gilt and green on the front board. Grey-and-white marbled endpapers and green-speckled page edges complete the presentation.

The original black two-piece publisher’s box accompanies the volume. Its cream paper label is printed in red and black with the title, Tolkien’s name and the designation “De Luxe Edition”. Both the book and its original box are included.

Condition

A very well-preserved copy, with bright gilt lettering, strong green-and-gold cover decoration and light handling wear to the binding. The marbled endpapers and photographed text and illustrated openings are clean and attractive, with the paper a light cream colour. The green-speckled edges remain distinct.

The original box is complete and sound, with rubbing and small scuffs at the edges and corners. The title label has light toning and scattered small surface marks. The box has protected the book well and remains an integral part of this copy’s original presentation.

Bibliographical reference: Wayne G. Hammond and Douglas A. Anderson, J.R.R. Tolkien: A Descriptive Bibliography, pp. 231–233.

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