The Lord of the Rings – First-Edition Set Signed in All Three Volumes

George Allen & Unwin. First edition, later impressions, 1957–1959.

All three volumes signed by J.R.R. Tolkien. These are later impressions of the first edition, not first impressions.

The Fellowship of the Ring, Seventh impression October 1957
The Two Towers, Sixth impression 1959
The Return of the King, Fifth impression 1959. 

An exceptional Fine set of first editions of this classic of fantasy literature, housed in a custom marbled paper slipcase.

The set is in Fine condition. All three volumes are in the correct impression dust jackets and are not price clipped.
The exterior cloth is extremely clean, with the gilt untarnished and bright and shows no bumped corners and rubs to the cloth. Only a small mark to the bottom of the spine, which also is repeated on the dust jackets.

The books look remarkable and the text block is bright and clean. In all three books on the front fly leaf there is an autograph by J.R.R. Tolkien.
Under the signature is stuck the exlibris from the previous owner and the address is stamped (and corrected) at the top right of the fly-leaf.
Another stamp with the address of the previous owner can be found on the last blank page.

The dustjackets are unfaded and untanned, with light soiling and small marks at the spines, possibly where protective sleeves were damaged. Tape used to attach these sleeves has left stains on the flyleaves. The ownership markings and tape stains qualify the overall fine assessment.

The companion signed copy of The Hobbit is catalogued separately and is not included in this listing.

The recorded provenance states that the books were purchased for The Notre Dame school in Oxford. The photographed ownership stamp is corrected to Convent of Notre Dame, 145 Woodstock Road, Oxford.
A Sr Julie Parry was the teacher of English and Classics at the school and she regularly attended Prof Tolkien's lectures.
On one occasion she asked Professor Tolkien to sign these books.

The school was closed in 1970 and the books were then taken into a Sisters' private collection where they have been ever since.

A triple-signed first-edition set with an Oxford school association and its individual ownership history preserved.

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.

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.