J.R.R. Tolkien: The Silmarillion (Clowes Dummy Copy – Variant 1)

George Allen & Unwin, 1977

A rare and unusual production state of The Silmarillion, issued by George Allen & Unwin as a pre-publication dummy in 1977. Printed by William Clowes & Sons, these dummy copies were distributed to booksellers ahead of the book’s formal release to solicit pre-orders and display shelf presence.

This copy corresponds to Variant 1 as identified by TolkienBooks.net and other Tolkien bibliographic sources:

– Printed up to page 32 only (includes title, copyright, foreword, and beginning of text)
– All following leaves are entirely blank
– Includes The Realms of the Noldor and the Sindar map facing page 121
– No map of Beleriand at rear (as issued; replaced by blank endpaper)
– Bound in dark navy cloth with gilt spine titles, blue-striped headbands, and blue topstain
– In unpriced export-style dust jacket with Tolkien-designed emblem art on front and rear

These dummies are **not proof copies** or advance reading editions, but internal promotional tools, and were never intended for retail sale. Their unusual unfinished state, along with low survival rate, makes them highly collectible.

Condition: Near fine overall. Dust jacket shows light handling wear and a couple of minor marks. Boards are sharp and unfaded. Interior very clean with only faint pencil annotations to front endpaper (possibly contemporary bookseller marks).

A true rarity and a fascinating artifact of Tolkien’s publishing history. Variant 1 — one of the earliest physical forms of The Silmarillion.

Digital photos available on request.

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