The Tolkien Library Box set was published in 1978 by George Allen & Unwin. It includes The Hobbit, three volumes of The Lord of the Rings and The Silmarillion.

J.R.R. Tolkien. George Allen & Unwin, 1978. Five hardbacks in dustjackets and the publisher's slipcase.

ISBN 0048231584.
5 hardbacks in dustjackets in publishers slipcase.
Hammond pp.55 & 138.

The slipcase features the photograph of J.R.R. Tolkien by Billett Potter. It has fading, surface rubbing, bumped edges and corners, and a small area of loss at the upper edge near the opening. It retains its printed panels and Tolkien portrait.

The original catalogue records The Hobbit, fourth edition, 1978; The Silmarillion, first edition, fourth impression; and the second-edition Lord of the Rings in 1978 impressions: eleventh impression of The Fellowship of the Ring and tenth impressions of The Two Towers and The Return of the King.

All five books retain their illustrated dustjackets. There is rubbing and creasing at the jacket spine ends, light bumping to the books and spotting or marks to the coloured top edges. The fore-edges appear generally clean.

A complete five-volume Tolkien Library set, with its original illustrated jackets and distinctive portrait slipcase.


Digital photographs available; enquire 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.