Original transparency for slipcase to the deluxe edition of The Lord of the Rings. Allen & Unwin - 1963- 1964.

Original tungsten 'Kodak Safety Film' colour transparency, Three-Point Reflection Guide colour-bar to left of image with grey-scale colour bar to right, 14 x 11 inch approx., preserved and protected between two sheets of acetate with 'Vibicolor' sticker at head, fine (Hammond & Anderson p. 98).

An ultra-large format (ULF) Kodak transparency taken directly from the original artwork by Pauline Baynes, and showing her pencilled registration marks thereupon - one of likely two (possibly three) such transparencies used to illustrate the slipcase of the deluxe edition Lord of the Rings from 1963-4. An interesting survival, which gives a vivid reproduction of this striking image, the transparency constitutes one half of the triptych that the slipcase depicts - showing the erupting Mount Doom from 'The Return of the King' beside a portion of the central panel representing 'The Two Towers'.

The use of arching trees to create the border of each, and the grotesque creatures (these Baynes's creation, without any particular textual referents), demonstrate her ability to balance a sense of scale with a fineness of detail - a combination that made her the perfect illustrator for both Lewis and Tolkien.

The film - identified by its notches as Kodak Ektachrome 64T - has not suffered any loss in quality since it was originally produced and could still be used (with the agreement of the copyright holder, of course) for its original purpose of making an accurate and detailed print of this image.

This is the closest thing, in terms of the vividness of the reproduction, to Pauline Baynes's original artwork and a fascinating part of the publication history of the trilogy.

A beautiful copy, scarce in original dustjacket in absolute Fine condition.

A highly collectable rare item, for the serious Tolkien collector.

Digital photo's available, inquire if interested.

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