The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien - First American Edition Set (1954–1956) with Original Dust Jackets.
Rare first American edition set of The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien, published by Houghton Mifflin from 1954 to 1956. Complete with original dust jackets and maps in good to very good condition. A sought-after collectible for Tolkien enthusiasts.
Title: The Lord of the Rings
The Fellowship of the Ring (1954)
The Two Towers (1955)
The Return of the King (1956)
Author: J.R.R. Tolkien
Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Company, Boston
Binding: Blue cloth with gold lettering on the spine and front cover
Condition: Good to very good condition overall, with original dust jackets
Rare and collectible first American edition set of The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien, published by Houghton Mifflin between 1954 and 1956. This set includes all three volumes—The Fellowship of the Ring (1954), The Two Towers (1955), and The Return of the King (1956)—each complete with their original dust jackets and fold-out maps. A highly sought-after set for Tolkien enthusiasts and rare book collectors.
The Fellowship of the Ring (1954)
Book Condition: Very good. No markings or inscriptions inside. The binding is tight, and the fold-out map at the back is intact and in excellent condition.
Dust Jacket Condition: Very good. The dust jacket is well-preserved with minor wear and some light foxing, especially on the spine and at the top edges. No significant tears or damage.
The Two Towers (1955)
Book Condition: Good. The binding is solid, with no loose pages. The interior is clean, with no marks or inscriptions, and the fold-out map at the back is intact. Please refer to the photos for detailed images of the condition, particularly regarding wear on the cover.
Dust Jacket Condition: Good. There is noticeable wear, with some fading on the spine and edges. Minor foxing is present, but the dust jacket remains largely intact with no major tears.
The Return of the King (1956)
Book Condition: Very good to excellent. The binding is tight, with no marks, inscriptions, or loose pages. The fold-out map is present and in excellent condition.
Dust Jacket Condition: Very good to excellent. Minimal wear and no major flaws, making this dust jacket the best preserved of the three. Colors are vibrant, and there are no significant signs of foxing or fading.
This set represents the first publication of The Lord of the Rings in the United States by Houghton Mifflin, making it a significant collectible.
All three volumes retain their original dust jackets, which feature Tolkien’s iconic designs.
Each book contains its original fold-out map at the back, a key feature of the first editions.
This set is highly prized among collectors for its connection to the early popularity of Tolkien’s masterpiece in the United States.
This set is a remarkable find for Tolkien enthusiasts and rare book collectors. It offers a glimpse into the early reception of Tolkien’s masterpiece in the U.S. and comes in a well-preserved state despite its age. The original dust jackets, combined with the clean and intact bindings, make this a truly special set.
Pictures (click to enlarge):
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