The Lord of the Rings — Three Volume Set — True UK First Impressions — George Allen & Unwin — In Original Dust Jackets & Custom Slipcase.

A true UK first impression set of The Fellowship of the Ring, The Two Towers, and The Return of the King, all in their original dust jackets and housed in a bespoke gilt-decorated slipcase.

Bibliographic Details
Author: J.R.R. Tolkien
Title: The Lord of the Rings (in three volumes)
Publisher: George Allen & Unwin Ltd., London
Dates: 1954–1955
Edition: First Edition
Impressions: True UK First Impressions (all three volumes)
Binding: Original red cloth bindings
Dust Jackets: Original “Eye” design dust jackets

Offered here is a matched three-volume first edition set of The Lord of the Rings, comprising The Fellowship of the Ring, The Two Towers, and The Return of the King, each a true UK first impression published by George Allen & Unwin between 1954 and 1955. The books retain their original red cloth bindings and are complete with the iconic “Eye” dust jackets designed by Tolkien himself.

The dust jackets show overall toning, edge wear, creasing and small tears and chips at the extremities. The Two Towers jacket is noticeably darker in tone than the other two volumes. Clear protective covers are present, with tape visible on the covering of The Two Towers. The front flap of The Fellowship of the Ring is clipped at the lower corner; the other two front flaps retain their printed prices. The photographs show the jackets both inside and outside their protective covers.

The books themselves remain structurally sound. The red top stains are present, with The Two Towers showing more pronounced mottling. There is spotting on the page edges and on the early leaves of The Two Towers. The red cloth of The Fellowship of the Ring has patchy pale marking, visible on the boards. The bindings show rubbing at the extremities. All three folding maps are present, as shown in the photographs.

The three volumes are housed in a custom-made red slipcase with gilt decoration to the front panel, featuring the Eye motif encircled by Tengwar lettering, with additional Tengwar script above and below. The interior is lined in black and includes a ribbon pull for ease of removal. The case provides both protection and an elegant presentation appropriate to a work of this importance.

True UK first-impression sets in original dust jackets have become increasingly difficult to assemble. Presented here as a complete, uniform trio and enhanced by a bespoke slipcase, this set represents an increasingly scarce opportunity to acquire one of the defining works of twentieth-century literature in its original form.

A complete set of true UK first impressions in original dust jackets, housed together in a custom gilt-decorated slipcase.

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.