The Two Towers by J.R.R. Tolkien

Second impression of the first edition of The Two Towers, published in 1955 by George Allen & Unwin

The Two Towers
J.R.R. Tolkien
2nd Impression, 1st Edition – 1955
George Allen & Unwin, London

This is the second impression of The Two Towers, part of the first edition of J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings, published by George Allen & Unwin in 1955. The second volume in the Lord of the Rings trilogy, The Two Towers continues the epic saga, following Frodo Baggins and the Fellowship of the Ring on their journey to destroy the One Ring. This particular impression was limited to only 1,800 copies.

The book is bound in its original red cloth with a faded spine showing a distinct golden gilt title and author's name. The cover shows some signs of wear, with faint spots and slight fading on the spine, characteristic of its age. Despite the exterior wear, the binding is firm and intact.

Inside, the front endpaper holds a previous owner's signature, "Daphne Cooper, Shrewsbury, May 1955," adding a personal touch of provenance to the book's history. Also included are original clippings of reviews from the time of publication, inserted on the inner covers, which adds significant value for collectors and enthusiasts of Tolkien's work. Also included is a cut from the front of the jacket and the back flap of the original jacket, the rest of the jacket is missing. The clippings have left marks on the front free papers leaving a brown stain on the paper.

The book does not include its original dust jacket, which was issued with the first edition and early impressions. A notable feature of the second impression is the folded map of the West of Middle-earth, located at the rear of the book, which remains in good condition. Some light foxing is visible on the pages, but the text block remains largely clean and readable.

Overall, this is a charming and rare piece of literary history for any serious Tolkien collector. The missing dust jacket and signs of wear are compensated by its significance as an early impression of The Two Towers.

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