The Lord of the Rings – Fine Full Morocco Binding

Early UK Impressions – Rebound by Highdown Bindery (Lewes, 2025) – In Custom Slipcase

A handsome and finely executed three-volume set of The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien, comprising early UK impressions (11th / 5th / 4th), professionally rebound in 2025 by Highdown Bindery of Lewes, Sussex.

The original George Allen & Unwin editions have been sympathetically rebound in full forest green morocco, with restrained gilt titling to the spines. Each volume is lettered in gold and marked with one, two, and three gilt dots respectively to denote the sequence of the trilogy, with “J.R.R. Tolkien” at the foot.

The aesthetic is deliberately understated and elegant, avoiding excess ornament while enhancing both durability and presence. The result is a refined and cohesive set, equally suited to display and careful handling.

The craftsmanship is immediately apparent throughout. The volumes feature carefully executed spine shaping, hand-sewn headbands in complementary tones, and beautifully produced marbled endpapers. The marbling is the work of a now-retired British marbler, widely regarded among the finest practitioners in the field, and no longer producing work of this kind. The set is housed in a bespoke matching slipcase, providing both protection and a unified presentation.

Key Features:
- Three-volume set of The Lord of the Rings.
- Early UK impressions: 11th / 5th / 4th impressions.
- Originally published by George Allen & Unwin.
- Rebound in 2025 by Highdown Bindery (Lewes, UK).
- Full forest green morocco bindings.
- Gilt titling to spines with volume designation in gilt dots.
- Hand-sewn headbands in complementary tones.
- Custom marbled endpapers by a now-retired master marbler.
- Housed in a bespoke matching slipcase.

Condition:
- A beautifully preserved and recently completed binding, presenting in excellent condition.
- Morocco bindings remain clean, supple, and well-executed throughout.
- Gilt titling and decoration remain bright and crisp.
- Interiors are clean and fresh, with no writing, tears, or markings.
- Maps are present and in excellent condition, free of annotation.
- Text blocks remain even and well-preserved.
- Since rebinding, the volumes have not been read.
- Slipcase remains in excellent condition, with only minimal signs of handling.

A finely crafted and thoughtfully executed set, combining the authenticity of early UK impressions with the elegance and durability of a modern full morocco binding — a refined collector’s presentation of Tolkien’s great trilogy.

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Interested: Please send email to info@tolkienlibrary.com.