The Lord of the Rings – 1963 UK Deluxe Edition in Original Pauline Baynes Slipcase

An early deluxe presentation of Tolkien’s masterpiece, featuring the classic black buckram bindings and the iconic Pauline Baynes triptych slipcase.

This is a complete three–volume deluxe set of The Lord of the Rings, published by George Allen & Unwin in 1963, consisting of:

• The Fellowship of the Ring – 13th Impression (1963)
• The Two Towers – 10th Impression (1963)
• The Return of the King – 10th Impression (1963)

These impression states match the configuration documented for the 1963 deluxe issue.

The bindings are the characteristic black buckram with gilt spine lettering, bevelled boards, all edges gilt, and the original sewn-in silk markers. The books are clean inside, free from inscriptions, with tight and square bindings. Gilt edges show the expected light handling marks only. As often encountered with this edition, the spine of The Two Towers shows more fading than the companion volumes.

The set is housed in the original publisher’s slipcase with Pauline Baynes’s full-colour artwork forming the celebrated triptych design. The slipcase shows rubbing and wear to the panels and edges but remains structurally sound—still a much rarer survival than the books themselves.

A handsome and increasingly scarce early deluxe set, offering all the features that collectors look for: matching 1963 printings, gilt edges, clean interiors, and the original Baynes 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.