J.R.R. Tolkien – The Silmarillion – UK Hardback – 1977 First Edition, First Impression (Export Issue)

George Allen & Unwin Hardcover – Tolkien-Designed Dust Jacket – William Clowes & Sons Printer

A desirable example of the first UK hardback edition of The Silmarillion, published by George Allen & Unwin, London, and edited by Christopher Tolkien. This issue is particularly sought after for its striking dust jacket design by J.R.R. Tolkien, created to complement the contemporary hardback designs for The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings.

The copyright page states “First published in 1977” and the book carries the publisher’s ISBN 0 04 823139 8. This copy was printed and bound in Great Britain by William Clowes & Sons Ltd. (London, Beccles & Colchester), as recorded in the book.

The dust jacket on this copy is the unpriced (export-issue) variant (no price printed to the front flap), a point often noted by collectors and booksellers for this edition.

Condition

The book is in very good condition overall. The binding is sound and square, and the text is clean. The dust jacket shows light handling/rubbing consistent with careful use. Please note: there are pencil notes to the front endpaper (see photographs).

An attractive first UK hardback of The Silmarillion, with Tolkien’s own cover design and the unpriced export-issue jacket variant.

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