The Lord of the Rings – Ace Books Unauthorized Paperback Set (1965) – Double Inscribed by Jack Gaughan to Dr. Donn Stephan.

A historically important Ace “pirate” set featuring two separate inscriptions by illustrator Jack Gaughan to Tolkien collector Dr. Donn Stephan.

This is the infamous 1965 Ace Books unauthorized paperback edition of The Lord of the Rings, the first mass-market paperback appearance of Tolkien’s work in the United States.

Produced without Tolkien’s consent under a disputed copyright loophole, these editions sparked one of the most significant publishing controversies in modern literary history and directly led to the authorized Ballantine editions later that same year.

The distinctive covers and title pages were created by Jack Gaughan (1930–1985), whose bold, expressive and often surreal artwork became inseparable from this landmark edition and played a key role in bringing Tolkien to a wide American readership.

Association: Dr. Donn Stephan
Both inscriptions are addressed to Dr. Donn Stephan, a recognised Tolkien collector active during the formative years of modern Tolkien bibliography.

He is acknowledged in J. R. R. Tolkien: A Descriptive Bibliography by Wayne G. Hammond and Douglas A. Anderson (1993), one of the foundational reference works in Tolkien collecting.

This association places the set within the circle of early dedicated collectors whose efforts contributed to the documentation and development of Tolkien bibliography as it is known today.

Dual Inscriptions by Jack Gaughan
This set contains two separate inscriptions, offering a rare sense of continuity and personal interaction:

– The Two Towers:
“One more time Donn — thanks — Jack Gaughan”

– The Return of the King:
“To Dr. Donn who understands, it seems, more than just the vagaries of one's bowels — Jack Gaughan 5/65”

Together, these inscriptions reveal a familiar and informal rapport between artist and collector — far more engaging than the typical single-volume dedication.

Contents
– The Fellowship of the Ring (Ace A-4)
– The Two Towers (Ace A-5, inscribed)
– The Return of the King (Ace A-6, inscribed)

Condition
A well-used but complete and honest set, typical of surviving Ace paperbacks.

– Noticeable spine wear, creasing, and rubbing to all volumes
– Covers worn with edge wear and small losses
– Price sticker to The Two Towers
– Paper toned throughout as usual
– Some staining and handling wear visible internally
– Bindings remain sound and fully readable

The inscriptions remain clear and fully legible.

Collector’s Note
Unsigned Ace sets are increasingly difficult to source, and association copies are scarce. Sets bearing multiple inscriptions by Jack Gaughan are exceptionally rare.

While this example shows evident signs of use, it offers something far more elusive: a documented and personal connection between the artist who defined this edition and an early Tolkien collector recognised within the field.

A highly evocative and historically rich example of one of the most controversial — and influential — Tolkien editions ever produced.

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