Pictures by J.R.R. Tolkien - First Edition, First Printing 1979 - Original Slipcase

George Allen & Unwin, London, 1979; first edition and first printing in the publisher's original pictorial slipcase.

This landmark large-format volume gathers Tolkien's paintings, drawings and decorative designs, many of them first reproduced in the Tolkien calendars of 1973–1979. Christopher Tolkien provides a substantial foreword and detailed notes identifying the origins and context of each image. Forty-eight subjects are presented with preliminary drawings or source material facing the finished colour plates.

Bound in brown cloth with Tolkien's monogram and spine lettering in gilt. The original gold-and-black slipcase is present, with portions of its protective shrink-wrap still retained. ISBN 0-04-741003-5.

Condition:
The book is near fine: the cloth and gilt remain bright, and the photographed pages are clean. The original slipcase is very good, with light scuffing, edge wear and splits or losses to the surviving shrink-wrap; these details are clearly shown in the photographs.

The photographs show the exact copy offered.

A beautifully preserved first edition of Tolkien's own art, complete with the original slipcase that is so often missing or damaged.