J. R. R. Tolkien, The Lord Of The Rings, First Edition, 1955 Set Imp. 3, 2, 1
Item History & Price
Allen and Unwin. All 1955, impressions 3, 2, 1. A very rare, early first edition set, Wear to the dust jackets especially spines, reading wear to the books. All are matching books and jackets impressions. These have become scarce in any condition and prohibitively expensive to most collectors in much better condition. We feel these early editions are more authentic as-is worn, and not restored. Tattering and paper loss to jacket spine ends and corners, esp...ecially of TT and FotR, FotR jacket is missing a 2 inch section from the lower spine with paper loss to the head as well. Seam and spine sections have been held together with clear archival tape to ensure there is no further damage. There are a few minor spots to the book covers, spine gilt is still present with FotR the most discoloration. All three have lean. Minor foxing to the front end pages of all three books. Yes, Fellowship of the Ring is shorter in height than the other two titles. The 2nd and 3rd printing were done by a different printer. At the time they were not thinking of the books sold as a set. This appears to be a one- owner set as there is a name inscription on all three volumes. Either purchased as a set on the release of RotK late 1955 or bought individually thereafter, unlikely as the impressions match. We have discussed the probability in our other listings of the earliest impression "set" you might purchase off the store shelf in the day. A 3, 2, 1 set like this was possible to find, but extremely rare. Other later impression mixes are more likely given random distribution in shops. We can't say with 100% certainly, but its likely. Autumn of 1957 was the first time you could buy all three titles together as a set with the first ever produced slipcase. You could never buy the first three printings of each book together at one time, (1, 1, 1) as they were printed over nearly two years. As a specialist dealer, we find our collectors want sets that have been kept together since their purchase. Firstly as the wear and aging is uniform, but also there's a charm to a set previously kept and cherished. Please note, all our listing are on other sites and could sell anytime. Don't be disappointed, buy now.
