3 volumes, 8vo (223 x 145 mm). Half-titles. Folding maps printed in red and black at rear of each volume. Original publisher’s red cloth, spines lettered and decorated in gilt with Tolkien’s ring device, top edges stained red; original first issue dust-jackets, priced 21s net (spines toned, minor chipping and creasing at extremities, light surface soiling, central designs complete and unrestored). — The Fellowship of the Ring (1954), [vi], 423, [1] pp., “First published in 1954” to verso; The Two Towers (1954), [vi], 352 pp., “First published in 1954” to verso; The Return of the King (1955), [vi], 416 pp., “First published in 1955” to verso, text complete with Appendix and Index, the name “Legolas” in its characteristic staggered typographical setting, corrected in later impressions. All three volumes retaining correct early maps and red top stain. Bindings firm and square, cloth bright with light rubbing at spine ends, volume one with thin stains to the front board, internally clean and without inscriptions. Rear panels with advertisements referencing The Hobbit (Second Edition, Fifth Impression) and Farmer Giles of Ham, consistent with early states. A very good, unrestored first impression set.

About

The Lord of the Rings is an epic high fantasy novel written by English author and scholar J. R. R. Tolkien. Set in Middle-earth, the story began as a sequel to Tolkien's 1937 children's book The Hobbit but eventually developed into a much larger work.