TOLKIEN, John Ronald Reuel (1892-1973). [The Lord of the Rings trilogy:] The Fellowship of the Ring. 1954. –– The Two Towers. 1954. –– The Return of the King. 1955. All London: Allen & Unwin Ltd.
Together, 3 volumes, 8vo (210 x 137 mm). Folding map tipped–in each volume. Full red niger gilt with the “Ring & Eye” design stamped on both covers, spines in 6 compartments with raised bands, 2 morocco lettering-pieces gilt, author’s gilt initials intertwined in bottom compartment, edges gilt, marbled endpapers; morocco-edged slipcase with suede lining.
SECOND IMPRESSIONS of the first edition (The Two Towers, although listed as a second impression, is actually a third impression due to the omission of the year on the title-page which was not originally noted in Hammond). A FINE SET of one of the best–selling book series of all time in a handsome binding. Hammond A5a–i, ii, and iii (first editions); Bleiler, Supernatural Fiction 1606–8; Pringle, Modern Fantasy: The Hundred Best Novels 16; Cawthorn & Moorcock, Fantasy: The 100 Best Books 76.