Proofs for the Lord of the Rings trilogy

Lot 144
06.10.2022 12:00UTC -05:00
Classic
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$ 60 480
AuctioneerCHRISTIE'S
Event locationUSA, New York
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ID 813728
Lot 144 | Proofs for the Lord of the Rings trilogy
Estimate value
$ 20 000 – 30 000
Proofs for the Lord of the Rings trilogy

J.R.R. Tolkien, 1954

TOLKIEN, John Ronald Reuel (1892-1973). Lord of the Rings Trilogy – The Fellowship of the Ring. London: Allen & Unwin, 1954. [With:] – The Two Towers. London: Allen & Unwin, 1954. [And:] – The Return of the King. London: Allen & Unwin, 1954.



Rare advance proofs for the first editions of the Lord of the Rings trilogy, a very fresh set. Loosely inserted to volume 1 is a slip bearing the compliments of the publisher, signed “L.G. Berry.” Hammond notes for Fellowship of the Ring that "the publisher's cost book records 20 copies bound in wrappers (not seen), presumably for review and samples" (A5a.i.). No copies in wrappers are recorded for the other two volumes. Interestingly the price on the cover label for is recorded as "about 21s". All three first editions were eventually published with a price of 21 shillings.



Three volumes, octavo (222 x 140mm). Half titles, vol. 1 with folding map at rear printed in black and red (vol. 2 with 90 mm closed tear to one page affecting upper corner of text, vol. 3 with some foxing to prelims, faint bump to upper corners of last two vols). Plain brown wrappers, vol. 2 only with typed labels with title, author, and price to upper cover (a little minor soiling and creasing, vol. 1 with minor repair to paper at upper spine). Custom chemises and quarter morocco slipcase.

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