The History of Middle Earth, Volumes 1 - 12 All 1st Impressions with Custom Slipcases

London: Allen & Unwin, Unwin Hyman, Harper Collins, 1983. First Edition. Hardcover. Near Fine/Very Good Plus. J.R.R. Tolkien. 8vo - over 7¾ - 9¾" tall. The History of Middle Earth, Volumes 1 - 12. All 1st Impressions with matching original dustjackets. A complete History of Middle Earth, in Twelve Volumes, housed in 3 custom leather slipcases. All 12 volumes are Very Good Plus/Near Fine condition in their matching original dustjackets. Only the lightest of rubbing to the dustjackets, minor edgewear on dustjacket of #4 along with a small closed tear to lower back panel edge. A slight bit of fading to the spine of #5 & #7, none noted to the other dustjackets No previous owners names in any of the books, except for #5, a small name to front pastedown and date to rear pastedown, where they are hidden by the dustjacket flaps. An outstanding set for the collector. Allen and Unwin first printings of the first 4 volumes, Unwin Hyman first printings of the second 4 volumes, and Harper Collins first printings of the final 4 volumes. Two of the 12 volumes, #9 & #10 are price clipped, with one of those, #9, having the Harper Collins price sticker, so it was very likely clipped and repriced from the publisher. Points of issue on the 12 books are as follows: No price on dustjacket #1, #2,and #11. Price on dustjackets #3, #5, #6, #7, #8, and #12. A&U price sticker on #4 and #9. No names or writing in any of the books. No foxing or offsetting inside any of the books, there is some foxing to the outer edge of the textblock on a couple of the books. The first four books, published by Allen & Unwin have the topstain on the top edge. The final 3 volumes have the lightest toning to the edges of the text block on #10 and #11, with #12 being significantly more toned as so often found. Edited by Christopher Tolkien from his father's manuscripts, detailing the evolution of Tolkien's life long works dealing with Middle Earth. Custom black leather covered slipcases to house and protect this lovely collection. Digital photo's available, inquire if interested. Other Tolkien books available, include both the UK and US editions, original cloth bindings, custom fine bindings, and Signed/Numbered/Limited Editions. Near Fine / Near Fine. Near Fine / Very Good Plus.