THE LORD OF THE RINGS. by TOLKIEN, J. R. R.:

London, George Allen & Unwin Ltd., 1955-56.. 3 volumes (lacking dustwrappers), very early printings: The Fellowship of the King 5th impression 1956; The Two Towers 4th impression 1956; The Return of the King 2nd impression 1955. Approximately 230 x 140 mm, 9 x 5½ inches, folding map at rear of each book, plus in Volume I a full page map at page 24 and 3 illustrations: Ring inscription at page 59; Moria gate at page 319; and at page 333 Balin's tomb inscription, pages: 423, 352, 416, bound in the original publisher's red cloth, top edges red, gilt lettered spines. No inscriptions, gilt completely dulled on all spines, tiny slight bump to edge of tail of spines, very slight bump to head of spine on Volume II, merest hint of a crease to spine of Volumes I and III, minute bump to top corner of upper cover of Volumes II and III, free endpapers lightly browned; Volume I: tiny upper corner crease to 3 leaves (401-405); Volume II: tiny water spot on lower cover, 3 mm (1/8") faint mark to 2 lower margins (page 124 & 126); Volume III: tiny faint mark to margin page 22 and 282, binding crease to lower corner of pages 213 and 215, all perfectly legible (see image); otherwise contents in all three volumes bright and clean. A good tight set of early impressions, lacking dustwrappers. MORE IMAGES ATTACHED TO THIS LISTING, ALL ZOOMABLE, FURTHER IMAGES ON REQUEST. POSTAGE AT COST.