Allen and Unwin. 1961, 1961, 1961 Impressions 11, 8,7 Its been some years since I’ve seen later printing first editions sets this fine. Suddenly two come along (see my other listing). Incredible condition dust jackets. No tears, original grey colour. Books have been read indicating the dust jackets have been kept in storage off the books to have remained as-new. Extremely rare in this condition. I do not expect to see another. Slipcase is equally fine. By early 1960’s fand did know to take care of their books.
These earlier printing first edition sets are getting harder to find in collectible/ investment condition. This set is amazing as you will find out, just send them back if they are not as described. How bright and unique is it? Take note of the photo of the different set spines.
The are up to 15 printings/impressions of the first edtion titles. Originally sold seperate titles of the three books, later as sets of the three titles some with a limited number of slip cases. Impressions were mixed numbers, but by the 1960’s sold the same year as a set. The 1950’s hardback were too expensive for ordinary means people. There are six styles of slipcase for the periods they were first sold as sets. We value these first editions according to date and wear. The older and less wear, they become incrementally more expensive. Price is a tradeoff between date and wear. The later printings with less wear can be as expensive as early printings with more wear and damage. Our advice as investment is buy the most expensive set you can afford. A set of fine first edtions recently sold at auction for over $300,000. This pushes up prices for all first edition sets. The appreciation in value will be much greater at the lower price ranges as there’s more demand because of the affordability. We first built our own collection buying, upgrading and selling early first edtions set.
Top tip. One note on severly damaged or missing dust jackets. Even early printing books without dust jackets will rise in value. Many damaged dust jackets get restored. There are exponentially more new and immediate colllectors, than at the very high end. However, its new record prices at the high end the drive up all prices by lifting the old price ceiling. Those willing to buy only the best of the best, at any price, are good for a lively collectors market as with high demand and limited supply, lower priced sets appreciate at a faster rate than the highest price.
We are the oldest and largest specialist JRR Tolkien book dealer in the world. We don’t have a day job doing something else or sell many other authors, just Tolkien first editions for over 23 years. We are not a general book dealer or new start-up jumping on the Tolkien bandwagon. We were a enthusiastic collectors prior to starting our Tolkien book business in 2002. We have been a fan and private collector for over 40 years. We seen, in person, many thousands of copies, not just photographs on the internet like many Tolkien collecting fan websites. These sites depend mostly on conventional wisdom for authentication, what they think is correct because it’s not yet been disproved otherwise. This does not make facts. The publishers records were long lost. While Tolkien first editions books are fairly easy to identify, assessing condition is every thing to the price you should pay. The difference between average or worn and true fine condition can be thousands. As experts with direct hands on experience in what is likely to come up for sale, we can advise the new and experiences collector alike. Don’t take chances with your hard earned money, buy the best from the best. Festival Art and Books
Condition, Condition, Condition! As Tolkien book collecting grows in popularity, the availability of collectible/investment original condition books and jackets disappears. It is not just the printing/edition that matters to thevalue, but that serious collectors want only the best condition. Books with damaged jackets or even no jackets at all, are now increasing in price, driving up the price of complete and better condition copies. You could have a poor copy worth only £200 or a fine copy worth £20,000. That’s how important condition is to value. You should always buy the best you can afford original jackets, early printing and very good or better. Unlike other genre’s, the market for Tolkien early editions is quite mature and well established. It is not a matter of waiting for a better copy to come along.There aren’t going to be any! There are no more hiding in the attic or charityshops. People sell off their more worn copies when theyupgrade and now leave their collections to their children. We’ve been a specialist dealer for 25 years. Some examples that were plentiful just two years ago are now completely gone or only the dregs appear. Astime goes on, you’ll pay more money, for less condition. First editions TheLord of the Rings and Hobbits remain the most in demand. If you like it, can afford it, then buy it while its available!
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