Lord of the Rings Trilogy First Editions

5RR J. R. R. Tolkien, Great Britain 1954-1955. Rebound First Editions First Impressions

Notes

The Lord of the Rings is a high-fantasy epic written by British author J.R.R. Tolkien, originally published in three volumes between 1954 and 1955. The series, which includes The Fellowship of the Ring, The Two Towers, and The Return of the King, follows the journey of a young hobbit named Frodo Baggins as he attempts to destroy the One Ring, a powerful artifact created by the Dark Lord Sauron to rule over Middle-earth. The story explores themes of friendship, bravery, and the battle between good and evil, all set in the richly detailed world of Middle-earth, populated by diverse races such as elves, dwarves, men, and orcs. The books are a continuation of Tolkien’s earlier work, The Hobbit (1937), though The Lord of the Rings presents a much darker, more complex narrative.

J.R.R. Tolkien (1892–1973) was an English writer, philologist, and university professor, best known for creating the modern fantasy genre. He served as a professor of Anglo-Saxon at Oxford University, where his academic work deeply influenced his writing, particularly his mastery of languages, mythology, and ancient texts. Tolkien's experiences in World War I, where he served in the trenches, also shaped much of his writing, including his portrayal of the horrors of war and the resilience of individuals. His creation of Middle-earth, complete with its own languages, history, and cultures, remains one of the most influential works in literature, inspiring countless authors and adaptations. Tolkien’s life and work have left an enduring legacy, and The Lord of the Rings continues to captivate readers and viewers around the world.

Description

All three volumes bound in maroon leather with gilt details along the spine. Second and fourth compartments feature gilt lettering. Gilt boarder around the upper and lower boards. Marbled endpapers. All edges gilt. Housed in a maroon cloth slipcase with black silk ribbon. Smudge in lower left corner of page following publication of The Two Towers. Minimal fixing on final pages of The Return of the King. Maps included at the end of each book. The Fellowship of the Ring first edition first impression, The Two Towers first edition first impression, and The Return of the King first edition first impression. Pristine condition.