J. R. R. Tolkien-THE LORD OF THE RINGS (1954-55)-1ST UK EDS, 1ST PRINTINGS, 3 VOLS

The Lord of the Rings Trilogy: The Fellowship of the Ring (1954); The Two Towers (1954); The Return of the King (1955). Title: The Lord of the Rings Trilogy: The Fellowship of the Ring (1954); The Two Towers (1954); The Return of the King (1955) Publication: London: George Allen & Unwin, 1954-55 Edition: First Edition. Bound in deep red morocco leather by Bayntun-Rivière, titled and decorated in gilt to spines with gilt "ring" devices to the compartments, and gilt embellishments to the raised bands. Internally clean and fresh, marbled endpapers.

First Impression of each volume; Third State of text in Return of the King, with signature mark "4" and slipped text on p. A very beautiful set indeed in an elegant signed morocco binding. Housed in a felt-lined red cloth slipcase with a red silk ribbon. From the library of Sylvia Jewkes, wife of Prof.

John Jewkes, both of whom were notable British economists and academic writers. Professor Jewkes was the Professor of Economic Organization at Merton College, Oxford, with his tenure and residence overlapping with that of J.

The two families were next door neighbors whilst Tolkien was writing Lord of The Rings, and the Jewkes' daughter Sally recalled Tolkien reading to her from his writings when she was a little girl. The books bear the ownership of Sylvia Jewkes in all three volumes, and are accompanied by a two page 1963 ALS response from Tolkien addressed to "Dear Jewkes" and recalling their close friendship during this period. The 2 page communication, dated December 17th 1963, is a rather beautiful example of Tolkien's correspondence as he enters old age. He thanks Professor Jewkes for his letter, and expresses how much pleasure it gave him; Very nice too, if a bit melncholy to recall the days when I was still an inhabitant at Merton, and I was lucky enough to have you as a next door neighbour.

" The two had shared a close collegiate relationship at Merton, but obviously drifted further apart as they both developed in their careers, a fact which Professor Tolkien addresses: "I do hope however you don't imagine I have been absent from table in recent years out of any kind of dudgeon or lack of Mertonian feeling. It has been simply due to my disabilities, personal and domestic... " He goes on to express his anxiety regarding the ill health of his wife Edith (who died in the same year as her devoted husband, 1971); "nearly every week is an adventure of uncertain result.

" Tolkien promises to make a special effort to attend a Merton College event in the coming term, and in a delightful post-script offers a very specifically Tolkien joy of the season: "Best Wishes for Christmas - We Ents do not really approve of Yule Logs! " In a departure from his more usual signing, he closes the letter "Ronald Tolkien with a flourish. A full transcription is available on request. A beautiful set in an artisanal binding, with a splendid and rather moving association.

Any first edition, first impression set of Lord of The Rings is desirable and sought after. Subject: Fantasy - Lost Race - Science Fiction, Modern Fiction. Lorne Bair Rare Books, ABAA. We are one of the country's leading specialists in the history, literature and art of American social movements. Over 25,000 items in-stock in the heart of Virginia's Shenandoah Valley. Our items are described using AB Bookman standards - the standard grading terms of the trade, originally promulgated by the trade publication The Antiquarian Bookman's Weekly back in 1949. We tend to be conservative in our grading, but even the best booksellers make an occasional mistake. Thus, we offer the following guarantee: All items will be received as advertised and in the condition described. Any item is returnable for any reason within 30 days of receipt (prior notice appreciated).

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