J. R. R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings 1961 Set, Fine/Fine

1961 Impressions 10,8,8 A fine first edition set, one of the finest we've seen. Printing technology reduced the costs of books considerably in the 60's.

Dust jacket are much closer to the original unfaded grey colour which is now extremely rare. Jacket spine red colour slightly faded, but none of the usual browning which is caused by damp/ mould to the exposed spines in damp climates like Britain.

11th impression jacket on the 10th FotR as issued. Minor tape residue on the flaps of the jackets end page of three books from once having plastic covers. TT you can just see a mark on the lower front cover when the light is just so.

Otherwise, not that visible in the Mylar. These hardly detract from the overall amazing fine condition overall. Books are equally fine, gilt bright, bindings tight.

Small tape marks to the inside end pages. Likely one finest set we will see for years, maybe even our lifetime. The number of jacketless sets and dregs on the market at the moment attest to the increasing rarity of these first edition sets with original jackets. You'll not see better. Please note, updated photos coming soon.

We have been a professional Tolkien dealer for over 20 years. All our photos are the actual item!

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 the value, 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. That's how important condition is to value. 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 charity shops. People sell off their more worn copies when they upgrade and now leave their collections to their children. We've been a specialist dealer for 20 years. Some examples that were plentiful just two years ago are now completely gone or only the dregs appear.

First editions The Lord of the Rings and Hobbits remain the most in demand.