The Lord of the Rings 1956 Set, Imp. 5, 4, 3 The Fellowship of the Ring, Two Towers, Return of the King

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Allen and Unwin. 1956, 56, 57 Impressions 5,4,3 This is the better of two similar aged sets we are selling. The other set has faint tape marks, this set has no marks or inscriptions. A lovely first edition set. Dust jacket are grey rather than tan, which is much closer to the original unfaded colour. This is now extremely hard to find, in any condition. Uniform fading to jacket colours, but very little tattering to spine ends. Jackets were re-used in these early sets FotR has 6th jacket, TT a 3rd. RotK 3rd. We have indicated in previous listings impressions 7,5,4 or 7, 4,3 in all probability could have been purchase as a set of three titles in the bookshops of the day, some with the first ever slipcases. Much less common, but equally probable in distribution is this 5,4,2 (or combo of) impressions which is the very earliest "production set" published in 1956. It is the uniform aging that confirms the books have been kept together likely from purchase, In this case the previous owner confirm an aunt bought them new. We feel these very early, cherished sets are special having been purchased before Tolkien's works became so famous and iconic. These early collectors were trend setters of the day. We advise our investment customers to buy the earliest set you can afford, in the best condition possible.These sets will appreciate the fastest. Seller Inventory # 002466

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