J. R. R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, 1st, 1962,63. Set Impr. 13,9,9

  

Allen & Unwin 1963, 62, 62, impressions 13, 10, 9, 1963 set. The dust jackets are a bit grubby and spotty on the spines, there minor paper loss to spine ends, less than usually found. Repair made to lower spine of TT, which also has a small stain to the lower rear cover. The other two books have minor spotting in places to the covers, but no serious issues.

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.