The Return of the King - J.R.R. Tolkien (1955) - Rare First Edition, First Impression.

Collectible First Edition, First Impression The Return of the King with Original Dust Jacket.

The Return of the King - First Edition, First Impression
By J.R.R. Tolkien
Published by George Allen & Unwin, 1955
Original Dust Jacket - An Exceptional Copy of the Third Part of “The Lord of the Rings” Trilogy

This listing is for a rare first edition, first impression copy of The Return of the King by J.R.R. Tolkien, published by George Allen & Unwin Ltd in 1955. This book is the third and final volume in the iconic The Lord of the Rings trilogy and represents a significant piece of literary history. This early impression maintains the original format and features, such as the distinctive red cloth binding and fold-out map.

The dust jacket is the true first state, book is the 1st impression 2nd state with the “4” showing as an error in the pagination on page 49.

The dust jacket shows notable wear and tear, with a faded and browned spine. There is evident foxing, discoloration, and small chips along the edges, particularly around the top and bottom of the spine. However, it is largely intact, which is uncommon for copies of this age. The dust jacket is unclipped, displaying the original price of “21s net” on the front flap. There are some tears and creasing, particularly to the top and bottom sections.

The red cloth boards are in good condition but exhibit signs of age and wear. The spine is slightly faded, with some bumping to the spine ends and corners. There is a patch of fading to the back cover, indicative of sun exposure or previous moisture contact. Despite this, the gilt lettering on the spine is still legible and bright.

The pages are complete, with some foxing and discoloration present, as is typical for books of this vintage. The map attached at the back is intact, clean, and well-preserved with no tears. There is an inscription on the front free endpaper, saying: “Nigel, with love from mummy,” which adds a touch of personal history to this unique copy.

The book remains securely bound, with no loose pages, ensuring its longevity for collectors or readers alike.

Additional Information:
Publisher: George Allen & Unwin Ltd, London, 1955
Page Count: 416 pages
Fold-out map of Gondor, Rohan, and Mordor at the rear endpapers

First edition, first impression with all correct issue points including “4” error on page 49
The Return of the King is not only a beloved fantasy novel but also a crucial part of J.R.R. Tolkien’s legacy. Owning a first edition, first impression copy is an extraordinary opportunity for collectors and fans of Tolkien’s work. While this copy shows signs of its age, it retains the charm and authenticity expected from a true first edition. This volume offers a remarkable glimpse into the history of The Lord of the Rings and stands as an enduring testament to Tolkien’s genius.

Copies of the 1st impression of The Return of the Kin are becoming increasingly scarce, making this an excellent investment for collectors. If you appreciate the timeless tales of Middle-earth, this is a chance to own a piece of literary history..

Terms of sale: Prices are only indications, always inquire if books are still available. We accept Money Orders, cash, or Credit Cards (paypal) for immediate shipping.  Checks will delay shipment for 10 days for checks to clear. Please inquire for shipping quotes.
Interested: Please send email to info@tolkienlibrary.com.