The Fellowship of the Ring by J.R.R. Tolkien - First Edition, First Impression (1954) with Original Dust Jacket.

Rare first edition, first impression (1954) of J.R.R. Tolkien's *The Fellowship of the Ring*, featuring its original dust jacket and fold-out map. A valuable addition for any Tolkien collection.

The Fellowship of the Ring
J.R.R. Tolkien
1st Edition, 1st Impression, 1954
Published by George Allen & Unwin Ltd, London
Hardback in dust jacket
Cover illustration based on a design by J.R.R. Tolkien
Hammond Page Ref.: pp.82-99
Includes original fold-out map: “The West of Middle-earth at the End of the Third Age”

This is a rare and highly collectible 1st edition, 1st impression of The Fellowship of the Ring, published in July 1954. Only 3,000 copies were printed in this first edition, and this particular copy includes its original dust jacket, which is crucial for collectors.

The dust jacket is present and intact, though it shows visible signs of aging. The spine is faded with evident creases and some wear at the extremities. There is notable discoloration and soiling on the front and back covers, and there are a few small tears at the edges, as seen in the images. Despite these flaws, the iconic cover design featuring the Eye of Sauron and the One Ring, based on Tolkien’s own artwork, is still well-preserved. The dust jacket is priced at “21s net” as issued.

The red cloth boards are in good condition, though they show signs of wear, particularly on the spine, which is slightly faded and rubbed at the edges. The gilt title on the spine remains visible but has dulled somewhat with time. The corners are slightly bumped, and there are some minor marks on the boards.

The endpapers and pastedowns have significant discoloration, as shown in the images, with clear residue from previous tape or glue that has left marks on both sides. The front endpaper bears a previous owner’s signature, “Desmond Austin, March 1955,” adding a personalized touch to the book’s provenance. There is no foxing visible on the main text block, which remains clean and tightly bound.

The book includes the fold-out map of “The West of Middle-earth at the End of the Third Age” in excellent condition at the rear of the volume. The map is intact with no tears or significant creases, which is a rare feature, as these maps are often damaged or missing in many surviving copies.
This copy of The Fellowship of the Ring is a desirable example of the first edition, first impression. While the dust jacket shows its age with some fading and wear, the book itself is in good condition, with no major flaws aside from minor wear to the boards and endpaper discoloration. The inclusion of the original, well-preserved fold-out map adds to its collectibility.
This would be an excellent addition to any Tolkien collection, particularly for those seeking a complete first impression set of The Lord of the Rings.

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