![TOLKIEN, J.R.R. (1892-1973). [The Lord of the Rings trilogy, comprising:] The Fellowship of the Ring. -- The Two Towers. -- The Return of the King. London: Allen and Unwin, 1954-55.](https://www.christies.com/img/LotImages/2012/CKS/2012_CKS_05334_0219_000(tolkien_jrr_the_lord_of_the_rings_trilogy_comprising_the_fellowship_of110418).jpg?w=1)
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TOLKIEN, J.R.R. (1892-1973). [The Lord of the Rings trilogy, comprising:] The Fellowship of the Ring. -- The Two Towers. -- The Return of the King. London: Allen and Unwin, 1954-55.
3 works in one volume, 8° (216 x 149mm). Folding map in each volume. Modern pictorial red morocco for Asprey & Garrard, the sides and free endpapers with scenes rendered in variously coloured morocco onlays, gilt turn-ins and red moiré silk doublures, gilt edges (spine very faintly faded).
FIRST EDITIONS OF TOLKIEN'S MASTERPIECE FINELY BOUND IN ONE VOLUME. In his phenomenally successful mythic trilogy, Tolkien attracted more than a cult following. According to the Dictionary of Literary Biography: 'Middle Earth seems almost consciously designed as a fictional, and some feel, allegorical, substitute for the technological, fragmented world of the twentieth century. In the last few decades, Tolkien has thus become a cult figure for those who feel spiritually displaced from the great meaningless heritage of man's sullied rule on earth and the terrifying proportions that this rule has ended in, the atomic age. If modern audiences and critics alike hunger for a world where 'Frodo lives', they do so because The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings trilogy draw on the satisfying, imaginative feast of moral substinence' (vol. 15, p. 522). But in a new preface to the 1965 edition Tolkien wrote: 'As for any inner meaning or "message", it has in the intention of the author none. It is neither allegorical nor topical'. The Return of the King is a first edition, second state without the signature '4' on p.49. Hammond and Anderson A5ai, A5aii, A5aiii; West A20, A21, A22.
3 works in one volume, 8° (216 x 149mm). Folding map in each volume. Modern pictorial red morocco for Asprey & Garrard, the sides and free endpapers with scenes rendered in variously coloured morocco onlays, gilt turn-ins and red moiré silk doublures, gilt edges (spine very faintly faded).
FIRST EDITIONS OF TOLKIEN'S MASTERPIECE FINELY BOUND IN ONE VOLUME. In his phenomenally successful mythic trilogy, Tolkien attracted more than a cult following. According to the Dictionary of Literary Biography: 'Middle Earth seems almost consciously designed as a fictional, and some feel, allegorical, substitute for the technological, fragmented world of the twentieth century. In the last few decades, Tolkien has thus become a cult figure for those who feel spiritually displaced from the great meaningless heritage of man's sullied rule on earth and the terrifying proportions that this rule has ended in, the atomic age. If modern audiences and critics alike hunger for a world where 'Frodo lives', they do so because The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings trilogy draw on the satisfying, imaginative feast of moral substinence' (vol. 15, p. 522). But in a new preface to the 1965 edition Tolkien wrote: 'As for any inner meaning or "message", it has in the intention of the author none. It is neither allegorical nor topical'. The Return of the King is a first edition, second state without the signature '4' on p.49. Hammond and Anderson A5ai, A5aii, A5aiii; West A20, A21, A22.
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