J.R.R. Tolkien, A Master!!!!

[Cordial Jim]

I know these don't have a whole lot of monetary value, but they mean a lot to me personally. I recently found a complete set of the first edition Ballantine paperbacks from 1965 in decent condition at a used book store. As you all know these were the first authorized paperbacks released (after the infamous Ace pirated editions). These were the ones that launched The Lord of the Rings into the stratosphere! In the same haul, I also found the first paperback edition of The Hobbit and The Tolkien Reader (both also Ballantine from 1966). In all my used book travels, I've very rarely come across these (and then they are usually in pretty bad shape). Usually the earliest editions of LotR you'll see are the Ballantine second editions from 1973. None of these are first printings, but I can't tell you how great it was to find these in the wild. I'm so excited to have these on my shelf!

[Merlin1958]

I know these don't have a whole lot of monetary value, but they mean a lot to me personally. I recently found a complete set of the first edition Ballantine paperbacks from 1965 in decent condition at a used book store. As you all know these were the first authorized paperbacks released (after the infamous Ace pirated editions). These were the ones that launched The Lord of the Rings into the stratosphere! In the same haul, I also found the first paperback edition of The Hobbit and The Tolkien Reader (both also Ballantine from 1966). In all my used book travels, I've very rarely come across these (and then they are usually in pretty bad shape). Usually the earliest editions of LotR you'll see are the Ballantine second editions from 1973. None of these are first printings, but I can't tell you how great it was to find these in the wild. I'm so excited to have these on my shelf!

Ironically, I am pretty sure that those are the PB's that I was given the first time I read LOTR back in high school!!! LOL Now, I try to collect the earliest HC printings I can afford and have since developed an unreasonable avoidance of any PB book, but that's a story for another time. Regardless, I can appreciate your joy for obtaining these personal treasures. They look to be in very nice condition!!!

My sincere congratulations to you!!!

[jhanic]

I read the Ace editions when they first came out. They were cheaper ($.75 vs $.95) and that .20 meant a lot back then. Alas, they are long gone now.

John

[mkb.redux]

Picked up a copy of J.R.R. TOLKIEN: ARTIST AND ILLUSTRATOR a few months back, and had misplaced it. In going through some boxes of stuff stored in my office moved yesterday we turned it up. Now, if I can only find the calendars!
A personal favorite:

[Merlin1958]

Very nice!!!!

[mkb.redux]

Thought I'd share a couple from my personal collection.

I've been collecting Tolkien since the 1970s; THE SILMARILLION was the first book that I bought, new, on day of issue. In collecting THE HOBBIT and THE LORD OF THE RINGS, I've never had the means to invest in high-quality early editions, so I've done the best that I can. While I've owned several variations of the limited editions of both, when I pared down my collections during harder times, those were among the first to go.

Starting with THE HOBBIT today. Both of these were purchased within the last ten years, both cost me less than $10.

This is a 22nd printing, the only second edition copy that I've ever owned. The jacket is... bad, but from all I can tell it's correct for the printing.



Also somewhat vintage, this 28th printing. It has the 1966 copyright and the ISBN on the copyright page, dating it after 1969; there is an inscription on the ffep dated 1972. As it happens, 1972 was the year I first read the book, so that adds a bit to the vibe.

[Merlin1958]

Thought I'd share a couple from my personal collection.

I've been collecting Tolkien since the 1970s; THE SILMARILLION was the first book that I bought, new, on day of issue. In collecting THE HOBBIT and THE LORD OF THE RINGS, I've never had the means to invest in high-quality early editions, so I've done the best that I can. While I've owned several variations of the limited editions of both, when I pared down my collections during harder times, those were among the first to go.

Starting with THE HOBBIT today. Both of these were purchased within the last ten years, both cost me less than $10.

This is a 22nd printing, the only second edition copy that I've ever owned. The jacket is... bad, but from all I can tell it's correct for the printing.



Also somewhat vintage, this 28th printing. It has the 1966 copyright and the ISBN on the copyright page, dating it after 1969; there is an inscription on the ffep dated 1972. As it happens, 1972 was the year I first read the book, so that adds a bit to the vibe.

I have a similar DJ but an earlier printing. When I really started going after these books the editions, the printings, etc are enough to drive you bat shit!!! LOL After awhile I just focused on the dates. I earmarked a couple thousand and bought the ones in my collection and then called it a collection. My most prized is "The Hobbit" UK 8th Impression, VF condition. TLOTR books are all U.S. early editions, 1958 or so, I think. Then I spent a few hundred on the Dolso cases, which to me, really make them something to look at and be proud of. If, you really get into these four books you can go bankrupt really fast!!! I think there are pics of mine in this thread, but if not they are in my collection thread, if you care to look. I have a 1/1 US Silmarillon, which I treasure as well. Then a few "special editions" and a couple peripheral ones like "Bilbo's last Song".

Great to see another, Tolkien collector here as well!!!

[mkb.redux]

And FELLOWSHIP...

Was looking back over this thread, and noted a comment about a collection/part of a collection lost to a flood. I lost my TWO TOWERS that way, and I've never owned a US or UK first of RETURN OF THE KING. These are nice to have (a 13th and 15th, respectively); the only better I had, I gave away before I understood the arcana of collecting Tolkien.

[herbertwest]

Nice copies !

I've seen this from Stephen Spignesi, today, on facebook :

On June 3, 1954, JRR Tolkien wrote to his British publisher Allen & Unwin about the dust jacket proofs for the soon-to-be-published "The Lord of the Rings":
I wish that I could say that I approve of the proofs of the jacket, herewith returned. I do not. I think they are very ugly indeed. But to be effective I should have been given an opportunity of criticism at an earlier stage.….I tell you what I think, since I am asked: tasteless and depressing. But surely asking my opinion is a formality. I do not suppose that any of my criticisms could be met without serious delay. I would rather have the things as they are than cause any more delay. But if this can be done without delay, I would like a different type for the title-lettering at least (on the page; the spine is passable).

[fearless-freak]

i got the more recent reprint of Unfinished Tales in hardback with tolkien's artwork on the cover

[sharki69]

The Hobbit by J. R. R. Tolkien, illustrated by Jemima Catlin (Slipcase Edition)

http://coles-books.co.uk/the-hobbit-...ipcase-edition

[fearless-freak]

i picked up a copy of The Lost Tales part 1 in paperback and its intresting to see where the basis of the later tales started

[sharki69]

Amazon has The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug (Blu-ray+DVD) for $10 (was $25) good price if you don't have it yet

http://www.amazon.com/Hobbit-Desolat...dp/B00HWWUQYY/

[Cordial Jim]

I drool every time I see pictures of those early Hobbit and Lord of the Rings hardcovers! What a thrill it must be to have those in your collection (whatever the printing # may be). I dug out my old copy of Karen Wynn Fonstad's The Atlas of Middle Earth (1981) the other day. I remember buying it with my own money just after it came out when I was 11. My book handling habits then were apparently not as refined as they are now.

[mae]

I still feel those recent Deluxe editions of most of Tolkien's books are some of the best-looking (and feeling) books out there. I guess after Beowulf the series is over?

[jhanic]

I drool every time I see pictures of those early Hobbit and Lord of the Rings hardcovers! What a thrill it must be to have those in your collection (whatever the printing # may be). I dug out my old copy of Karen Wynn Fonstad's The Atlas of Middle Earth (1981) the other day. I remember buying it with my own money just after it came out when I was 11. My book handling habits then were apparently not as refined as they are now.

I see a very well-loved book there!

John

[fearless-freak]

I still feel those recent Deluxe editions of most of Tolkien's books are some of the best-looking (and feeling) books out there. I guess after Beowulf the series is over?

because they're using tolkien's original artwork

[jsmcmullen92]

Here is my collection:
1, 6, 8, 8, 9, of HoME. Children of Hurin, over-sized last two books, illustrated edition by Alan Lee, 50th anniversary edition, and the green limited edition.

[sharki69]

Nice collection !

I have the green limited 1st printing - any idea what's the value (if any ?)

[Merlin1958]

I believe I have the exact same edition. Wonderful book!!! Unfortunately probably not worth more than $50-75 now. Didn't these become available at B&N a few years ago? I may be off base, but it sure looks the same. Lovely editions though!!

[jsmcmullen92]

Hate to say but it is only worth $30 - $35 You can still buy it new from B&N at price of $35. It's really "pretty" though and I do like it but probably will not become valuable until someone make a new Brown colored copy lol we now have gold and Green what could be next.

[fearless-freak]

i'm a volunteer at a charity shop and we came across this fine collection of tolkien books, i wanted them but the manager researched them and told me how much they were worth and we both agreed to ebay them

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/SET-12-J-R...item5670e57106

[Lookwhoitis]

I sure would like to read the History of Middle Earth

[jsmcmullen92]

Those are great books the only problem I see with them is that all but one are HarperCollins (Later edition) and the one good one Unwin Hyman (true UK). Given that I think I will still bid on them. Too bad you didn't offer them up on here 1st I would have hopped right on them. I've been trying to build my collection but cannot find the ones I am looking for.

[fearless-freak]

you looking for firsts?