We are the oldest and largest specialist JRR Tolkien book dealer in the world.  We don't have a day job doing something else or sell many other authors, just Tolkien first editions for over 23 years.  We are not a general book dealer or new start-up jumping on the Tolkien bandwagon. We were a enthusiastic collectors prior to starting our Tolkien book business in 2002. We have been a fan and private collector for over 40 years.  We seen, in person, many thousands of copies, not just photographs on the internet like many Tolkien collecting fan websites.  These sites depend mostly on conventional wisdom for authentication, what they think is correct because it's not yet been disproved otherwise.  This does not make facts.  The publishers records were long lost. While Tolkien first editions books are fairly easy to identify, assessing condition is every thing to the price you should pay.  The difference between average or worn and true fine condition can be thousands.  As experts with direct hands on experience in what is likely to come up for sale, we can advise the new and experiences collector alike.  Don't take chances with your hard earned money, buy the best from the best.  Festival Art and Books