Allen & Unwin, 1980, Book and slipcase are fine, a few light wear and stains spots to label on box. Book as new.
As good as they come! Now very scarce.
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
About our Pricing, why so much?
Firstly, because we only sell investment quality condition which will rise in value higher in the long run. Secondly, many private buyers/sellers don't know that business sellers on Ebay pay much higher fees. 16% commission, special listing fees, additional fees for overseas sales and listing, and then 20% VAT on their fees, as much as 20% over our normal listing price. Sorry, but we have to pass these on to our customers in order to stay in business. If you want to support business sellers, please complain to Ebay. International buyers: there is no tariffs/ customs on books/ printed paper. Tariffs are still based on the commodity code, not sale amount. This has never changed! If you buy off Ebay, especially on its Global Packaging Service and were charged VAT/taxes on books, ask them for a refund. If you have any questions please ask.
Deluxe Editions
The black slipcase deluxe first editions on tissue paper from the 1970's (1969 is the earliest) and 80's are some of our most commonly collected Tolkien books. New deluxe editions are gaining popularity, although finding first printings no longer applies to the value. On older deluxe editions it is not just first printings that are collected, but subsequent re-prints. We have always stocked multiple copies as we sell so many, but we only list one at a time. We are now listing multiple condition copies. Not so long ago they could be found mostly in fine condition, often unread, with only minor wear to the boxes. The original boxes are as important to the value as a dust jacket are to other books. Without boxes, they have little collector value, though fun to collect. As the books are protected by the boxes/slipcases and found mostly fine, variation in value now rest with the condition of the box which now varies widely as more come on the market due to increased demand. Where our prices might have had slight variations between box differences, finer boxes in original condition are now worth much more than average or damaged condition. In fact, you are paying more for better boxes as the books are generally fine. The usually conditions issues apply original state, chips and marks, especially the condition of the label which suffers damage thru handling. Clean and white with original colour is the most valuable.
Please feel free to ask any questions on any of our items.