This mid 1970s boxed set of The Lord of the Rings presents one of the classic reading editions issued by George Allen and Unwin, the publisher most closely associated with Tolkien throughout his career. The set brings together three attractive impressions that carry the visual language of Unwin’s design from the period, complete with the fold out maps that have guided generations of readers through Middle earth.
The volumes included are:
The Fellowship of the Ring, second impression 1974
The Two Towers, second impression 1974
The Return of the King, third impression 1975
Each book retains its distinctive cover art and original production features, including the full colour maps at the rear. The slipcase, decorated with a forest motif characteristic of Unwin’s design choices during the decade, remains sturdy and functional despite the expected surface wear of vintage sets. The interiors are clean, with minor signs of handling, and the maps are intact and well preserved. A previous owner has written a name on the endpaper, a small trace of provenance that does not detract from the appeal of the set.
As a physical object, the group reflects the moment when Tolkien’s work had already become a touchstone of modern fantasy yet remained rooted in the mid century aesthetic shaped by his original publisher. Sets from this era hold a particular charm for collectors who appreciate the continuity of Unwin’s design ethos as well as the historical moment when The Lord of the Rings moved from cult admiration to global readership.
A pleasing and collectible vintage set for devoted Tolkien readers, for new admirers of Middle earth, and for libraries that value representative editions of significant twentieth century literature.
This mid 1970s boxed set of The Lord of the Rings presents one of the classic reading editions issued by George Allen and Unwin, the publisher most closely associated with Tolkien throughout his career. The set brings together three attractive impressions that carry the visual language of Unwin’s design from the period, complete with the fold out maps that have guided generations of readers through Middle earth.
The volumes included are:
The Fellowship of the Ring, second impression 1974
The Two Towers, second impression 1974
The Return of the King, third impression 1975
Each book retains its distinctive cover art and original production features, including the full colour maps at the rear. The slipcase, decorated with a forest motif characteristic of Unwin’s design choices during the decade, remains sturdy and functional despite the expected surface wear of vintage sets. The interiors are clean, with minor signs of handling, and the maps are intact and well preserved. A previous owner has written a name on the endpaper, a small trace of provenance that does not detract from the appeal of the set.
As a physical object, the group reflects the moment when Tolkien’s work had already become a touchstone of modern fantasy yet remained rooted in the mid century aesthetic shaped by his original publisher. Sets from this era hold a particular charm for collectors who appreciate the continuity of Unwin’s design ethos as well as the historical moment when The Lord of the Rings moved from cult admiration to global readership.
A pleasing and collectible vintage set for devoted Tolkien readers, for new admirers of Middle earth, and for libraries that value representative editions of significant twentieth century literature.
