TOLKIEN, J. R. R. The Lord of the Rings. Delux edition

London: HarperCollins Publishers, 2021. Illustrated by the author. De luxe slipcased edition. Large octavo. With two maps. A fine, crisp example, seemingly unread, with bright gilt, clean contents, and slipcase likewise in fine condition with maps illustrated.

A sumptuous illustrated one-volume edition of Tolkien’s masterpiece, issued in a limited de luxe format. Bound in publisher’s black cloth with red leather spine panel, the upper board elaborately blocked in gilt and red with the Eye of Sauron encircled by the Ring inscription; Tolkien’s signature stamped in gilt to the lower board. Spine lettered and ruled in gilt. All edges gilt. Ribbon marker. Housed in the original red cloth slipcase, gilt-blocked with the Eye motif to the side panel. Together with the original publisher’s printed map box, reproducing Tolkien’s maps of Middle-earth.

Illustrated throughout by Tolkien with full-page colour lates, numerous monochrome drawings, and integrated maps. Includes the facsimile reproduction of The Ring Verse manuscript leaf. Printed and bound in Italy by Rotolito S.p.A. on high-quality paper. An impressive production and the most visually striking modern trade edition of The Lord of the Rings, combining textual authority with Tolkien’s own artwork in a collector-grade binding.

[WR Literature]