The Lord of the Rings.
$40,371 · Offered by Biblio
First edition
London: George Allen and Unwin,, 1954-55. Merton and Mordor First editions, first impressions; the copy of Sylvia Jewkes, whose husband John was next-door neighbours with Tolkien at the offices of Merton College, Oxford. Their tenures overlapped for 11 years: Tolkien was Merton's professor of English language and literature from 1945 to 1959, and John Jewkes professor of economic organization from 1948 to 1969. Tolkien later reminisced with John Jewkes (1902-1988) about overhearing the talk that passed "the old door between us", as well as the "many amusing conversations" they shared. John and Sylvia Jewkes co-authored publications together such as The Juvenile Labour Market (1938) and The Genesis of the British National Health Service (1961). Sylvia Jewkes's ownership inscription is on the prelims of each volume. 3 vols, octavo (214 x 133 mm). Folding map in red and black at end of each vol. Late 20th-century red morocco by Bayntun, spines lettered in gilt, ring device in compartments framed by gilt rules, twin gilt rule bordering covers, gilt roll to turn-ins, triple gilt fillet on turn-ins, marbled endpapers, edges gilt, original cloth spines bound in at end. Housed in a custom red cloth slipcase. Trivial stub tear to folding maps. A fine set. Hammond & Anderson A5a(i-iii).
- Year: 1954
- Edition: First Edition
- Printing: first
- Binding: hardcover
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