FIRST EDITION, first printings of Volumes 2 and 3. The 1st volume is 1954 2nd impression, printed in a run of only 2500 copies, which is actually the first revised version of the text, due the printers dispersing the type after the first impression and having to completely reset it for this printing. Including Tolkien's corrections to the text and the Elvish title page inscription, this version became the standard text for many years to follow. THREE VOLUMES. 8vo. (8.6 x 5.5 inches). A bright and clean set throughout. Fold out map of Middle earth at the end of each volume. The set has been finely bound in recent full red morocco leather. Spines with raised bands, the compartments lettered, ruled and decorated in gilt. Decorative gilt roll border on the boards. All edges gilt. Plain magnolia endpapers. The three volumes are housed in a burgundy cloth covered slipcase. ------ A fine and attractive set with the earliest reprint of the first book and first impressions of the second and third. The Return of the King in the third variant of p. 49 (which Hammond’s bibliography mis-states as the first), with sagging text and signature mark "4" present.