The Lord Of the Rings

by Tolkien, J R R

The Lord of the Rings is an epic high fantasy novel written by philologist and Oxford University professor J. R. R. Tolkien. The story began as a sequel to Tolkien's earlier, less complex children's fantasy novel The Hobbit (1937), but eventually developed into a much larger work. It was written in stages between 1937 and 1954, much of it during World War II. After the success of The Hobbit, Tolkien’s publisher asked that he produce a sequel. Although written as one big work comprised of six books, The Lord of the Rings was broken into three separate volumes because of post-World War II paper shortages and size and price considerations. The print run of the first editions was very small: 3,000 copies for The Fellowship of the Ring (1954), 3,250 copies for The Two Towers (1954), and 7,000 copies for The Return of the King (1955). The Lord of the Rings went on to become one of the best-selling novels ever, with more than 150 million copies sold.

First Edition Identification

The Lord of the Rings was published in three parts by George Allen and Unwin, and in the US by Houghton Mifflin. The Fellowship of the Ring (1954), The Two Towers (1954), and  The Return of the King (1955).The Uk editions have  21s net to the front flap. The first American edition has cover illustration by Walter Lorraine.

Other Collectible or Notable Editions

Originally Tolkien did not want The Lord of the Rings series to be published in paperback. Ace books reached out to Tolkien but was dismissed. Offended and persistent, Ace found a loophole in the copyright laws, and in 1965, they released their pirated versions of the series, which sold 100,000 copies. Motivated by the piracy of his books, Tolkien got to work on revising the series for American paperback, and in 1966 Ballantine released an edited and authorized version. After a lot of rejection by fans and some negotiation with Tolkien, Ace discontinued printing their pirated copies. Today those shortly-famous paperbacks are collector items (and the reason books bear the ‘authorized editions’ tag.

The Easton Press released a three-volume set of The Lord of the Rings in full gilt-embossed Sherwood-green calf with a frontispiece by Michael Hague in 1984. 

The first Folio Society edition of The Lord of the Rings was published in 1977 with illustrations by Ingahild Grathmer, the pseudonym for Queen Margrethe II of Denmark. The illustrations were re-drawn by Eric Fraser for this edition. It has since been released multiple times, including in 1979, 1990, 1997, 2002, and 2022.

Reviews

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On Aug 15, 2020, Anonymous said

This is one of the most engaging, enjoyable, and creative books I have ever read. The way Tolkien creates a new world from scratch, new languages, new races. It is a work of art. And the fact that this book can be enjoyed by young children and adults alike makes it stand out among the works of fiction that fill our libraries these days. I would recommend these books to anyone who has not already read them.

Available Copies

The Lord of the Rings
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The Lord of the Rings

by J R R Tolkien

Condition
Used - Good
Published
1961
Binding
Cloth
Quantity Available
1
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BATH, Somerset, GBR
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NZ$2,343.22

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Description:
London: George Allen and Unwin, 1961 . Cloth. Good. 9" by 5.5". None. The complete set of this early impression of the trilogy 'The lord of the Rings' by J R R Tolkien. The eleventh impression of The Fellowship of the Ring, the eighth impression of The Two Towers, and of The Return of the King, a set published in… Read more about this item
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NZ$2,343.22
The Lord of the Rings (Folio Limited Edition with signed print)
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The Lord of the Rings (Folio Limited Edition with signed print)

by J. R. R. Tolkien

Condition
New
Jacket Condition
No Jacket
Edition
1st Edition 1st Printing
Published
2022
Binding
Hardcover
Quantity Available
1
Seller
St Albans, Hertfordshire, GBR
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NZ$10,651.00

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Description:
London: Folio Society, 2022. 1st Edition 1st Printing. Hardcover. New/No Jacket. Alan Lee. Brand new set, will be shipped in Folio's original packaging. Limited to just 1,000 sets. Signed by Alan Lee, this is the finest version of Tolkien's masterpiece. The art print was signed by Alan Lee at an in-person event.
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NZ$10,651.00
The Lord of the Rings (3 Volumes)
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The Lord of the Rings (3 Volumes)

by Tolkien, J.R.R. (Also known as )

Condition
Used
Binding
Hardcover
Quantity Available
1
Seller
Winnipeg, Manitoba, CAN
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This seller has earned a 4 of 5 Stars rating from Biblio customers.
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NZ$886.83

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Description:
Norwalk: Easton Press [1984]. (Hardcover set) 423, 352, 440pp. Fine. 3 volumes in gilt decorated green leather. All edges gilt, ribbon markers, frontispieces, folding maps, appendices, chronology, genealogical tables, index. Previous owner's Easton bookplates. Also known as . Frontispiece by Michael Hague. Vol. 1 The Fellowship of the Ring. Vol. 2 The Two Towers.… Read more about this item
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NZ$886.83
The Lord of the Rings [7 Book Box set]

The Lord of the Rings [7 Book Box set]

by Tolkien, J. R. R

Condition
Used - Near fine
Edition
First edition-2nd printing of this seven-volume edition
Binding
Paperback
ISBN 10
0007124015
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1
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Southampton, Hampshire, GBR
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NZ$104.38

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Description:
HarperCollins. First edition-2nd printing of this seven-volume edition. Paperback. Near fine. Near fine condition.HarperCollins,2001.First edition-2nd printing of this seven-volume edition(3 5 7 9 10 8 6 4 2).Seven books with a slipcase.Paperbacks(a couple of small nicks and dent on the edges of the covers and spines) with an illustrated slipcase(small nicks and scratches on the slipcase),both in near… Read more about this item
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NZ$104.38
The Lord of the Rings - The Fellowship of the Ring ; The Two Towers ; The  Return of the King. 3 Volumes
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The Lord of the Rings - The Fellowship of the Ring ; The Two Towers ; The Return of the King. 3 Volumes

by Tolkien, J. R. R.

Condition
Used - Near Fine
Edition
5th Impression
Published
1956
Binding
Full Morocco
Quantity Available
1
Seller
London, Greater London, GBR
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NZ$5,325.50

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London: George Allen & Unwin Ltd. 1956 / 1957 / 1957. 8vo. Complete in 3 volumes. 423, 352 & 416 pp. folding maps at the rear of each volume. 5th, 3rd and 5th impressions of the first edition. Bound in recent full red morocco with marbled endpapers. Five raised bands to spine and gilt-lettered titles. All edges gilt. Folding maps… Read more about this item
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NZ$5,325.50
The Lord of the Rings [ Sealed 5 Volume Set ]

The Lord of the Rings [ Sealed 5 Volume Set ]

by J. R. R. Tolkien

Condition
Book volume in As New/Fine+ condition and still encased in publisher's original issue cellophane
Jacket Condition
No dust jacket issued
Binding
Hardcover
Quantity Available
1
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SANDY, Oregon, USA
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NZ$1,385.14

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Description:
Easton Press. Hardcover. Book volume in As New/Fine+ condition and still encased in publisher's original issue cellophane/No dust jacket issued. Michael Hague. A handsome complete matching green leather set of these Tolkien classics. This copy is in fine, unread condition, still encased in the publisher's original cellophane. Four of the volumes each include a separate map in mint… Read more about this item
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NZ$1,385.14
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The Lord of the Rings : One Volume Edition with the Index and Appendices

by Tolkien, J. R. R.

Condition
Used - Very Good
Jacket Condition
Very Good
Published
1988
Binding
Hardcover
ISBN 10
0044403054
Quantity Available
1
Seller
Spokane Valley, Washington, USA
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NZ$252.54

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Description:
HarperCollins Canada, Limited, 1988. 1st Edition thus. Published by Unwin Hyman Limited, London, 1988. Hardcover with dust jacket. Otherthan small prior owner's name neatly removed, book is clean and tight with only the slghtest of wear. Blue cover with gold lettering. Dust jacket shows small crease to top edge of front, but is not chipped or price clipped--still bright and… Read more about this item
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NZ$252.54
The Lord of the Rings
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The Lord of the Rings

by J.R.R. Tolkien

Condition
Used
Edition
First 3-volume color plate edition
Published
1992
Binding
Navy cloth decoratively stamped in silver
Quantity Available
1
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New York, New York, USA
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NZ$1,435.82

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TOLKIEN, J[ohn] R[onald] R[euel]. The Lord of the Rings. Illustrated by Alan Lee. Boston: Houghton Mifflin, 1992. 4to: 1193pp. Navy cloth decoratively stamped in silver. Two-color map endpapers of Middle-earth at front and rear of first two volumes, more detailed two-color map of Gondor, Mordor, and Rohan on endpapers of volume three; 48 full-color plates (16 in each volume). Volume… Read more about this item
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NZ$1,435.82
The Lord of the Rings: Illustrated Deluxe Edition
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The Lord of the Rings: Illustrated Deluxe Edition

by Tolkien, J.R.R.

Condition
As new
Jacket Condition
as new
Published
2022
Binding
Hardcover
ISBN 10
0063274736
Quantity Available
1
Seller
Carrollton, Georgia, USA
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NZ$380.07

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Description:
New York: William Morrow; Deluxe edition, 2022. Hardcover. As new/as new. Hardcover. 9 1/4" X 6". 1248pp. As New in publisher's shrink wrap. This book is heavy and oversized and will require additional postal charges to ship internationally. Please contact us today for an international shipping quote. ABOUT THIS BOOK: For the first time ever, a… Read more about this item
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NZ$380.07
The Lord of the Rings (Omnibus Edition)

The Lord of the Rings (Omnibus Edition)

by Tolkien, J.R.R. (Jacket art by Donato Giancola)

Condition
Used - Near Fine
Jacket Condition
Near Fine
Edition
Book Club Edition
Published
1994
Binding
Hardcover
ISBN 10
0739408259
Quantity Available
1
Seller
Kellerberrin, Western Australia, AUS
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This seller has earned a 2 of 5 Stars rating from Biblio customers.
Item Price
NZ$168.92

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Description:
Boston: Houghton Mifflin Company/SFBC 1994 8vo xviii,1137,11pp ISBN 0-7394-0825-9, 1994 Near Fine original black boards, gilt titles to spine, in Near Fine Brodart-protected DW. Wrap-around jacket art by Donato. Maps redrawn by Stephen Raw, based on Christopher Tolkien's originals. Fairly large, easy-to-read print. A nice edition.
Item Price
NZ$168.92
The Lord of the Rings; The Fellowship of the Ring, The Two Towers, The Return of the King

The Lord of the Rings; The Fellowship of the Ring, The Two Towers, The Return of the King

by TOLKIEN J R R

Condition
Used - Good
Jacket Condition
No Jacket
Edition
First Edition
Published
1974
Binding
Paperback
ISBN 10
0048231126
Quantity Available
1
Seller
Christchurch, Auckland, NZL
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NZ$35.00

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Description:
London: Unwin, 1974 publishers 65p price to inside cover denotes first printing of this edition, cover design is full wrap-around art by Tolkien and repeated on the card wrap-around that holds the three books as a set, book spines are faded and with reading crease, the spines have not 'cracked'yet, each vol has a pen name at the first page,… Read more about this item
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NZ$35.00
The Lord of the Rings

The Lord of the Rings

by Tolkien, J. R. R.

Condition
Used - Fine
Edition
1ST
Published
2021
Binding
Hardcover
ISBN 10
0008471290
Quantity Available
1
Seller
CARSON CITY, Nevada, USA
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NZ$1,182.44

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Description:
U.S.A.: HarperCollins, 2021. Book. Fine. Hardcover. 1ST. Outstanding Copy - Comes In A Map Of The Realm Box. Still In The Original Palstic. A First Thus Illustrated Edition, First Printing. Book Is In Fine Condition. Boards Are Clean, Not Bumped. Fore Edges Are Clean. Interior Is Clean And Legible. Not Remaindered. No Dust Jacket As Issued. Thanks And Enjoy..… Read more about this item
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NZ$1,182.44
The Lord of the Rings (3 Books)

The Lord of the Rings (3 Books)

by Tolkien John Ronald Reuel

Condition
Used - Acceptable
Binding
Paperback
ISBN 10
0261102389
Quantity Available
1
Seller
GORING BY SEA, West Sussex, GBR
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NZ$24.50

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Description:
Paperback. Acceptable.
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NZ$24.50
The Lord of the Rings (Boxed Set)
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The Lord of the Rings (Boxed Set)

by J. R. R. Tolkien

Condition
Used - Fine
Jacket Condition
Near Fine
Edition
Houghton Mifflin for book club
Published
[1969]
Binding
Hardcover
Quantity Available
1
Seller
Hendersonville, North Carolina, USA
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NZ$591.22

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Boston: Houghton Mifflin, [1969]. Houghton Mifflin for book club. Hardcover. Fine/Near Fine. COMPLETE SET IN SLIPCASE. The box can be identified as book club by "0456" near the bottom of the label. The books can be identified as such by the lack of a price on the dust jackets. This book club set is not of inferior quality. It appears to… Read more about this item
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NZ$591.22
Lord of the Rings (Boxed set of 3 vols)
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Lord of the Rings (Boxed set of 3 vols)

by Tolkien, J. R. R.

Condition
Used - Near fine, Boxed set of 2nd edition (4th impression); all with unclipped d/j (v.g.), in green clothbound box; red clothbound boa
Edition
2nd (4th imp)
Published
1969
Binding
Hardback
Quantity Available
1
Seller
Maidenhead, Berkshire, GBR
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NZ$745.57

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Description:
London: George Allen & Unwin, 1969. 2nd (4th imp). hardback. Near fine, Boxed set of 2nd edition (4th impression); all with unclipped d/j (v.g.), in green clothbound box; red clothbound boards, gilt spine titling bright; text blocks firm, pages unmarked; pull-out maps pristine.. 8vo (230 x 150 / 9"" x 6""). Tolkien's classic trilogy with author's original fold-out… Read more about this item
Item Price
NZ$745.57
Lord of the Rings, The: Special Edition

Lord of the Rings, The: Special Edition

by Tolkien, J.R.R.

Condition
New
Jacket Condition
new
Published
2022
Binding
Special Edition
ISBN 10
0063274736
Quantity Available
1
Seller
Prescott, Arizona, USA
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NZ$422.30

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Since it was first published in 1954, The Lord of the Rings has been a book people have treasured. Steeped in unrivalled magic and otherworldliness, its sweeping fantasy and epic adventure has touched the hearts of young and old alike. Over 150 million copies of its many editions have been sold around the world, and occasional collectors' editions become prized… Read more about this item
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NZ$422.30
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Lord of the Rings

by Tolkien, J. R. R

Condition
New
Published
1974-11-01
Binding
Imitation Leather
ISBN 10
0395193958
Quantity Available
1
Seller
San Diego, California, USA
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Item Price
NZ$342.18

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Description:
Houghton Mifflin, 1974-11-01. Imitation Leather. New. New. In shrink wrap. Looks like an interesting title!
Item Price
NZ$342.18
The Lord of the Rings [7 Book Box set]: The Fellowship of the Ring / The Two Towers / The Return of the King

The Lord of the Rings [7 Book Box set]: The Fellowship of the Ring / The Two Towers / The Return of the King

by Tolkien, J. R. R.

Condition
Used - Very Good
Binding
Paperback
ISBN 10
0007124015
Quantity Available
1
Seller
GORING BY SEA, West Sussex, GBR
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This seller has earned a 2 of 5 Stars rating from Biblio customers.
Item Price
NZ$25.52

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Description:
Paperback. Very Good.
Item Price
NZ$25.52
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The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King/ The Two Towers/ The Fellowship of the Ring Slipcased Three Book Set

by Tolkien, J. R. R.

Condition
Used - Fine
Jacket Condition
Fine
Edition
First Edition/ First Print
Published
2002
Binding
Hardcover
ISBN 10
0618260587
Quantity Available
1
Seller
Lewisville, Texas, USA
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NZ$505.92

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Description:
Boston: Houghton Mifflin, 2002. Book. Illus. by Alan Lee. Fine. Hardcover. First Edition/ First Print. A square solid tight clean un-read un-opened virtually new Slip-cased set of the trilogy. The pictorial slipcase has some very light rubbing wear else fine, the individual books are first printings, unread unopened unused. Illustrated endpapers. A beautiful gift quality set. THIS BOOK IS… Read more about this item
Item Price
NZ$505.92
The Lord of the Rings (3 Volumes)
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The Lord of the Rings (3 Volumes)

by Tolkien, J.R.R.

Condition
Used - Very Good
Jacket Condition
Very Good
Edition
Second Edition
Published
1967
Binding
Hardcover
Quantity Available
1
Seller
Chico, California, USA
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This seller has earned a 2 of 5 Stars rating from Biblio customers.
Item Price
NZ$337.84

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Description:
Boston: Houghton Mifflin Company, 1967. The three-volume set of Tolkien's classic fantasy tale; the revised Second Edition. The first two volumes ("The Fellowship of the Ring" and "The Two Towers") are (stated) First Printings; Volume Three ("The Return of the King") is the (stated) Second printing. Black decorative cloth bindings; gilt lettering on the spine, with a decoration of the… Read more about this item
Item Price
NZ$337.84