The Lord of the Rings ~ J.R.R. Tolkien, Rare Reader's Union Set

Tolkien, J.R.R

Reader's Union, London, 1960.

Rare, first edition, first printing, first state and exceptionally rare set with Tolkien's original line drawings for Sauran's eye. Offered as a limited run of only 3,000 printed sets to existing Reader's Union in 1960 (limited run allowed them to increase their price). 

Publisher's original brown cloth boards, in Very Fine condition, with very bright and crisp pages, sharp corners and only the random, small stain spot from age or shelf wear, this set does not appear read.  Minimal to no edge wear.  Hint of a separation just starting on the top gutter of the title page on The Fellowship of the Ring but it may also just be the way it was manufactured as the binding is still tight, square and secure.  Dust jackets are all in Near Fine condition with typical but even toning and signs of aging, approximate three inch closed tear on the top left corner of The Return of the King with an adjacent crease.  Otherwise a beautiful trio of dust jackets for a lovely, rare Tolkien set.  No previous owner markings aside from a former price in pencil on the first free end paper of The Fellowship of the Ring. A truly stunning set that is highly collectible and very presentable in it's custom, genuine leather, felt-lined, gilt stamped slipcase. 

Very little is known about this set but this is the only reference found so far: https://tolkienbooks.net/php/ru-edition.php.

Set measures approximately 6 1/4 inches by 9 1/2 inches by 4 inches in slipcase.