Shop the Best of Fall Books: First Editions and Other Special Copies of J. R. R. Tolkien

As the leaves turn and the air gets crisp, fall is the perfect time to cozy up with a great book. There's no better season to re-read to your favorite book or finally read that great literature classic that has been on your reading list. Epic fantasies set in magical and far-off places make for the perfect escape and are an ideal fall read to curl up with by the fires of Mordor. The beautiful world created by Tolkien in his famedThe Lord of the Rings trilogy and The Hobbit often mirrors the natural autumn landscape. His detailed descriptions of the Shire, Rivendell, and other parts of Middle-Earth evoke a sense of nostalgic tranquility that aligns with the mood of the season. More than just a time for reading, it is also a time for collecting! For bibliophiles and collectors alike, this time offers a fantastic opportunity to add some exceptional first editions and special copies to your collection. Discover some of the best fall inspired books that are must-haves for any book lover’s and serious collector's shelf.

The set is comprised of all three books in Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings series: The Fellowship of the Ring, The Two Towers, and The Return of the King. Each is a first printing of the second US edition published by Houghton Mifflin Company, The Riverside Press in 1967 and are bound in the original publisher's cloth with their unclipped pictorial dust jackets. Additionally, each book contains folding maps created by Tolkien's son as well. Houghton published the first US editions of the trilogy from 1954-1956. This second US edition closely follows the second UK edition published by Allen & Unwin of the previous year, which was heavily revised and corrected by the author himself. These books, marketed as the "Revised Edition", include a new foreword by Tolkien and were issued both as individual volumes (as here) and a slip cased set. The importance and popularity of this trilogy make it a must on any collector's shelf. The historical importance of this edition due to the significant updates following Tolkien's personal revisions paired with this set's exceptional condition make for its desirability for both a Tolkien collector and anyone looking to add to their book collection. Available for $4,000 for immediate purchase at Sotheby's.

The Hobbit or There and Back Again is another of Tolkien's well-known works. A perfect read for the fall to get lost in the exciting story of Bilbo Baggins on his journey with Gandalf. This first edition, first printing copy published by George Allen & Unwin in 1937 is a special treasure Gollum would hoard. The initial print run of the first edition of The Hobbit was only 1,500 copies, which sold out in three months of its publication! As one of the most desirable copies of a cult classic this is fit for any serious book collector or avid Tolkien fan. Available for $49,000 for immediate purchase at Sotheby's.

The second impression of the first edition of The Hobbit, was also published by George Allen & Unwin in the same year. Due to the massive popularity the initial first printing sold out in record time. The second impression of the first edition not only came with the maps from the first printing, but also came with the fine addition of color plates composed by Tolkien himself and depict illustrations of Middle Earth and Bilbo's adventures. Finely bound in dark green morocco with a gilt decorated spine and featuring Smaug the dragon embossed on the front cover, it still contains its original advertisement leaf and original cloth covers and spine bound in the rear. This copy of The Hobbit is a bit more conservative in price, but still highly collectible and a perfect addition to any book collection. Available for $12,000 for immediate purchase at Sotheby's.

The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit are not only highly coveted by collectors and lovers of Tolkien, but are a worthwhile investment. As collectors continue to seek out these literary treasures, the market for Tolkien’s works will get even more competitive and drive the desirability of even later editions and printings. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or a fan, Tolkien is not just the perfect fall read but also an investment into your book collection.

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