The Lord of the Rings from 1968, Authorized Edition in Black, White and Red Publishers Slipcase.

A Lord of the Rings set of the 'Only Authorized' paperback's, first published by Ballantine in 1966

This set includes: The Fellowship of the Ring, The Two Towers and The Return of the King.
The Fellowship of the Ring is the 9th printing, October 1966, Ballantine paperback.
The Two Towers is the 15th printing, July 1968, Ballantine paperback.
The Return of the King is the 7th printing, October 1966, Ballantine paperback.
Under the US printing history, there is printed the Canadian printing history, stating the following:
The Fellowship of the Ring is the 3rd printing, August 1966.
The Two Towers is the 5th printing, April 1968.
The Return of the King is the 3rd printing, August 1966.

Slipcase features Barbara Remington's artwork in black, white and red. The covers by the same artist in full color.

Ballantine Books hurriedly issued the first authorized paperback edition of The Lord of the Rings in the United States in 1965, in response to the illegally issued Ace Paperbacks edition. The covers stated "The Authorized Edition of the Famous Fantasy Trilogy."

The Barbara Remington Triptych artwork, which Tolkien objected to, with him wondering where the idea's for the illustrations originated. The answering salvo of the "War over Middle- Earth". To establish a new copyright, Tolkien was asked to submit new material to create a new Edition, and so secure their copyright beyond question. Tolkien conducted a personal campaign against Ace Books in letters to his American fans. The "War over Middle-earth' was fought in the popular press, with the publicity contributing to increased sales and popularity. Within a year, Ace gave in to public pressure. They agreed to print no more copies, and they negotiated royalties to be paid to Tolkien.

The foreword was extended to include a few words about purchasing this edition "and no other" as a "courtesy to living authors."

This edition features the psychedelic cover artwork by Barbara Remington which was a triptych spread across the three volumes of the set. The artwork was actually an extension of the painting that was done for Ballantine's paperback edition of The Hobbit which Tolkien made such a fuss about because of the lion, emus, and the "tree with bulbous fruit."

The back covers feature reviews from the New York Herald Tribune Book Week and a "Statement from the Author about this American Edition."

These paperback books are in good but read condition. With some bumps, rubbing to the corners. All three show signs to the spine of being read.

The slipcase has the usual wear but is sturdy, with some rubbing and bumps to corners. It probably was white at one point but is now yellowish and stained. A small cellotape was once stuck on the front.
Some rubbing to bottom. Some parts of the red paper on the top of the slipcase has come loose. Overall still an impressive nice looking set.

A nice Ballantine paperback set of The Lord of the Rings, with the famous art by Barbara Remmington on covers and slipcase.

Digital photo's available, inquire if interested.

Other Tolkien books available, include both the UK and US editions, original cloth bindings, custom fine bindings, and Signed/Numbered/Limited Editions.

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