J. R. R. Tolkien | First Editions

1892 - 1973

John Ronald Reuel Tolkien, CBE, is best remembered for the creation of 'Middle Earth' and the series of legends and adventures set within, beginning with the acclaimed children's tale The Hobbit (1936) and continuing through the epic trilogy The Lord of the Rings (1954-5) and the posthumously published mythopoeic volume The Silmarilion (1977).

His debut novel The Hobbit is a much-loved masterpiece, and seldom has any book been so widely read and loved as this classic story; its hero, Bilbo Baggins, has taken his place among the ranks of the immortals: Alice, Pooh, Toad... Tolkien's 'Middle-Earth' is a vast mine of treasures and knowledge, its roots delving deep into folklore, mythology and language, and The Hobbit is an ideal introduction to this richly imagined world, which was more fully and complexly realised in 'The Rings' series. This fantastical trilogy, comprising The Fellowship of the RingsThe Two Towers and The Return of the King is regarded as one of the greatest works of the twentieth century, containing amazing details of a new mythology, never really surpassed. It is the basis for the hugely successful film series directed by Peter Jackson, 'The Return' [2003] winning a record 11 Oscars from 11 nominations.

See below our stock of J. R. R. Tolkien First Editions, fine bindings, sets and other collectible material.