Why are these worth so much? All first editions of the 12 History of Middle-earth volumes plus first edition Silmarillion and Unfinished tales.  These are the true first editions from the respective publishers. Please note if you are not familiar with collecting these the first 9 books are commonly found as they had larger print runs. The last three books had very small print runs thus many collectors are hopelessly trying to complete a set. Its the last three volumes which are most scarce and comprise much of the set's value. This set has fine condtion dust jackets and books, but the dust jackets have to be as-new with NO fading to the spine to have any value. Finally, true first editions had three different publishers i.e. first release copies on specific dates verses first editions re-released later. 

The appropriate publishers first the true first editions since 1983, Allen & Unwin, Unwin Books and Harper Collins.  None are price clipped, all are fine/ fine books and jackets. I will not go into great detail on all the titles and descriptions as the buyer of this set will already be completely familiar with them. However, please ask if you have any questions.

HoME set- No fading to any of the jacket spines whatsoever, (often the case), no writing, no marks etc. No flaws to mention. Unread as each book's binding appears stiff and there's resistance when opened in the middle. A truly outstanding set obviously lovingly cared-for by a keen collector. It is increasingly hard to find first editions let alone in true fine condition.

The Book of Lost Tales 1- Allen and Unwin 1983, unclipped, no price. (price
sticker removed at one point).
The Book of Lost Tales 2- Allen and Unwin 1983, unclipped, no price. (price
sticker A&U 12.50).
Book 3, The Lays of Beleriand- Allen and Unwin 1984, unclipped, price
£14.95.
Book 4, The Shaping of Middle-earth- Allen and Unwin 1986, unclipped,
(price sticker £14.95).
Book 5, The Lost Road- Unwin Hyman 1987, clipped, (Unwin Hyman price
sticker £17.95).
Book 6, The Return of the Shadow- Unwin Hyman 1988, unclipped, price £17.95
Book 7, The Treason of Isengard- Unwin Hyman 1989, unclipped, price £17.95
Book 8, The War of the Ring- Unwin Hyman 1990, unclipped, price £17.95
Book 9, Sauron Defeated- Harper Collins 1992, unclipped, price £20.00
Book 10, Morgoths Ring- Harper Collins 1993, unclipped, price £25.00
Book 11, The War of the Jewels- Harper Collins 1994, unclipped, price
£25.00
Book 12, The People of Middle-earth- Harper Collins 1996, unclipped, price
£25.00

First editions of Silmarillion and Unfinished tales have been added to complete a collection on Middle-earth. There are to small scuff marks to Silmarillion and Unfinished Tales has slight fading to the jacket spine as it should have slight blue color.  I would consider selling without these two titles if you already have them. Place an offer noting so.  Also, I have a Silmarillon signed by Christopher Tolkien. I would consider substituting this copy for the unsigned one for a surcharge. Buy today. With the rising, renewed interest in J.R.R. Tolkien due to the new movies, this set will sell.  Please contact- markfaith@festivalartandbooks.com  if you have any questions or need further photos.  We are one of the leading Tolkien book dealers as well as Tolkien inspired art. 

Important- UK shipping price is PER book, ignore the international price.  After the initial £7 the shipping price is £7 per book x 13= £98. International shipping is £200.  If you would like a price without the Silmarillion and Unfinished Tales, please ask. Naturally these are heavy and will be costly to ship. We can quote courier options also. Please do not pay until shipping costs is agreed. 







Please note, we do not combine shipping unless by prior agreement and dependent on the overall order amount. The extra weight and packaging does cost us more postage. If we do combine shipping costs it will be a discount and only on like items that can be shipped in the same package. For example, books and prints can not be shipped in the same package type i.e. tube verses box. Please contact us in advance or purchase or bid if you have any questions. Shipping charges are otherwise automatic.  

Postage and packaging is not free! Postage costs have risen significantly in a very short time, particularly on slightly heavier items like books or long items like tubes. They seem to be targeting on-line sellers in fee increases. The cost of strong, rigid packaging has also risen and needs to be stronger than before as the PO sorting office automatic sorting equipment seems to damage more items.  All our items are rare and our customers would rather them arrive safely, than have free postage. Since EBay rules won’t let us set the real postage and we can only use their fixed rates, some customer may pay slightly more for very light items, but we lose money on heavier or larger ones.  Thanks for your understanding.