SILMARILLION

J.R.R Tolkien, edited by Christopher Tolkien.

George Allen & Unwin 1977 First Edition First printing.

This is a sale of the  'export edition' of Simarillion.  This edition is usually described as being the "True first" edition of The Silmarillion, as these copies would have had to be printed before the Domestic edition, in order to be shipped around the world in time for the launch date which was coordinated in the UK and worldwide.

This edition can be identified from the following:

Printed by Clowes & Sons.

Lacks price on front flap of dustwrapper.

Two binding variants seen (this one being 2):

1) Dark blue cloth binding, with blue and white striped headband, dyed blue top edge and dark blue coloured dustwrapper.

2) Dark blue textured paper binding, no headband, no dye to top edge and purple/blue coloured dustwrapper.

The typos characteristic of the first printing first edition as seen in the photographs, the best known being assembled with an additional 's' as seen.

This is a fine unmarked copy in a fine DW.  There are no inscriptions or markings. The DW shows red 'Simarillion' spine text the same colour as on the front panel. It is very common that the spine lettering of the book title is faded to pink or even white by exposure to the sun.

The book has a couple of minor faults.  There are some markings to the page edges (photo 6) and a small hole in the paper to the page preceding the fold out map that is attached to the rear of the book (photo 9). This curious feature rather looks like a printing fault. Either the paper was rather thin or the map was poorly glued in and attached to the previous page.  Since the book is in excellent condition otherwise, it is difficult to see this as ownership damage.

All in all a very presentable and fine copy of the true first edition of this book. Please ask for more information or photos before bidding.

Includes UK P and P