The Lord of The Rings, J.R.R. Tolkien; Illustrated by Alan Lee, HarperCollins, 1991 Centenary Edition

First published between 1954 and 1955, The Lord of the Rings is Tolkien's epic high-fantasy masterpiece and one of the most influential works of modern literature. Set in the richly imagined world of Middle-earth, the trilogy follows Frodo Baggins and the Fellowship on their perilous quest to destroy the One Ring and defeat the Dark Lord Sauron. Combining myth, language invention, and themes of friendship, sacrifice, and courage, the work redefined the fantasy genre and has remained continuously in print since its debut, inspiring generations of readers and numerous adaptations.

The Lord of The Rings, by J.R.R. Tolkien. Illustrated by Alan Lee.

Published by HarperCollins Publishers, London, 1991. First edition thus, first impression. Specially commissioned edition to celebrate 100 years since Tolkien's birth with fifty commissioned colour illustrations by Alan Lee, as well as including Tolkien's own maps. Beautifully illustrated by one of the great Tolkien illustrators - his work was hugely influential to the Lord of the Rings movies, on which he worked as a core conceptual artist.

A fine brown cloth hardback with gilt to cover, housed in a very good dustjacket. The jacket is intact and not price-clipped, with some light wear to extremities, and fading to spine. Now housed in removable, clear protective plastic.

Text is clean and bright throughout with no spotting. No owner's inscriptions. Soundly bound. Just a few light markings to edge of text block. With red page marker ribbon.

A most attractive volume, with wonderful colour Plates.

Text in English.

1193pp + (7) Maps + (50) Colour Plates. All as called for.

Dimensions: approx 253mm high x 178mm wide x 65mm deep.

Weight: approximately 2.28kg (unpacked).