THE LORD OF THE RINGS - A UK FIRST EDITION SET BEAUTIFULLY BOUND IN FULL RED MOROCCO BY BAYNTUN-RIVIERE OF BATH - WITH AN ORIGINAL HAND-WRITTEN AND SIGNED POST-CARD FROM THE AUTHOR - THE SET COMPRISING 'THE FELLOWSHIP OF THE RING', 'THE TWO TOWERS' AND 'T by TOLKIEN J R R - 1954

London: Allen & Unwin, 1954. First Edition. Hard Cover. (London: George Allen & Unwin 1954, 1954 and 1955 respectively). A complete set of The Lord of the Rings trilogy, all true first UK editions, and first impressions published by George Allen & Unwin, comprising: The Fellowship of the Ring (London: George Allen & Unwin 1954); The Two Towers (London: George Allen & Unwin 1954); and The Return of the Ring (London: George Allen & Unwin 1955). The Return of the King is the 1st State, as per Hammond & Anderson, with the signature mark '4' and having the slipped type on page 49. All three volumes bear a 4 at the bottom of page 49. All original maps are present to the back of each volume (as called for) and are in fine condition. Sumptuously re-bound in full red morocco (by the World Famous Bayntun-Riviere Bindery of Bath about 25 years ago) with five raised bands to the spine and with all edges gilt. Titles, author, date and the Ring in gilt to the spines. The front panel of each volume bears Sauron's eye surrounded by elvish runes and the Ring based upon a design by Tolkien himself. Marbled end-papers that perfectly complement the stunning bindings All 3 volumes are signed BAYNTUN-RIVIERE BATH to the rear of each volume. Bindings from Bayntun-Riviere are in the classic English tradition and are highly sought-after by collectors. Housed in a matching box by the binder. The postcard is on Tolkien's Merton College Oxford letter-head and is un-dated. The words MERTON COLLEGE, OXFORD have been crossed out by Tolkien. The postcard is written in Tolkien's customary dark grey ink. The postcard (with 2 punch-holes) relates to an enquiry from the Peterborough Chronicle and is addressed to a Mr Griffiths: "Certainly - (indecipherable). A good and important book even in the reduced form imposed upon the authoress. (This fortunate, I can say this without hesitation, for I do not know what would be said of an Editor who advised against the purchase of volumes in a series for which he is responsible!). Yours sincerely J. R. R. Tolkien [underlined] Below the signature in Tolkien's hand: Hotel Miramar/ East Overcliff/ Bournemouth. NB: Tolkien and his wife Edith used to spend summer holidays at the hotel Miramar in its spacious grounds between Grove Road and East Overcliff Drive. The arrangements were always the same Room 37 was booked for Ronald and Room 39 for Edith, both facing south over the sea. This is a fine set both internally and externally and would grace any Tolkien collection. Photographs/scans available upon request.