Do not meddle in the affairs of wizards, for they are subtle and quick to anger. Here we offer the first US retail edition, very early stated "Sixteenth Printing" of the J.R.R. Tolkien classic, The Fellowship of the Ring, published by Houghton Mifflin, New York. The book is undated, but Sotheby's lists one at 1963. This is the first book of Tolkien's iconic Lord of the Rings trilogy. The book comes wrapped in a professional facsimile of the first edition dust jacket. Boards are edgeworn and soiled (please see pic). Side of the text block has a little soiling also. Front endpapers have been replaced. Binding is very tight and square. The preliminary pages are lightly soiled and a bit puckered as if it may have gotten caught in the rain once (see pics). The text and illustrations are very clean, bright, and crisp. The large fold-out map is a facsimile replacement and is in excellent shape. 423 pages. Measures approximately 9 x 6-inches. The dust jacket comes sleeved in ph-neutral mylar, ready to slip into your collection. Offered at a low buy-it-now, this classic first will make a bargain addition to your collection or a very special and thoughtful gift. This book was burned in Alamagordo, NM (2001) outside Christ Community Church as satanic. To see our entire shelf of banned books, please click HERE.Check out our shelf of other iconic fantasy and sci-fi firsts by clicking HERE!** Have you seen all the amazing first and rare editions of iconic books we offer? We gladly combine shipping and refund the shipping overpayment, so please check out our other items! -- other auctions of classic antiquarian literature and special gifts!**Thank you for your interest! ***Priority shipping options are available at checkout!***