1968 edition. This particular book is 'new' to the Tolkien field as it has never been bought or sold. Wear on boards as to be expected as clearly seen in the photographs. The boards have done their job as the text block is in exceptional condition for its age. One could believe it has never been read. Zero inscriptions or markings of any sort. (So if you are gifting this you willl have the first inscription.) Photographs taken in sunlight and have not been inhanced or edited (other then cropping). A truley rare find you are unlikly to see again.