The Legend of Sigurd and Gudrun, J. R. R. Tolkien, edited and signed by his son Christopher Tolkien, HarperCollins (London), 2009. DESCRIPTION: 9 1/8 x 6 inches (232 x 150 mm), 377 pages. Signed Limited Numbered Super Deluxe Edition, one of 500 copies. Hand-bound in full goatskin and presented in its own leather and suede solander box, stamped in gold foil with a unique motif of Sigurd's horse, Grani. Marbled pastedowns and endpapers, all edges gilt. Printed on superior quality paper and including a silk ribbon marker sewn into the text block. Features a color frontispiece of a facsimile page from J. R. R. Tolkien's original manuscript. Includes a chapter 'Introduction to the Elder Edda' written by J. R. R. Tolkien and an introduction and explanatory notes written by Christopher Tolkien. Protected with an archival clear Grafix Dura Lar dustwrapper. CONDITION: Both the volume and clamshell box are in fine condition. Note the presence of a 5 mm wide superficial channel (depression) running vertically through the lower half of the rear cover (see photo). This is original to the binding and was present as new. No names, inscriptions, ex-libris, etc. DISCUSSION: This is the true deluxe edition with full goatskin binding in matching leather and suede clamshell box, the signed limited edition printed and published in Great Britain. It is the first publication of a previously unknown work by J. R. R. Tolkien, telling the epic story of the Norse hero Sigurd the dragon slayer, the revenge of his wife Gudrun and the Fall of the Niblungs. It was likely written in the 1930s and consists of two narrative poems. For fans of The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit, this edition offers unique insight into the foundations of Tolkien's fictional world that would soon follow. This item has become increasingly rare and it is an essential addition to the fine and private press collections of Tolkien fans. Please examine the photographs carefully and ask all questions prior to purchase as sale is final. Domestic shipping with UPS Ground with tracking and Signature Required is $25. International shipping using the U.S. Postal Service International Priority Mail through the eBay Global Shipping Program is determined by eBay and calculated according to location, estimated between $60-$80.