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LotR A&U first edition / early impressions - difference in size?

12 Dec, 2022
2022-12-12 5:38:27 AM UTC

Hi everyone,

I'm new to the site - and what a pleasure it is to explore.

I've noticed a small difference in the size of the binding of the early A&U impressions I have (FR smaller than the other two), and would be interested to know how widespread this might have been and when it disappeared.

The front board of my FR (3rd impression) measures 222 mm x 140 mm (with page height 217 mm) whereas my TT (2nd) measures 227 mm x 145 mm (with page height 222 mm). RK 2nd imp. appears to be the same size as TT.

I found some pictures of another early set online, where FR is a 3rd impression, and I think I can make out a similar difference in the height at least.

I'm wondering if any other impressions may have been bound at that smaller size (whether FR or other) or if this was an outlier.

It only occurs to me now but I guess this might even be seen in the size of the HMCO 3rd impression as well since they would have been bound from the same (UK) sheets?

5570_6396be692a1a4.jpg 4000X3000 px
12 Dec, 2022
2022-12-12 7:03:10 AM UTC
FotR A&U 2nd impression and first state of the 7th impression are smaller in height.
I was not aware that the 3rd impression was also concerned. Regarding the HMCO 3rd impression, I have the 3/B variant and this is a standard octavo so same size as the others.
12 Dec, 2022
2022-12-12 1:09:43 PM UTC

Emilien wrote:

FotR A&U 2nd impression and first state of the 7th impression are smaller in height.
I was not aware that the 3rd impression was also concerned. Regarding the HMCO 3rd impression, I have the 3/B variant and this is a standard octavo so same size as the others.

I have a 3a variant (HMCO FOTR) and it too is the standard size.
12 Dec, 2022
2022-12-12 1:40:48 PM UTC
As an aside:

I think the UK 3rd Impression FOTR had the lowest print run (500 Copies) of any of the UK or US Lord of the Rings First Editions.

https://tolkienbooks.net/php/details2.php?id=290

Not an easy one to ever find.
12 Dec, 2022
2022-12-12 1:51:37 PM UTC

remy wrote:

As an aside:

I think the UK 3rd Impression FOTR had the lowest print run (500 Copies) of any of the UK or US Lord of the Rings First Editions.

https://tolkienbooks.net/php/details2.php?id=290

Not an easy one to ever find.
Yes. Most of the sheets of the 3rd impression were sent to HMCO for the 3rd US printing, which is actually the second US printing (as there is no proper 2nd US printing).
Regarding the smallest print run of both UK and US 1st editions, don't forget that US FotR 4th and 5th printings also have a print run of 500 copies each. These are also really difficult to find.
12 Dec, 2022
2022-12-12 1:58:29 PM UTC
Thanks for the clarification Emilien. Was not aware the US FOTR 4th and 5th also had print runs of 500 copies. Probably once knew this (but lost to memory by time).
12 Dec, 2022
2022-12-12 6:51:01 PM UTC
Interesting. Considering the HMCO impressions being the standard size, and looking at the printing and binding history here (https://tolkienbooks.net/php/lotr-print-runs.php) it seems possible Key & Whiting trimmed the sheets for some reason - they were the binders for the 2nd impression, but also for the 497 copies of the 3rd impression bound for A&U. Admittedly they bound c. 500 of the 3,000 first A&U impressions too, so perhaps there are some wee variants hiding away there too!
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