An interesting lot coming up this week at Sotheby's London auction "The Library of an English Bibliophile Part VII". In this lot are two uncommon first editions, and two much more scarce offprints. For those looking to expand beyond Middle-earth and have some important works of J. R. R. Tolkien in your collection, you could do much worse than these.

Sothebys Nov 7 2017 Lot 286 Tolkien Books


Lot number 286 : "Tolkien, J.R.R. Four Volumes, Comprising:"


'Middle English "Losenger"', Essais de Philologie Moderne. Paris: Societe d’edition "Les Belles Lettres", 1953, 8vo (243 x 160mm.), separate offprint, "FROM THE LIBRARY OF J.R.R. TOLKIEN" booklabel on upper wrapper, original printed wrappers, [cf Hammond B20], some creases;

'Some Contributions to Middle-English Lexicography', The Review of English Studies. London: Sidgwick and Jackson, 1925, 8vo (229 x 159mm.), separate offprint, original printed wrappers, [cf Hammond C17];

The Adventures of Tom Bombadil. London: George Allen and Unwin, 1962, 8vo (221 x 142mm.), FIRST EDITION, FIRST ISSUE (‘Cat’ on p. [48]), original pictorial boards, DUST-JACKET, [Hammond A6(a)], minor tear to head of upper panel of dust-jacket;

Smith of Wooton Major. London: George Allen and Unwin, 1967, small 8vo (149 x 106mm.), FIRST EDITION, illustrations by Pauline Baynes, original pictorial boards (first state), [Hammond A9(a)], extremities slightly worn, spine faded;

all within collector’s chemise and red-morocco backed slipcase (4)

Estimate £500 — £700

Update: LOT SOLD. 1,250 GBP (Hammer Price with Buyer's Premium)