I am working on a LotR update at TolkienBooks.net but I am struggling with the 1978 Unwin Paperbacks Edition.

I have gathered some information, but it doesn't fit together very well - see below.

Does you have a copy? If so I would love to hear some details - year, impression number, cover price, etc.


Stated 1st Impression (Bakshi cover): £2.95*
Stated 1st Impression (Baynes cover): £5.50**
Stated 3rd Impression (1979): £4.95***
Stated 3rd Impression (1982): £5.50
From promotional leaflet (1978): £3.95^
From promotional leaflet (1980): £3.75^^
From promotional leaflet (1981): £4.95
From promotional leaflet (1982): £5.50

  • Dated 1978 but issued in 1979. It seems odd that although issued in 1979, this film tie-in edition was cheaper than the first issue of 1978. Discounted to promote sales?

  • The original [Bakshi?] wrappers appear to have been removed and replaced with Baynes illustrated wrappers bearing the 1982 price.

  • The price suggests that this was issued in 1981 rather than 1979. The copy seen was purchased in December 1981. It is unclear whether the original wrappers are in place.

^ Copies priced at £3.95 have not been seen.



^^ Copies priced at £3.75 have not been seen.