The Silmarillion. by TOLKIEN, J. R. R - 1977 [but 1982]

London: George Allen & Unwin,, 1977 [but 1982]. Among the earliest printed copies of his mythological tales First edition, first impression, limited issue, number 142 of the first 1,000 copies off the press, which were reserved for later issue in this handsome "collector's edition" to coincide with the fifth anniversary of the initial release on 15 September 1977. Hammond suggests that the publisher did not bind up all 1,000 copies as originally intended. The Silmarillion is the mythology of Middle-earth, hinted at but not fully explored in The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings. The stories it comprises were written by Tolkien intermittently between the First World War and his death in 1973, and were published posthumously by his son Christopher. Octavo. Original red morocco, spine lettered in gilt, low raised bands ruled in blind, Tolkien's monogram stamped on front cover within gilt frame, blind heraldic device of Lúthien Tinúviel after a drawing by Tolkien on rear cover, grey endpapers, top edge gilt, red silk bookmarker. Housed in the original red cloth slipcase with morocco entry. Map of the Realms of the Noldor and the Sindar facing p. 128 and large folding map of Beleriand and the Lands to the North tipped to rear pastedown, both printed in red and black. Spine darkened, pale foxing to edges, contents clean, short closed tear to single map fold, faint lingering aroma. A very good copy, retaining the publisher's slipcase. Hammond & Anderson A15h.