A finely bound first edition set of Tolkien's modern classic, The Lord of the Rings. Named Britain's best book in the BBC's inaugural The Big Read survey of 2003, The Lord of the Rings regularly features in lists of the world's greatest novels, and continues to be one of the most published works of all time.

At first, Tolkien intended the the books to be a children's tale in the style of The Hobbit but The Lord of the Rings quickly grew darker and more serious in tone. Though a direct sequel to The Hobbit, it addressed an older audience, drawing on the immense back-story of Beleriand that Tolkien had constructed in previous years and which eventually saw posthumous publication in The Silmarillion and other volumes. Tolkien's influence continues to weigh heavily on the fantasy genre, the popularity of which grew following the success of The Lord of the Rings.

First editions, second, second and first impressions; 3 vols, 8vo; full-page and folding maps; bound by Bayntun-Riviere in half burgundy morocco gilt, panelled spines in six compartments, gilt lettered direct in second, third, and fourth compartments, others with appropriate gilt emblem, raised bands, top edge gilt, light spotting to fore-edge, a fine set; 423, [1]; 352; 416 pp.