Own a Piece of Middle-earth History: 1972 Ballantine Boxed Set
Step back into the golden age of fantasy with this vintage 1972 Ballantine Books paperback collection of J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings. Featuring the iconic, surrealist cover art by Barbara Remington, this set is a must-have for serious collectors and fans of classic book design.
The Details
Complete Trilogy: Includes The Fellowship of the Ring, The Two Towers, and The Return of the King.
Original Slipcase: Housed in the classic cardboard box featuring Remington’s legendary mural art.
Authentic Vintage: Published by Ballantine Books, New York (Authorized Edition).
Why This Set?
The 1970s Ballantine editions are famous for their unique aesthetic—the sprawling landscape across the covers was actually part of a larger painting that Tolkien himself famously (and humorously) noted contained pumpkins on trees and emus. It is this specific quirk that makes the 1972 set a beloved standout in the history of Tolkien publishing.
Condition Report
Books: All books are in excellent condition, light creasing on the spines but appear to be unread, or read very carefully
Slipcase: Structurally sound with minor shelf wear on the corners, with one showing slight damage, another having split a tiny half-inch. Some shelf-rubbing spots on the exterior. See pics for detail - slipcase was the best one out there last I checked, they seem to not have worn very well over the years, generally
Overall: Great vintage condition. No missing pages, clean
Shipping: Usually within 24 hours. Packaged securely and to prevent in-transit damage.
Don’t miss the chance to add this 50-plus-year-old treasure to your library. Message me for more photos or details!
40