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236774754337
Seller: verge2
(439)
98.1% positive
Kingston, US
OUT_OF_STOCK
:
Ended Apr 23, 2026 8:18:08 PM UTC
Category: Books & Magazines|Books
Buy-It-Now:
$3,000.00
Condition: Good
Extremely rare version of The Silmarillion with a 1977 Houghton Mifflin Advanced Reader Copy. This was released in 1977 before the book was published. This should be considered a first of a first of its kind as an edition.
There are 302 numbered pages for this copy. There is a map in the beginning of the book. I could not find any rips or tears. I did not open the book fully to protect the spine.
This version has an official Houghton Mifflin insert on the reverse of the cover. The copy was sent out by an employee as a publicity copy. This is the only copy I have found for sale or sold that has an insert with it being a Publicity copy.. The insert also has a check mark next to the word Appendix.
There are 302 numbered pages for this copy. There is a map in the beginning of the book. I could not find any rips or tears. I did not open the book fully to protect the spine.
Please review all photos carefully—this appears to be a genuine pre-publication proof and shows signs of handling consistent with such material.
- Noticeable toning and dirt to covers (Pictures 1, 2, 3, 6, & 7)
- Some waviness to covers (Pictures 1, 2, 3, 6, & 7)
- Front page does not lie flat against book.(Pictures 14, 15, 16, & 17)
- Creasing to the Advance Reader insert (Picture 4)
- Small staple holes present on first page (Picture 5)
- Creasing to the rear cover and upper corner edge on part of the back pages (Pictures 19 & 20)
- Structurally sound and complete, with insert intact
The majority of the pages seem to be in great condition. I saw no evidence of any writing or highlighting on/in the book
Condition has been reflected in pricing. Despite flaws, this remains a highly collectible due to its rarity and possessing an insert.
Condition has been reflected in pricing. Despite flaws, this remains a highly collectible due to its rarity and possessing an insert.
My Research On This Book
In an attempt to uncover more about this book, I was in contact with two very reputable dealers including one of national renown and has been in the business for decades. The latter offered the following comment, "I haven't seen one of these since the publisher sent me one back in the day." There were statements made online that perhaps 200 copies of this version were ever created and less than 60 examples still exist (I cannot back this statement with any concrete evidence).
Searching the website TolkienGuide, I could find that others owning examples but no one mentioned any particulars as to the scarcity. I was able to find the following:
The last one public sale of this book occurred in 2018 (Per WorthPoint and TolkienGuide)..
There is currently one copy online for sale in a retail market (Tolkien Library) and they are asking €10,000 ($14,000+ USD). Reviewing the seller's pictures on AbeBooks, I see no evidence of an insert on the reverse of the cover nor any mention as such.
There is a second copy available is currently on sale on the Heritage Auctions website with an initial auction bid of $4,000 with a 25% buyer's fee (i.e. You will be paying $5,000). This one does have an insert from the Sales Department.
According to Worthpoint, there have been four (4) listings for this book since 2015. Two listing were for the same book based upon the pictures available. The 2015/2017 book has toning on the outside over along with writing on the spine and opposite side which makes it appear as an ex libris copy. The 2017 listing shows it was owned by The Mother Earth News. From what I can see it also, it does not contain an insert. An additional two books were sold in 2018. The first 2018 copy (4/19/2018) does not appear to have an insert on the reverse of the title page. The second 2018 copy (May 19, 2018) does not mention any insert in the very thorough description.
In regards to the sale, I have done my best to provide as much information that I have collected on the book to bring as much detail as possible to this auction. I ask you to perform your own research before purchasing. I am open to questions, but please do not expect instantaneous responses. If someone were to bring additional relevant information, then I am happy to append this description as well. If enough demand, I can take an additional picture or two, but I am now minimizing my handling of this book.
Additional Information:
I currently have the book in an acid free archive box surrounded by acid free tissue paper. Shipping will be economical but with insurance. I created an estimate and if its a reasonable lesser price then I will refund that amount and if the price to ship is more (i.e. international sale) please expect to pay more.
I am in no hurry to sell this item. I will not sell this item to someone with zero or poor feedback. No returns. If there is a demand for authenticity then the price will go up another $250 because it will cost me that much to get it performed by a reputable dealer.
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