Lovely memorable collection of Tolkien's art including 48 full-colour reproductions paintings This is an original and first edition copy, with a collection of artwork previously published in a series of calendars by George Allen & Unwin for the years 1974 and 1976-1979. Some copies have been seen in a glassine dust wrapper. This original book is issued in a cream-coloured slipcase. Two variants of the background have been seen, one distinctly more yellow than the other. Later copies were issued without the slipcase, although slip cased copies were available until at least 1988. A fantastic item for any Hobbit, Rings of Power or Lord of the Rings fan. Item Description This memorable collection contains colour frontispiece portrait of the author, and 48 full-page reproductions of Tolkien's paintings and coloured drawings, as well as original pen-and-ink drawings. Pictures will provide a unique and fascinating insight into Tolkien's visual conception of many of the places and characters familiar to readers of The Hobbit, The Lord of the Rings and The Silmarillion. First edition. Two page foreword and notes to the pictures by Christopher Tolkien. Published by George Allen & Unwin, London, 1979. Publisher's original brown cloth with gilt monogram and titles to the upper board and spine, housed in the original slipcase. Book Dimensions: 32.5 x 30.5 cm & Number of Pages: 83 (Unnumbered pages) Weight over 1.5kg Condition The book is beautifully bound, designed and illustrated. Firm and well-bound. The book in very good condition, with external covers are clean, and in nice shape. Internally; in nice condition. Neat inscription dated 1981 on top first front free endpaper page. Bright and clean pages, with light faded marks on first free endpaper pages. All illustrations are present and in very nice condition. The external slipcase has some light marks, and wear, and still in nice shape (Collectible Item) (Please see pictures).