Four-volume boxed-set edition of The Lord of the Rings in hardback, featuring Tolkien’s original unused dust-jacket designs, together with fourth hardback volume, The Lord of the Rings: A Reader's Companion. Includes special features and the definitive edition of the text.Since it was first published in 1954, The Lord of the Rings has been a book people have treasured. Steeped in unrivalled magic and otherworldliness, its sweeping fantasy has touched the hearts of young and old alike. One hundred and fifty million copies of its many editions have been sold around the world, and occasional collectors’ editions become prized and valuable items of publishing.Now, to celebrate the 50th anniversary of its first publication, the text has been fully restored with almost 400 corrections – with the full co-operation of Christopher Tolkien – making it the definitive version, and as close as possible to the version that J.R.R. Tolkien intended. Also included are the original red and black maps as fold-out sheets, a fully revised and enlarged index, and – for the first time – a special plate section containing the pages from the Book of Mazarbul.These 50th anniversary hardback editions feature Tolkien’s original unused dust-jacket designs which date from the 1950s, which have been reworked to celebrate this special anniversary. They are collected here in a four-volume boxed set which also includes The Lord of the Rings: A Reader's Companion, a unique annotated guide to the text, which will enhance the reader's enjoyment and understanding of the book of the 20th century.