The History of Middle Earth 12 vol. All 1st/1st Tolkien Start Price USD 7,500.00 Current Price USD 7,500.00 Time Left - Bid Count 0 Buy It Now Price - Reserve Price - Start Time Friday, September 19, 2008 End Time Sunday, October 19, 2008 Location Pauma Valley, California See more about 'The History of Middle Earth 12 vol. All 1st/1st Tolkien' Description An exceptionally rare and complete true first edition set of THE HISTORY OF MIDDLE EARTH by J.R.R. Tolkien. All are 1st American printings in very fine - as new condition and I doubt they have ever been read. All books and DJ's are clean with no marks or tears. All have their dust jacket prices intact. All 1st. edition / 1st. printing points are present on all volumes. These were originally published from 1984 - 1996, and due to the short printings of many of the books, very few people were ever able to complete their sets as the books were released. Many firsts were also remainder marked and dumped on the secondary market over the years due to slow initial sales. Naturally, by the time collector interest exploded some years ago rare book dealers were forced to assemble sets with mixed printings and later reprints. In short, this is probably your only chance to aquire a complete set of the originals. There are no other 1st./1st. U.S. edition sets available anywhere on the web or in rare bookshops. In fact, the only other somewhat collectible sets available that I could find on Abebooks are 2 mixed sets with some volumes being later printings or Book Clubs, a number of the books having price clipped dust jackets, and in lesser condition. A fine British set is also available for $13,600, but in my opinion they are more common than the American.THIS SET IS CHOICE AND SHOULD PLEASE THE MOST DISCRIMINATING BUYER.Remember the three C's. CONDITION! CONDITION! CONDITION! Books in the best condition go up in value faster than inflation and are a sound investment, besides providing untold enjoyment for their owners. If you have any questions, call me at 818-632-0062 to discuss; or email hobbit7@earthlink.net Please see the scan which does not do them justice.  No reserve on this lot. TERMS: Post Office Money order or equivalent is preferred, and checks are fine subject to clearance. Sorry, I do not accept Paypal. California residents add 8.25% sales tax. Buyer pays shipping and handling. I will keep costs as low as I can, and use the best care reasonably possible to ensure safe delivery of your merchandise. For domestic customers I will offer insurance through the Post Office. It is strongly recommended that you purchase this service, since without it, neither the Post Office or I am liable for any damage or loss. FedEx shipping of heavy items will automatically be declared for full value and sent insured, but due to the distance from my home, it may take me an extra week before I ship your lot. Foreign bidders may also purchase insurance but must request it since it is only available on Parcel Post and Express Mail shipments at significantly higher cost. If you are not happy with the merchandise, contact me immediately by email or phone to see how we can resolve the deal to our mutual satisfaction before leaving neutral or negative feedback. I will be as fair as I can, but will not issue refunds for buyers remorse or errors in bidding. Large lots and collections are sold as is and are not returnable for any reason. I will do my best to accurately describe lots for sale, but on occassion I make mistakes or simply can't explain every detail of the item due to time constraints. If you have any questions, ask them before placing a bid and I will reply promptly. All positive feedback is greatly appreciated and I always reciprocate but ask that bidders post it for me first.     PLEASE DON'T BID IF YOU WILL NOT COMPLETE THE TRANSACTION. CHANGES IN EBAY POLICY HAVE DRAMATICALLY INCREASED FEES TO SELLERS AND CHANGED THE ALLOWABLE TIME AND CIRCUMSTANCES UNDER WHICH COMMISSION REFUNDS ARE PERMITTED. IF IT BECOMES NECESSARY FOR ME TO REQUEST A REFUND OF FEES FROM EBAY FOR ANY REASON, IT IS THEIR POLICY TO DESIGNATE THE BIDDER AS A POTENTIAL DEADBEAT. AFTER 3 SUCH OFFENSES, SUSPENSION OR EXPULSION IS AUTOMATIC AND I CANNOT INTERVENE IN ANY WAY. PLEASE KEEP THIS IN MIND, SINCE PROMPT PAYMENT INSURES THAT BOTH PARTIES WILL BE HAPPY WHILE MAINTAINING THE GOOD WILL AND INTEGRITY MOST PEOPLE HAVE COME TO EXPECT FROM EBAY. Place a Bid!