The points of issue
First impression published 11 November 1954, 3,250 copies. Copyright page reads First published in 1954 with no later-impression notice. Red cloth, spine lettered in gilt with the ring-and-eye device, top edge stained red; folding map printed in red and black at rear. First-impression dust jacket priced 21s net.
Is this the true first?
UK Allen & Unwin is the true first and precedes the US Houghton Mifflin issue (1955). Must match the first impression; mixed-impression sets are common.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
Later impressions are noted on the copyright page; beware the third impression that misstates itself as a second. Book club and revised second edition copies differ in text and map state.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of The Two Towers (The Lord of the Rings vol. 2) a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: First impression published 11 November 1954, 3,250 copies. Copyright page reads First published in 1954 with no later-impression notice. Red cloth, spine lettered in gilt with the ring-and-eye device, top edge stained red; folding map printed in red and black at rear. First-impression dust jacket priced 21s net.
How do I tell the first printing from a later one?
Check the copyright page for the publisher's first-printing convention and confirm the points above. UK Allen & Unwin is the true first and precedes the US Houghton Mifflin issue (1955). Must match the first impression; mixed-impression sets are common.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
Later impressions are noted on the copyright page; beware the third impression that misstates itself as a second. Book club and revised second edition copies differ in text and map state.
I have a first edition of The Two Towers (The Lord of the Rings vol. 2) — what should I do?
If you're clearing books, New Mexico Literacy Project offers free pickup in Albuquerque, any condition, and makes sure collectible copies aren't lost. To sell, see the author's collecting guide. Either way, nothing valuable ends up in a landfill.