The points of issue
Edited by Christopher Tolkien. UK first impression 1980; folding Map of Middle-earth bound in at the rear; first-impression statement on verso. First-impression dust jackets are characteristically printed with pale blue ink that appears faded even on unhandled copies.
Is this the true first?
UK Allen & Unwin true first; US Houghton Mifflin edition followed later in 1980.
Telling it from reprints & book-club editions
Later printings and book-club issues carry impression notices and lack the first-state jacket.
Frequently asked questions
Is my copy of Unfinished Tales of Númenor and Middle-earth a first edition?
Look for these first-edition points: Edited by Christopher Tolkien. UK first impression 1980; folding Map of Middle-earth bound in at the rear; first-impression statement on verso. First-impression dust jackets are characteristically printed with pale blue ink that appears faded even on unhandled copies.
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 true first; US Houghton Mifflin edition followed later in 1980.
Is the book-club edition the same as the first?
Later printings and book-club issues carry impression notices and lack the first-state jacket.
I have a first edition of Unfinished Tales of Númenor and Middle-earth — 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.