The Silmarillion — Tolkien, Houghton Mifflin 1977 1st Ed

📚 The Silmarillion by J.R.R. Tolkien is the foundational mythos of Middle-earth, detailing the creation of the world and the tragic war of the Jewels. This 1977 First American Edition from Houghton Mifflin is a cornerstone of fantasy literature, edited by Christopher Tolkien from the author’s posthumous manuscripts.

Quick Facts

• Author: J.R.R. Tolkien (Edited by Christopher Tolkien)
• Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Company, Boston
• Edition: First American Edition, First Printing (1977)
• Binding: Dark green cloth hardcover
• Dust Jacket: Original, unclipped ($10.95 price)
• Special Feature: Original fold-out map of Beleriand intact
• Jacket Art: Drawing by J.R.R. Tolkien, colored by H.E. Woods, designed by Louise Noble

About This Edition

Published in 1977, this First American Edition represents the first time the complex legendarium of the Elder Days was made available to the US public. Unlike later printings, this early release maintains the integrity of the original 1977 design and typography. The dark green cloth binding is a hallmark of the early Houghton Mifflin run, providing a sturdy and classic aesthetic for one of the most significant works of 20th-century mythology.

The included fold-out map of Beleriand is essential for navigating the geography of the First Age, detailing the coastlines, mountain ranges, and forests of the ancient world before the Downfall of Númenor. The dust jacket is particularly collectible in this copy, remaining unclipped with the original $10.95 price intact.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this a first edition?
Yes, this is the First American Edition, first printing, published by Houghton Mifflin in 1977.

Does it include the map?
Yes, the iconic fold-out two-color map of Beleriand is tipped in at the rear and is in quality condition.

Who edited the volume?
The work was edited and compiled by the author’s son, Christopher Tolkien, who meticulously reconstructed the narrative from J.R.R. Tolkien’s notes.

Condition Report

Overall Grade: Book: Very Good (VG)/Very Good+ (VG+) // Dust Jacket: Very Good- (VG)

Cover & Spine: Vibrant dark emerald green cloth boards with bright, unrubbed gilt device on front cover and gilt spine lettering; crisp board corners with minimal rubbing to extremities. Cloth color uniform all around.

Dust Jacket: Unclipped ($10.95); minor shelf-wear and light crimping at the spine head and tail; front panel outer edge and spine somewhat tanned; clean photographic portrait of Tolkien on rear. Some chipping at front flap fold.

Text Block & Pages: Pages are clean, crisp, and off-white/cream; fold-out map is in quality condition with no tears or misfolds. Sprayed upper block edge is deep and uniform.

Binding: Tight, square, and firm text block; hinges sound and uncracked.

See accompanying images for full condition details. Will ship promptly, carefully packaged.

HFB-SEO-v1: 2026-10-14

Shelf: B1-5

1 in stock