The Authorized Edition of the Famous Fantasy Trilogy Vintage J.R.R. Tolkien Lord of The Rings 3 Book Red Box set 1967 Ballantine New York When "The Lord of the Rings" was first released in paperback in the United States, back in 1965, it was released not by Ballantine, but by Ace Books. The trilogy was re-released in 1965 by Ballantine Books, which, of course, went on to become a best seller. I was so excited when I saw this set for sale! I knew y'all would need it in your lives as well. This super cool find is a box set of paperback Lord of the Rings by JRR Tolkien from the 1970s. The LOTR series in one box, long before a movie was even begun. The box is in fine shape, there is shelfware and wear on the edges of the top and bottom but the graphics and the books are in good shape. Fellowship has minor water damage Don't read these editions, because of their age, but wrap them separately in a plastic bag and put them on your bookshelf. These are rare copies, you may want to collect this piece of history.