Unfinished Tales J.R.R. Tolkien 1988 Ballantine Paperback Yellow Cover Middle-earth Lore

This Unfinished Tales J.R.R. Tolkien 1988 paperback is the yellow cover Ballantine edition of the stories, histories, and background writings that expand the world of Middle-earth.

Edited with an introduction, commentary, and index by Christopher Tolkien, the book includes material connected to Númenor, the First and Second Ages, the Istari, Galadriel, and the events surrounding The Lord of the Rings.

Details

• Item: Mass Market Paperback Book
• Full Title: Unfinished Tales of Númenor and Middle-earth
• Cover Title: Unfinished Tales: The Lost Lore of Middle-earth
• Author: J.R.R. Tolkien
• Editor: Christopher Tolkien
• Cover Illustrator: Michael Herring
• Maps: Shelly Shapiro
• Publisher: Ballantine Books, New York
• Year: 1988
• Edition/Printing: First Ballantine Books Edition, September 1988; specific printing not confirmed from photos
• Format: Mass market paperback
• Dust Jacket: Not issued
• Pages: 493 pages
• Special Features: Yellow cover, yellow page edges, maps, introduction, commentary, notes, appendices, and index
• ISBN: 0-345-35711-6
• Size: 7 inches x 4 inches x 1 inch

Condition Grade: Very Good

Positives

• The binding appears sound and the pages are securely held.
• The interior pages appear clean and readable, with no writing or highlighting visible in the photographed pages.
• The yellow cover remains bright, with clear lettering and illustrated artwork.
• The yellow page edges remain strong and even.

Issues / Wear

• The cover shows light rubbing, small surface marks, and minor wear along the edges and corners.
• The spine has light shelf rubbing and a few small marks.
• The interior paper shows age toning.

See all photos for detail. Sold as pictured.

Condition Grade Key

• Near Fine: Almost perfect. Very minor signs of age only.
• Very Good: Shows light use. Sound and attractive with minor flaws.
• Good: Complete and intact. Noticeable wear consistent with age and use.
• Fair: Shows significant wear. Readable or usable but clearly used.

Collector's Notes

Unfinished Tales gathers Tolkien writings that add history and detail to the world established in The Hobbit, The Lord of the Rings, and The Silmarillion.

It suits a Tolkien reader who wants to go beyond the main novels or someone building a matching vintage paperback collection.

This copy stands out for its bright yellow Ballantine cover and matching yellow page edges.

It is a clean reading copy with plenty left for another trip through Middle-earth.

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Disclaimer

All items are vintage and may show signs of age, wear, or use consistent with their history. Photos show the exact condition of each piece—please review them carefully, as they are part of the description. 

Care and Handling:
Handle with clean, dry hands. Store upright, out of direct sunlight, at about 68°F and 40–50% relative humidity. Avoid damp areas and extreme temperature swings.