The Prydain Cycle: The Book of Three; The Black Cauldron (Signed); The Castle of Llyr; Taran Wanderer; and The High King
NY: Holt, Rinehart, Winston, 1964-1968. First edition, first printing. Hardcover. Near fine. Item #18336
First editions, first printings. Five volumes. The complete set of the Prydain Cycle.
"The Book of Three" is near fine in the publisher's purple paper boards; the dustwrapper is not clipped and has the original price of $3.75, lightly browned, rubbed, rough along the edges and fold.
"The Black Cauldron" is signed by the author on the title page. A near fine copy in publisher's red paper boards. The dustwrapper is not price-clipped but is lightly browned from aging, else is near fine. It was a Newbery Honor selection.
"The Castle of Llyr" is near fine in the publisher's blue paper boards, showing only a trace of aging; the dustwrapper is not clipped and has the original price of $3.95, lightly browned, rubbed, rough along the edges and fold.
"Taran Wanderer" is in the publisher's blue paper boards and is a fine copy. The dustwrapper is near fine with only light soil and darkening of the spine. It is price-clipped, but is a review copy with the publisher's review slip laid-in.
"The High King" is in the publisher's blue paper boards and shows light browning from age. The dustwrapper is first state without the Newbery medal, is somewhat browned, mostly on the spine, and soiled, else is in very good condition. With the author's signature on a slip of paper laid-in.
This is Alexander's high fantasy masterpiece, based on Welsh mythology, and with roots in the Mabinogion, though inflated and changed around by the author.
Overall this is a wonderful set of stated first editions.
Price: $4,000.00