J.R.R. Tolkien, A Master!!!!

[Merlin1958]

I'm not sure if there are many fans of Mr. Tolkien here, but aside from Stephen King, he is one of my All-Time favorite Authors!!!!! I like a few other authors as well, but few can be said to have defined a Genre and a generation the way that Tolkien did.

I make it a yearly ritual to re-read the Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit each and every year. I wish I could afford to do better, but I have a few fine collectible editions to share with all of you. If, you are so inclined:


My LOTR, 2nd Edition Books and Display Case (Made by Dolso)


http://img227.imageshack.us/img227/3739/lotrcase003.jpg

http://img812.imageshack.us/img812/922/lotrcase001.jpg

http://img3.imageshack.us/img3/7656/engraving2doc1.jpg


My 8th Overall Impression of "The Hobbit"

http://img825.imageshack.us/img825/6128/00075611.jpg


http://img713.imageshack.us/img713/3639/00075621.jpg


http://img69.imageshack.us/img69/153/00075631.jpg


And a commerative "The Hobbit" Edition


http://img837.imageshack.us/img837/7127/tolkien012.jpg




I have more and will post pics if anyone is interested


Thanks for looking!!!!!

[Merlin1958]

"The Silmarillon", First US Edition


http://img821.imageshack.us/img821/6752/tolkien002.jpg


http://img841.imageshack.us/img841/8527/tolkien001.jpg


"Bilbo's Last Song", First UK Edition


http://img688.imageshack.us/img688/7752/tolkien003.jpg


http://img839.imageshack.us/img839/1029/tolkien004.jpg


http://img801.imageshack.us/img801/5366/tolkien005.jpg

[Ben Staad]

Those are some great books. Post some more photos if you have more to share.

[Merlin1958]

Fifty Years Commerative Edition of, "The Hobbit"


http://img691.imageshack.us/img691/405/tolkien006.jpg


http://img824.imageshack.us/img824/1047/tolkien008.jpg


Another Commerotive "The Hobbit" Gift Edition, in slipcase


http://img818.imageshack.us/img818/2762/tolkien010.jpg


http://img716.imageshack.us/img716/2654/tolkien011.jpg

[Merlin1958]

For what it's worth, I have commissioned another display case for my very old and valuable "The Hobbit" from our own "Dolso" who made the LOTR display case. He does just amazing work!!!!!!! It is "worlds" better to be able to admire your collectible books from a display case, than stick them on a shelf, IMHO.

Keep watching this thread for more items!!!!!


Thx for looking!!!!!!!!!!!!!

:rose:

[Ben Staad]

Great books Merlin! Here is my meager Tolkien collection which involves books you have as well but I figured I would post them anyway. Enjoy :D
http://i1203.photobucket.com/albums/bb387/tampatim2003/P2250005.jpg
http://i1203.photobucket.com/albums/bb387/tampatim2003/P2250009.jpg
http://i1203.photobucket.com/albums/bb387/tampatim2003/P2250011.jpg
Sorry for the flash but I couldn't get the light right and I'm getting tired and grumpy!

[Ben Staad]

"I'm not sure if there are many fans of Mr. Tolkien here, but aside from Stephen King, he is one of my All-Time favorite Authors!!!!! I like a few other authors as well, but few can said to have defined a Genre and a generation the way that Tolkien did."

Merlin- I couldn't agree with you more in regards to Tolkien. Reading The Hobbit early on in life shaped my reading habits at a young age and made me the SK fan I am today.

[Merlin1958]

Well said, Ben!!!!! He's a keeper (so to speak) Great stuff you got there. I have all of those editions. I want them for my Grand Children!!!!!! Tolkien, should be "passed on" don't you think?

A Classic, all the way around!!!!!

Thx for posting here!!!!!

[thegreattim]

Tolkien is always a good read. Wonderful collection (and cases!), Merlin!

[jhanic]

I first read the Lord of the Rings trilogy back in the early '60s when there were "dueling" paperback printings being done, by Ace and by Ballantine. I bought the Ace books (which, it turned out, were the unauthorized editions) because they were cheaper than the Ballantine ones. I literally read those books to pieces.

John

[ELazansky]

Have you ever seen these copies of the books from The Folio Society? - http://www.foliosociety.com/book/BZA4/lord-of-the-rings-and-hobbit

You can get them all for 19.95 if you join for 1 year and agree to buy a few more books. They look kinda nice.

[Ben Staad]

Have you ever seen these copies of the books from The Folio Society? - http://www.foliosociety.com/book/BZA4/lord-of-the-rings-and-hobbit

You can get them all for 19.95 if you join for 1 year and agree to buy a few more books. They look kinda nice.

They look nice however does anyone have any comments on this place? Do you get the intro books after you buy their other books, what is the quality of the books, is there any actual value from this publisher? Don't know so I'm just asking.

By the way thanks Eric!

[Ari_Racing]

Is it only me that can't see the pics hosted at imagehack?

[swintek]

The Folio books are really nice. I like the unique cover designs/materials. I've been a member before (to get the Tolkien deal), and was very happy with the membership & books. You get the introductory books right away, and agree to purchase 5 or 6 other books from them (at around $40- $60 each) over the next year. Then you are done. The best way to see if it would work out for you is to look through the whole online available books catalog and see if you can find 5 or 6 books in there that you would be interested in. If so (and you should- there are always a few good horror titles in there), then I say go for it.

Ron

[jhanic]

Is it only me that can't see the pics hosted at imagehack?

I can see them.

John

[carlosdetweiller]

Have you ever seen these copies of the books from The Folio Society? - http://www.foliosociety.com/book/BZA4/lord-of-the-rings-and-hobbit

You can get them all for 19.95 if you join for 1 year and agree to buy a few more books. They look kinda nice.

There is a set of all five books from the Folio Society (adds The Silmarillion) on ABE right now for $225. I'm not sure how much you would spend over the length of the membership agreement but if you just wanted the Tolkein books that might be the way to go rather than join. They recently did an edition of DRACULA that I wanted but bought on eBay rather than joining.

http://www.abebooks.com/servlet/BookDetailsPL?bi=3533031595&searchurl=an%3Dtolkein%26bi%3D0%26bx%3Don%26ds%3D3 0%26pn%3Dfolio%26recentlyadded%3Dall%26sortby%3D0% 26sts%3Dt%26x%3D83%26y%3D15

[swintek]

Yeah- I bought that Folio Dracula on Ebay as well. Nice edition! Folio's are generally really cool books. I don't know how collectible- in terms of value- they are, but they are unique, well designed & crafted.

[Clacke]

Some beautiful books on show in this thread! As it was for many other people, it was reading Tolkien in my early teens that shaped my reading tastes. My LOTR are the UK 2nd edition 6th impression. Fold out maps at the back of each book.

http://www.thedarktower.org/gallery/data/723/medium/03012010569.jpghttp://www.thedarktower.org/gallery/data/723/medium/03012010571.jpg?8079http://www.thedarktower.org/gallery/data/723/medium/03012010572.jpg

My Hobbit is the UK 12th impression.

http://www.thedarktower.org/gallery/data/723/medium/03012010575.jpg?9137http://www.thedarktower.org/gallery/data/723/medium/03012010573.jpg

[Ben Staad]

The Folio books are really nice. I like the unique cover designs/materials. I've been a member before (to get the Tolkien deal), and was very happy with the membership & books. You get the introductory books right away, and agree to purchase 5 or 6 other books from them (at around $40- $60 each) over the next year. Then you are done. The best way to see if it would work out for you is to look through the whole online available books catalog and see if you can find 5 or 6 books in there that you would be interested in. If so (and you should- there are always a few good horror titles in there), then I say go for it.

Ron

Thanks for the info. The books look cool and I will definitely think about signing up.....although from my wife's stare I may not be signing up anytime soon (at least until she is out of the room).

[Ben Staad]

Some beautiful books on show in this thread! As it was for many other people, it was reading Tolkien in my early teens that shaped my reading tastes. My LOTR are the UK 2nd edition 6th impression. Fold out maps at the back of each book.

http://www.thedarktower.org/gallery/data/723/medium/03012010569.jpghttp://www.thedarktower.org/gallery/data/723/medium/03012010571.jpg?8079http://www.thedarktower.org/gallery/data/723/medium/03012010572.jpg

My Hobbit is the UK 12th impression.

http://www.thedarktower.org/gallery/data/723/medium/03012010575.jpg?9137http://www.thedarktower.org/gallery/data/723/medium/03012010573.jpg

Wonderful set of books I am jealous. :cool:

[Ben Staad]

Here is my daughter with her copy of the Hobbit..She has literally read this copy five times in the last couple of years.
http://i1203.photobucket.com/albums/bb387/tampatim2003/AmberHobbit.jpg

[carlosdetweiller]

Maybe one of you Tolkien collectors can tell me something about this set I bought about 6 years ago on eBay. The three books were published in 1962 and came in a slipcase that housed all three. FELLOWSHIP is a 12th printing and the other two are both 9th printings. The slipcase has seen better days but did a good job of protecting the books. The dust jackets are darkened on the spines but pretty good elsewhere (price-clipped, though). The books themselves are fine and maps are present.

Is this set worth anything? Guesses?

http://i204.photobucket.com/albums/bb54/carlosdetweiller/tolkien1.jpg

http://i204.photobucket.com/albums/bb54/carlosdetweiller/tolkien2.jpg

http://i204.photobucket.com/albums/bb54/carlosdetweiller/tolkien3.jpg

http://i204.photobucket.com/albums/bb54/carlosdetweiller/tolkien4.jpg

[Merlin1958]

Probably worth around $200-$400 depending on overall condition. If you want to PM me I can give you the e-mail for a very reliable dealer that would be better suited to a price quote.

[Ben Staad]

Carlos-

There are a few sets of these on abebooks right now (unless any of these are yours) and they are asking for between $490 and $1200. I'm not sure if there selling but that's what is being asked.

[Merlin1958]

I absolutely love the stories, but am by no means an expert on collecting them. I have 2 or 3 dealers I trust and use for advice on editions. One thing I can tell you is that if you think King collecting is complicated, its virtually nothing compared to Tolkien!!!! Did you know that LOTR is second in book sales to only the Holy Bible????

It's a good idea to get an expert involved before making a purchase or sale. There are just so many intricacies involving the publishers and impressions.

[Clacke]

Maybe one of you Tolkien collectors can tell me something about this set I bought about 6 years ago on eBay. The three books were published in 1962 and came in a slipcase that housed all three. FELLOWSHIP is a 12th printing and the other two are both 9th printings. The slipcase has seen better days but did a good job of protecting the books. The dust jackets are darkened on the spines but pretty good elsewhere (price-clipped, though). The books themselves are fine and maps are present.

Is this set worth anything? Guesses?

http://i204.photobucket.com/albums/bb54/carlosdetweiller/tolkien1.jpg

http://i204.photobucket.com/albums/bb54/carlosdetweiller/tolkien2.jpg

http://i204.photobucket.com/albums/bb54/carlosdetweiller/tolkien3.jpg

http://i204.photobucket.com/albums/bb54/carlosdetweiller/tolkien4.jpg

Here's a set of similar age, also with a less than fine slipcase. Dust jackets are not price clipped though.

http://www.tolkienlibrary.com/dmiller/000747.htm

[carlosdetweiller]

Thanks to Ben Staad, Clacke and Merlin1958 for the thoughts and advice. I'm not looking to sell and I bought the books because I liked them. I paid almost $400 so it looks like I was in the right ball park. I appreciate the advice.

Speaking of ball parks, the Yankees have their first spring training game today!!! I'll be watching on YES Network.

[Merlin1958]

Thanks to Ben Staad, Clacke and Merlin1958 for the thoughts and advice. I'm not looking to sell and I bought the books because I liked them. I paid almost $400 so it looks like I was in the right ball park. I appreciate the advice.

Speaking of ball parks, the Yankees have their first spring training game today!!! I'll be watching on YES Network.

I think Colon is starting!!!!!

[Merlin1958]

I, personally, only collect LOTR and The Hobbit books. I also have "the Silmarillon and a couple others, but to me the first four are "The Collectibles" for the most part. Make no mistake, Tolkien was a "Genius" when it came to writing, if only for his attention to detail and history!!!!


:clap:

[Merlin1958]

I have more that I should post. Check back tomorrow!!!!!!!

[Ben Staad]

I have more that I should post. Check back tomorrow!!!!!!!

If you ever get a chance please post. :excited: By the way you are right I have been reading about collecting Tolkien and it is insane especially if you are only collecting the big four (Hobbit and LOTR).

[Merlin1958]

I have more that I should post. Check back tomorrow!!!!!!!

If you ever get a chance please post. :excited: By the way you are right I have been reading about collecting Tolkien and it is insane especially if you are only collecting the big four (Hobbit and LOTR).

Oh yeah, its nuts. Between the publishers, editions and printings you can go blind!!!! I rely on a couple of dealers I trust and then my pocketbook. The real deal items are insane in price, but I've managed to judicously aquire some nice items I'm real happy with.

[Merlin1958]

OK, New case for 2nd UK edition "The Hobbit", very valuable book!!! Now I can "own it" and "Display It" lol lol


http://img546.imageshack.us/img546/9954/hobbittentfrontleft1doc.jpg

http://img27.imageshack.us/img27/1441/hobbittentent2doc2.jpg


http://img543.imageshack.us/img543/505/hobbittentlabeldoc1.jpg



http://img16.imageshack.us/img16/79/hobbittentengraving3doc.jpg

[carlosdetweiller]

Looks very nice. Congratulations.

[Merlin1958]

Since I have acquired this awesome case for my Edition of "The Hobbit", I now have a very nice slipcase available for free (Pay the Shipping). If anyone out there has a similar edition (About 7 7/8" high) and wants this case, just PM me and its yours!!!!! It has the "Tolkien Crest" on the side and is Green in color. Rather give it to a dedicated collector and I'm not interested in selling it.

[Ben Staad]

Since I have acquired this awesome case for my Edition of "The Hobbit", I now have a very nice slipcase available for free (Pay the Shipping). If anyone out there has a similar edition (About 7 7/8" high) and wants this case, just PM me and its yours!!!!! It has the "Tolkien Crest" on the side and is Green in color. Rather give it to a dedicated collector and I'm not interested in selling it.

:clap: :clap: :clap: You the man!

[Cook]

Thought I'd show my Tolkiens as well,
Obviously the Hobbit is not a 1st, but I'm not sure if the UK Silmarillion is or not.
If anybody has any knowledge of these please let me know, I could use the help.


http://i1224.photobucket.com/albums/ee373/richardcook59/Tolkien001.jpg?t=1304911630
http://i1224.photobucket.com/albums/ee373/richardcook59/Tolkien002.jpg?t=1304911671

[Merlin1958]

I have a U.S. First of "The Silmarillon", but yours looks to be a UK, which is an earlier edition. The CP would help if you have a pic of it. Tolkien editions are notoriously difficult to identify given all the re-printings, but your's look to be very early from what I can see.

[Cook]

I have a U.S. First of "The Silmarillon", but yours looks to be a UK, which is an earlier edition. The CP would help if you have a pic of it. Tolkien editions are notoriously difficult to identify given all the re-printings, but your's look to be very early from what I can see.

Merlin1958,
Here you go, thanks
http://i1224.photobucket.com/albums/ee373/richardcook59/TolkienSimCPpage001.jpg?t=1305333298

[Merlin1958]

Well, here is the "Wiki" on it, but I would check with this guy who is a trusted Tolkien dealer:


dmiller@southwind.net

He knows his stuff and you can trust him to be honest. Looks to me like a first/first, but Dave will know for sure

[Cook]

Well, here is the "Wiki" on it, but I would check with this guy who is a trusted Tolkien dealer:


dmiller@southwind.net

He knows his stuff and you can trust him to be honest. Looks to me like a first/first, but Dave will know for sure

Bill,

I sent him an email, thank you very much for your help.

-Richard

[Merlin1958]

No problem, Glad to be of assistance!!!!

[becca69]

Got these today. Pleased to find out I spent $20 on a VG+ rare first export edition of The Silmarillion.

Description of my book I found on abes: The Silmarillion - True 1st (Export) Edition/1st Impression George Allen & Unwin, Ltd., London, 1977. Hardcover. First Edition; First Printing. 8vo; 365, [3], folded map pages. The unpriced export edition, printed by William Clowes and Sons, preceded the (priced) domestic edition. Contains all first impression points required per Hammond and Anderson A15a, especially misprints on pages 330 and 352. Shows the dark blue top stained pages (no priority established); Includes a number of shorter works besides The Silmarillion, Genealogies, The Sundering of the Elves, Note on Pronunciation, Index of Names, Appendix, Elements in Quenya and Sindarin names plus a color map of the Realms of the Noldor and the Sindar as well as a colored fold out map of Beleriand and the lands to the north.

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a235/becca3969/Book%20Collections/silmarillion.jpg

[Merlin1958]

Got these today. Please to find out I spend $20 on a VG+ rare first export edition of The Silmarillion.

Description of my book I found on abes: The Silmarillion - True 1st (Export) Edition/1st Impression George Allen & Unwin, Ltd., London, 1977. Hardcover. First Edition; First Printing. 8vo; 365, [3], folded map pages. The unpriced export edition, printed by William Clowes and Sons, preceded the (priced) domestic edition. Contains all first impression points required per Hammond and Anderson A15a, especially misprints on pages 330 and 352. Shows the dark blue top stained pages (no priority established); Includes a number of shorter works besides The Silmarillion, Genealogies, The Sundering of the Elves, Note on Pronunciation, Index of Names, Appendix, Elements in Quenya and Sindarin names plus a color map of the Realms of the Noldor and the Sindar as well as a colored fold out map of Beleriand and the lands to the north.

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a235/becca3969/Book%20Collections/silmarillion.jpg

Congrats, Becca!!!!! I have the same 1/1!!!! Great Minds and all!!!!


:clap::clap::clap:

[becca69]

Thanks! Thought you would appreciate it. I also got a UK deluxe Children of Hurin & Tales from the Perilous Realm.

[Lurker]

That is a great deal on the UK Sillimarlion. I need to find one of those.

Thought I'd throw in some of my Tolkien while I'm posting.

2nd Printing 12/11/11 I think.
http://i885.photobucket.com/albums/ac54/ICONfan/LOTRRevisedHB.jpg

US 1sts
http://i885.photobucket.com/albums/ac54/ICONfan/HistoryofMiddleEarthUs1st.jpg

The Authorized Ballentine Editions. I like that they make one picture.
http://i885.photobucket.com/albums/ac54/ICONfan/LOTRDOLPHINS.jpg

Couple of Hobbits
http://i885.photobucket.com/albums/ac54/ICONfan/Hobbit50.jpg
http://i885.photobucket.com/albums/ac54/ICONfan/HobbitGreenLeather.jpg

Couple of LOTR
http://i885.photobucket.com/albums/ac54/ICONfan/LOTRStanLee.jpg
http://i885.photobucket.com/albums/ac54/ICONfan/LOTRRedLeather.jpg

Misc - Songbook is 3rd/Farmer BMOC/Sil and Tales 1st
http://i885.photobucket.com/albums/ac54/ICONfan/Other.jpg

History of the Hobbit and Deluxe Sigrid
http://i885.photobucket.com/albums/ac54/ICONfan/DigridHistory.jpg

Some Calendars
http://i885.photobucket.com/albums/ac54/ICONfan/Cals1.jpg
http://i885.photobucket.com/albums/ac54/ICONfan/Cals2.jpg

[becca69]

Very nice collection. I just got lucky with that Silmarillion. I love it when that happens. I've been looking for the UK deluxe but it's impossible to find at an affordable price, if at all.

[Merlin1958]

Occurred to me that I never posted Dolso's case for "The Hobbit"


http://imageshack.us/a/img543/505/hobbittentlabeldoc1.jpg


http://imageshack.us/a/img16/79/hobbittentengraving3doc.jpg

http://imageshack.us/a/img546/9954/hobbittentfrontleft1doc.jpg

http://imageshack.us/a/img854/650/hobbittentopendoc1.jpg

A UK first, 8th Impression!!!! Really wonderful edition!!!! Goes inside that case!!!!

[Tito_Villa]

Amazing!

[ELazansky]

So this isn't a collecting question as much as it is a reading question. I am about 120 pages into Lord of the Rings, and Iam completely bored. I can only read a few pages at a time before I have to put the book down. Am I rushing to judgment? So many people say LOTR is the greatest thing ever...I'm not seeing it, at least not yet.

[Merlin1958]

So this isn't a collecting question as much as it is a reading question. I am about 120 pages into Lord of the Rings, and Iam completely bored. I can only read a few pages at a time before I have to put the book down. Am I rushing to judgment? So many people say LOTR is the greatest thing ever...I'm not seeing it, at least not yet.

Well. not positive as far as where 120 pages puts you in the story, but you have to get past "Rivendell" before it really picks up. A truly wonderful tale!!!!

[ELazansky]

Thanks Bill, I feel better now. Haven't gotten to Rivendell yet...just left Tom Bombadil's house. I won't give up on it.

[Merlin1958]

Thanks Bill, I feel better now. Haven't gotten to Rivendell yet...just left Tom Bombadil's house. I won't give up on it.

Oh I know what you mean, Tom Bomadil was "brutal" to me. All those poems and songs!!! Arrghhhh!!! "Weathertop" is cool and the arrival at "Rivendell" as well. It's mostly "gravy" from here on out!!!!!

[Brice]

In fairness. It's overall a marvelous story, but there are parts that sorta drag.

[noal]

Thanks Bill, I feel better now. Haven't gotten to Rivendell yet...just left Tom Bombadil's house. I won't give up on it.

Oh I know what you mean, Tom Bomadil was "brutal" to me. All those poems and songs!!! Arrghhhh!!! "Weathertop" is cool and the arrival at "Rivendell" as well. It's mostly "gravy" from here on out!!!!!

Yes, do continue!

It's all rather Hobbit light until Rivendell. Complete the story and then you will know if it was worthwhile.

Tom Bombidil is an enigma in the story,the council of Elrond is probably one of my favourite chapters ever. It opens up the whole story.

[sgc1999]

In fairness. It's overall a marvelous story, but there are parts that sorta drag.

The part i thought that dragged was, fellowship of the ring:)
But a neccesary evil to get the desired effect from the rest of the story.

[noal]

In fairness. It's overall a marvelous story, but there are parts that sorta drag.

The part i thought that dragged was, fellowship of the ring:)
But a neccesary evil to get the desired effect from the rest of the story.

I thought it set the story up wonderful.

A lot of people were disappointed with the slowness but I adore Fellowship.:frown2:

[sgc1999]

In all fairness i was young the first time i read it which may have had something to do with my feelings about that book. However you are correct, It is a crucial book and set up the rest of the trilogy amazingly. VERY well written and like i said, neccesary. :)

[noal]

In all fairness i was young the first time i read it which may have had something to do with my feelings about that book. However you are correct, It is a crucial book and set up the rest of the trilogy amazingly. VERY well written and like i said, neccesary. :)

I always assumed that the pacing of the book was deliberate, as in the start was slow to show off the lazy relaxed lifestyle the Hobbits lived, as opposed to after Rivendell when there is a genuine menace in the air and the mood takes a turn for the worst.

On a side note, what did people think of 'The Council Of Elrond'?

All the information was almost an overload for my brain but I absolutely adored that chapter. Your view of Middle Earth just expanded at an instant. You realised that this wasn't just a hobbit problem but something that would effect everybody.

Can you tell I love Tolkien?:lol1:

[sgc1999]

It left a pretty bleak feeling in the pit of my stomach at the time.

[TCCBodhi]

For your enjoyment, these are my copies, maybe less rare but I'd say no less loved. These are paperback Ballentine editions of my parents that I have from the mid 70s that I remember as a child of 6 or 7, really reading first as a 6th grader (and not understanding much of), and are still my reading copies read every few years (although I treat them quite a bit more carefully now.

http://desmond.imageshack.us/Himg826/scaled.php?server=826&filename=imag0342wg.jpg&res=landing

Here in The Hobbit (assuming that I got these URLs in the right order), I tried to get a futile family tree to try to keep the names straight. For some reason, I kept merging Bilbo & Frodo into the same hobbit, not understanding this was a prologue of essentially a different cast of characters.

http://desmond.imageshack.us/Himg805/scaled.php?server=805&filename=imag0343kh.jpg&res=landing

http://desmond.imageshack.us/Himg94/scaled.php?server=94&filename=imag0347gd.jpg&res=landing

http://desmond.imageshack.us/Himg404/scaled.php?server=404&filename=imag0348i.jpg&res=landing

[Patrick]

I edited your post to show the photos rather than just links. Hope you don't mind.

Those books remind me of the set I first read as a kid in the '70's as well. THE HOBBIT was great, but reading TLOTR series was a long haul for my developing attention span.

[Merlin1958]

I edited your post to show the photos rather than just links. Hope you don't mind.

Those books remind me of the set I first read as a kid in the '70's as well. THE HOBBIT was great, but reading TLOTR series was a long haul for my developing attention span.

Same here!!!! God, I just LOVED it!!!!! Read the Trilogy in 3 days!!! My class was reading it and I was home sick (blood poisoning, long story). Had my brothers stop in and get the next book each day and return the last!!!! Got my first PB set 2 weeks later!!

[Patrick]

You read a full TLOR book each day for three days in a row?! That's crazy, Bill!

[Merlin1958]

You read a full TLOR book each day for three days in a row?! That's crazy, Bill!

Well, as I said I was "Laid up", but after Fellowship I was under the covers with a flashlight!!!! Plus there was no cable at the time. "Star Trek", "Twilight Zone" and "Outer Limits" were about it for me mostly. This was like '74-'75. Also, there was no "TV" like the one in your mind. Remember that???? I read a LOT of books by flashlight in those days!!!! I could literally devour them!!!! LOTR was almost like that "Where were you when Kennedy was Shot"? thing. You just have to remember the first time you read LOTR. right? AWESOME book!!!!! I read "The Hobbit" and Silmarillion" after.

[TCCBodhi]

Not at all, it was just too late for me, after several failed attempts. Thanks!


I edited your post to show the photos rather than just links. Hope you don't mind.

Those books remind me of the set I first read as a kid in the '70's as well. THE HOBBIT was great, but reading TLOTR series was a long haul for my developing attention span.

[jhanic]

Those Ballentine editions came out at the same time as a set of Ace editions (which were unauthorized). I ended up buying the Ace editions anyway, because the Ballentine editions were $.95 while the Ace ones were $.75. Back then, it really made a difference. I just wish I still had them (they were destroyed when my basement flooded.)

John

[Brice]

Did you lose a lot of books when it flooded?

[jhanic]

Between 20,000 and 30,000 books, paperbacks, magazines, etc. I'd been collecting for more than 40 years. I donated most of what was left to charities.

John

[Brice]

Oh my god! :cry: I know it must have been devastating.

[jhanic]

Luckily, I had some of the most valuable items upstairs--an almost complete set of Weird Tales (1923-1954), most of my Stephen King items and some other stuff. It just about broke my heart, though.

John

[Brice]

No doubt! It makes me sick just to think about it.

[Patrick]

No doubt! It makes me sick just to think about it.
Me too. :(

[noal]

Wow, that's some serious bad luck, sorry for your loss.

I had a lot of things stolen from me and I kind of lost heart with beginning again as I just didn't have the energy or the money to start from scratch. I just had to let go...:cry:

[noal]

It left a pretty bleak feeling in the pit of my stomach at the time.

The mood certainly changed after that!

It was like a veil being lifted off of Middle Earth to reveal the true scope of the quest.

And then The Silmarillion...

[WeDealInLead]

First time I tried reading The Fellowship was in high school. It was also in Croatian. I gave up then and I have to admit, I'm close to quitting now. All that singing was charming at first but now it's getting on my nerves. I'll keep it at in hopes there's a payoff at the end.

[noal]

Keep going!

The songs can kind of get in the way sometimes but I find them harmless on re-reads. I was impatient to get through the story the first time!:D

[Patrick]

No internet, no tv, no texting, no motorcars, not a single luxury. Man, singing was all they had! :lol:

[noal]

No internet, no tv, no texting, no motorcars, not a single luxury. Man, singing was all they had! :lol:

And plenty of ale!

No wonder they sang all the time. :lol:

[WeDealInLead]

pipeweed!

[Patrick]

:lol:

[DoctorDodge]

Dude, we all know that the Lord of the Rings provided the inspiration for every single stoner/road trip movie ever: two guys who smoke a lot of weed without shoes or a car have to walk a huge distance because they knicked some geezer's ring and have really pissed him off as a result. Along the way, they meet a weird guy who loves to fight in a bar (ok, pub), hang out with some posh dudes before one of them tags along, meet an angry dwarf, and then some weird, disgusting, mega skinny junkie, along the way singing their arses off and being lead by some hippie who thinks he's a "wizard". It's the greatest stoner story ever written!

[sgc1999]

Dude, we all know that the Lord of the Rings provided the inspiration for every single stoner/road trip movie ever: two guys who smoke a lot of weed without shoes or a car have to walk a huge distance because they knicked some geezer's ring and have really pissed him off as a result. Along the way, they meet a weird guy who loves to fight in a bar (ok, pub), hang out with some posh dudes before one of them tags along, meet an angry dwarf, and then some weird, disgusting, mega skinny junkie, along the way singing their arses off and being lead by some hippie who thinks he's a "wizard". It's the greatest stoner story ever written!


HMMMMM.... You may have something.

thought this was kinda funny.

http://www.teefury.com/

[becca69]

HMMMMM.... You may have something.

thought this was kinda funny.

http://www.teefury.com/

I actually bought that this morning. It's sad that my Teefury collection might soon need it's own dresser!

[sgc1999]

:)

[noal]

I think it's time for a Tolkien re-read.

I have a couple of books about the Beatles to get through first, then I promised a certain bear that I would read pet Semetary, then it's time to revisit middle Earth.

I've just thought; How many 'companion' books to the series do people own?

By that I mean anything to do with Tolkien really. I have:

A Readers Companion by Wayne G. Hammond and Christina Scull
The Children Of Hurin
The Silmarillion
Unfinished tales
The Road Goes On And Ever On by Brian Sibley
There And Back Again by Brian Sibley
A Biography by Humphrey Carpenter
The Letters by Humphrey Carpenter
The Road To Middle Earth by Tom Shippey
The Complete Companion by J.E.A. Tyler
The History of Middle Earth by Christopher Tolkien
The Atlas Of Middle Earth by Karen Wynn Fonstad
Plus various visual companions to the films and ' The Frodo Franchise' but I can't remember the authors as they are in the loft!

[becca69]

I don't think I've posted this. I picked up this Pocket Hobbit a while ago. It's really cute.

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a235/becca3969/Book%20Collections/pockethobbit.jpg (http://s12.photobucket.com/user/becca3969/media/Book%20Collections/pockethobbit.jpg.html)

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a235/becca3969/Book%20Collections/hobbitcopyright.jpg (http://s12.photobucket.com/user/becca3969/media/Book%20Collections/hobbitcopyright.jpg.html)

[jhanic]

"Printed in China" ???

John

[becca69]

I know, what's up with that?

[jhanic]

I doubt it's a pirated edition (or else they wouldn't have put "Printed in China" on it) but it IS strange.

John

[WeDealInLead]

Centipede prints at least some of their books in China and so do a lot of comic book publishers. Keeping the cost down.

[Merlin1958]

I hadda go and check my copies quick!!! Luckily all printed in the UK!!!

Handsome edition though, Becca

[becca69]

I bought it in a retail book store.

[Merlin1958]

I bought it in a retail book store.

I have a few of those as well. I have a weakness for the 4 books. I usually buy a copy every time they trot out a w/e "anniversary" edition. They are very handsome productions usually. My wife finally made me stop, but now I have an excuse to go get one for Merlin IV!!!!!

[Scoogs]

I'm looking forward to this edition if they stop changing the release date.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Hobbit-Facsimile-First-Boxed-Set/dp/0007440839/ref=sr_1_4?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1370480188&sr=1-4&keywords=the+hobbit+anniversary

[Lurker]

Mine was printed in the UK and it doesn't have that gold seal on the front - it came with a belly band. (Is that what you call it?)

[Merlin1958]

I'm looking forward to this edition if they stop changing the release date.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Hobbit-Facsimile-First-Boxed-Set/dp/0007440839/ref=sr_1_4?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1370480188&sr=1-4&keywords=the+hobbit+anniversary

I'm on it for "Merlin IV"!!!!!

[fearless-freak]

i own a hardback edition of the LoTR trilogy and the only bit of the appendix my copy has is Of Aragorn and Arwen

[Merlin1958]

i own a hardback edition of the LoTR trilogy and the only bit of the appendix my copy has is Of Aragorn and Arwen

Yeah, I'm not exactly sure why, but that seems to be the "Staple".

[Stockerlone]

Some German, not so easy to find small size Tolkien books from my
Tolkien collection.

J.R.R. Tolkien
Lieder der Hobbits
3 book set, slipcased
http://www.thedarktower.org/gallery/data/742/medium/PICT23421.JPG
http://www.thedarktower.org/gallery/data/742/medium/PICT23431.JPG


J.R.R. Tolkien
Briefe an den Weihnachtsmann
3 book set, slipcased
http://www.thedarktower.org/gallery/data/742/medium/PICT2344.JPG

[fearless-freak]

i own a hardback edition of the LoTR trilogy and the only bit of the appendix my copy has is Of Aragorn and Arwen

Yeah, I'm not exactly sure why, but that seems to be the "Staple".

a while back they released all three as a single paperback with the complete appendices

this is the copy i own

http://www.mytolkienbooks.com/books01/pics/lotr01.jpg

there is a Silmarillion edition like this but i did a bit of background searching and i found this

http://www.mytolkienbooks.com/books-by-tolkien/middle-earth-related/lord-of-the-rings/one-volume/the-lord-of-the-rings-guild-publishing-1980/

[becca69]

Some German, not so easy to find small size Tolkien books from my
Tolkien collection.

J.R.R. Tolkien
Lieder der Hobbits
3 book set, slipcased
http://www.thedarktower.org/gallery/data/742/medium/PICT23421.JPG
http://www.thedarktower.org/gallery/data/742/medium/PICT23431.JPG


J.R.R. Tolkien
Briefe an den Weihnachtsmann
3 book set, slipcased
http://www.thedarktower.org/gallery/data/742/medium/PICT2344.JPG

I love these!

[Merlin1958]

Very Nice, Frank!!! More?

[Stockerlone]

No more small size Tolkien books, thats all.
But of cause MORE Tolkien books.....:coo3l:

[fearless-freak]

there's a new posthumous Tolkien release

http://www.harpercollins.co.in/Book_CoverImage/3830_Resize_TheFallOfArthur.jpg

[Stockerlone]

[QUOTE=fearless-freak;781603]there's a new posthumous Tolkien release

In Germany, The Fall of Arthur get published 2014, from Klett-Cotta as a NICE 2 laguage German/English book.:onfire:

[fearless-freak]

its already out over here

[Patrick]

That pocket edition and those German books are cute.

That guy's website with his Tolkien collection is pretty interesting. Reminds me of our King catalogs.

[Stockerlone]

J.R.R. Tolkien
Der Hobbit + Der Herr der Ringe
Publisher Klett-Cotta 7 book slipcased aniversary set

http://www.thedarktower.org/gallery/data/742/medium/PICT23451.JPG
http://www.thedarktower.org/gallery/data/742/medium/PICT2346.JPG

[Merlin1958]

Very, very nice, Frank!!!


:clap::clap::clap:

[Lurker]

http://i885.photobucket.com/albums/ac54/ICONfan/FallOfArthDelux.jpg

[becca69]

Oooooo, I need that!

[WeDealInLead]

Becca, is that fancy slipcased edition of The Hobbit from your collection thread still in print? There are sooo many editions of LOTR books, I wouldn't even know what to look for.

[becca69]

Becca, is that fancy slipcased edition of The Hobbit from your collection thread still in print? There are sooo many editions of LOTR books, I wouldn't even know what to look for.

It looks like it. Here are 2 links to purchase. I'm not sure if it went into more that one printing... mine is a 1st. (ISBN: 9780007118359)

http://www.tolkien.co.uk/titles/30083/the-hobbit-de-luxe-edition-j-r-r-tolkien-9780007118359

http://www.amazon.co.uk/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=ISBN+9780007118359

[WeDealInLead]

Thanks. I found it on amazon.ca too. Hundred bucks. I'll have to think on it.

[becca69]

They are cheaper on the other sites... there are also some on Abebooks.

[Scoogs]

So a friend of my cousin inherited a small collection of Tolkien books from his father with two standout pieces among them.
One is a signed copy of The Hobbit, the other is one of the books that Tolkien used for his research while writing LOTR. It is literally filled with his hand written notes throughout and "still smells of his pipe smoke."

He's been thinking long and hard and is considering selling one, or both, to help build the college fund for his kids.
I know the Hobbit was appraised at least $8,000. I don't believe it's a first printing or it would probably be higher.

My understanding is that both have been authenticated by the head of the Tolkien collection at Marquette University in Milwaukee.

I'd have a very hard time parting with either of those if I were him.

[Tito_Villa]

Wow any chance of pics before he sells them?

[Merlin1958]

Wow any chance of pics before he sells them?

Yes!!! :panic:

[Scoogs]

I'll see what I can do.
I know he hasn't decided for sure yet, but I'll ask and be sure to post here if he does sell.

[fearless-freak]

i did own a first edition Silmarillion once, now it seems to have disappeared

[Merlin1958]

i did own a first edition Silmarillion once, now it seems to have disappeared

I own one now!!!


http://imageshack.us/a/img821/6752/tolkien002.jpg

http://imageshack.us/a/img841/8527/tolkien001.jpg

[fearless-freak]

this is the cover i had

http://cdn2.peterharrington.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/61330.jpg

[fearless-freak]

So a friend of my cousin inherited a small collection of Tolkien books from his father with two standout pieces among them.
One is a signed copy of The Hobbit, the other is one of the books that Tolkien used for his research while writing LOTR. It is literally filled with his hand written notes throughout and "still smells of his pipe smoke."

He's been thinking long and hard and is considering selling one, or both, to help build the college fund for his kids.
I know the Hobbit was appraised at least $8,000. I don't believe it's a first printing or it would probably be higher.

My understanding is that both have been authenticated by the head of the Tolkien collection at Marquette University in Milwaukee.

I'd have a very hard time parting with either of those if I were him.

did a little bit of research, Tolkien rarely did signatures and forged signatures do pop up from time to time and i came across this piece of information


a signed first hardback edition of The Hobbit from 1937 has reportedly been offered for $85,000. Collectibles include also non-fiction books with hand-written annotations from Tolkien's private library

[Scoogs]

Nice.
I would think this is a situation were a properly promoted auction could exceed the appraisals.

[Stockerlone]

A nice 1,- Euro flea-market book.

J.R.R.Tolkien - Fabelhafte Geschichten
1988 Spezial Edition 20 Anni. Publisher Hobbit Presse -Klett-Cotta-
http://www.thedarktower.org/gallery/data/742/medium/PICT2348.JPG

[becca69]

I really like the graphic illustration on that!

[Scoogs]

They need a few more descriptors on this one, out on December 5th:

Unfinished Tales (Deluxe Slipcase Edition) (Collectors Edition) [Special Edition] [Hardcover] (http://www.amazon.co.uk/Unfinished-Deluxe-Slipcase-Edition-Collectors/dp/0007542925/ref=pd_sim_b_5)

[Merlin1958]

They need a few more descriptors on this one, out on December 5th:

Unfinished Tales (Deluxe Slipcase Edition) (Collectors Edition) [Special Edition] [Hardcover] (http://www.amazon.co.uk/Unfinished-Deluxe-Slipcase-Edition-Collectors/dp/0007542925/ref=pd_sim_b_5)

That looks to be a fine production. I used to chase the beautifully bound re-productions, but changed up to pursue the older editions. My Lord, there are so many!!! LOL


I heard a rumor that LOTR is only outsold, globally, by the Bible!!

[mae]

I'm definitely getting this Deluxe Edition of Unfinished Tales to complete my set of Middle-earth books in this beautiful series.

[mae]

In fact, I just placed my order for one, only $69 shipped from the UK. Very nice.

[becca69]

In fact, I just placed my order for one, only $69 shipped from the UK. Very nice.

Where did you find it at that price?

[mae]

Abebooks.

[becca69]

Thanks!

[fearless-freak]

seems like there's gonna be a Tolkien movie esque documentary about his life

[Merlin1958]

seems like there's gonna be a Tolkien movie esque documentary about his life

Yeah, similar in content/storyline to "Finding Neverland". I will reserve judgement for now on how that will work out.

[mae]

Peter Jackson playing Tolkien?

[fearless-freak]

doubt it, i wonder if the Tolkien Estate will have a hand it

[becca69]

Has anyone gotten the new Illustrated Hobbit? I picked one up a B&N when I was browsing but I see they have a signed one on the Tolkien store site. It doesn't say who signed it, I'm assuming the illustrator? Trying to decide if it's worth returning and repurchasing?

http://www.tolkien.co.uk/product/9780007497904/The+Hobbit+

[fearless-freak]

i've seen it

[mae]

http://i.imgur.com/gyd9sKn.jpg
http://www.tolkien.co.uk/product/9780007590070/Beowulf

Pages: 448
Format: Hardback
Author: J. R. R. Tolkien, Edited by Christopher Tolkien
Published Date: 22/05/2014
ISBN: 978-0-00-759007-0
Detailed Edition: Slipcased edition

The translation of Beowulf by J.R.R. Tolkien was an early work, very distinctive in its mode, completed in 1926: he returned to it later to make hasty corrections, but seems never to have considered its publication. This edition is twofold, for there exists an illuminating commentary on the text of the poem by the translator himself, in the written form of a series of lectures given at Oxford in the 1930s; and from these lectures a substantial selection has been made, to form also a commentary on the translation in this book.

From his creative attention to detail in these lectures there arises a sense of the immediacy and clarity of his vision. It is as if he entered into the imagined past: standing beside Beowulf and his men shaking out their mail-shirts as they beached their ship on the coast of Denmark, listening to the rising anger of Beowulf at the taunting of Unferth, or looking up in amazement at Grendel’s terrible hand set under the roof of Heorot.

But the commentary in this book includes also much from those lectures in which, while always anchored in the text, he expressed his wider perceptions. He looks closely at the dragon that would slay Beowulf ‘snuffling in baffled rage and injured greed when he discovers the theft of the cup’; but he rebuts the notion that this is ‘a mere treasure story’, ‘just another dragon tale’. He turns to the lines that tell of the burying of the golden things long ago, and observes that it is ‘the feeling for the treasure itself, this sad history’ that raises it to another level. ‘The whole thing is sombre, tragic, sinister, curiously real. The “treasure” is not just some lucky wealth that will enable the finder to have a good time, or marry the princess. It is laden with history, leading back into the dark heathen ages beyond the memory of song, but not beyond the reach of imagination.’

Sellic Spell, a ‘marvellous tale’, is a story written by Tolkien suggesting what might have been the form and style of an Old English folk-tale of Beowulf, in which there was no association with the ‘historical legends’ of the Northern kingdoms.

[Lookwhoitis]

wow, that looks awesome! I've already pre-ordered a trade edition of Beowulf. Do you think any of those will be allocated to amazon or sell for a decent price on ebay when published?

[fearless-freak]

quick question, recently got a hardback copy of The Silmarillion and in the back there's a fold out map of Beleriand, should that be there?

[becca69]

Yes there should be a map ;)

[fearless-freak]

i know, but should it be at the back of the book and a fold out map?

[Merlin1958]

i know, but should it be at the back of the book and a fold out map?


Yes, I am almost certain, without unwrapping my 1/1

[Merlin1958]

This treasure cam from a good friend "Down Under", who may feel free to disclose himself, but it will always be special to me since it came from "Hobbiton" as I like to refer to it, much to his chagrin I suppose. LOL


http://imageshack.com/a/img835/3659/rghz.jpg


http://imageshack.com/a/img836/8643/ii2m.jpg

[jhanic]

:thumbsup:

John

[swintek]

Hi all. I enjoy popping in here from time to time and seeing what you all are acquiring. I started out collecting Tolkien, but don't really do much anymore. Still, it's a fun world, indeed.

Here (if I'm lucky enough to get this right- and it would be sheer luck) is a photobucket link to some Tolkien books I've stashed away over the years and am getting ready to part with. If anyone's interested- feel free to pm me and let me know. Or, just enjoy checking out the pics (which aren't very good, I'm afraid- took them a long time ago). Note- the only exception is the signed/limited Silmarillion. Just not ready to part with that one yet. That sucker is very rare. Anyway, carry on!

Ron

http://s244.photobucket.com/user/swintek9/library/Tolkien

[Saymyname]

Hi there!
What do you think of this set and Price and edition (http://www.ebay.com/itm/Lord-of-the-Rings-trilogy-TRR-Tolkien-3-book-box-set-hardcover-2nd-ed-1965-/380925423164pt=Antiquarian_Collectible&hash=item58b0ecae3c)?
I like it that the books have some years on them :cool:

(it is for the boxed HC set from 1965 2nd edition)

[Cordial Jim]

I know these don't have a whole lot of monetary value, but they mean a lot to me personally. I recently found a complete set of the first edition Ballantine paperbacks from 1965 in decent condition at a used book store. As you all know these were the first authorized paperbacks released (after the infamous Ace pirated editions). These were the ones that launched The Lord of the Rings into the stratosphere! In the same haul, I also found the first paperback edition of The Hobbit and The Tolkien Reader (both also Ballantine from 1966). In all my used book travels, I've very rarely come across these (and then they are usually in pretty bad shape). Usually the earliest editions of LotR you'll see are the Ballantine second editions from 1973. None of these are first printings, but I can't tell you how great it was to find these in the wild. I'm so excited to have these on my shelf!

http://magnum-mania.com/images/lotr_ballantine_pb.jpg
http://magnum-mania.com/images/tolkien_reader_ballantine_pb.jpg

[Merlin1958]

I know these don't have a whole lot of monetary value, but they mean a lot to me personally. I recently found a complete set of the first edition Ballantine paperbacks from 1965 in decent condition at a used book store. As you all know these were the first authorized paperbacks released (after the infamous Ace pirated editions). These were the ones that launched The Lord of the Rings into the stratosphere! In the same haul, I also found the first paperback edition of The Hobbit and The Tolkien Reader (both also Ballantine from 1966). In all my used book travels, I've very rarely come across these (and then they are usually in pretty bad shape). Usually the earliest editions of LotR you'll see are the Ballantine second editions from 1973. None of these are first printings, but I can't tell you how great it was to find these in the wild. I'm so excited to have these on my shelf!

http://magnum-mania.com/images/lotr_ballantine_pb.jpg
http://magnum-mania.com/images/tolkien_reader_ballantine_pb.jpg

Ironically, I am pretty sure that those are the PB's that I was given the first time I read LOTR back in high school!!! LOL Now, I try to collect the earliest HC printings I can afford and have since developed an unreasonable avoidance of any PB book, but that's a story for another time. Regardless, I can appreciate your joy for obtaining these personal treasures. They look to be in very nice condition!!!

My sincere congratulations to you!!! :clap::clap::clap:

[jhanic]

I read the Ace editions when they first came out. They were cheaper ($.75 vs $.95) and that .20 meant a lot back then. Alas, they are long gone now.

John

[mkb.redux]

Picked up a copy of J.R.R. TOLKIEN: ARTIST AND ILLUSTRATOR a few months back, and had misplaced it. In going through some boxes of stuff stored in my office moved yesterday we turned it up. Now, if I can only find the calendars!
A personal favorite:

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e306/KNOMEOR/jrrt_35_zps34f6454b.jpg

[Merlin1958]

Very nice!!!! :thumbsup:

[mkb.redux]

Thought I'd share a couple from my personal collection.

I've been collecting Tolkien since the 1970s; THE SILMARILLION was the first book that I bought, new, on day of issue. In collecting THE HOBBIT and THE LORD OF THE RINGS, I've never had the means to invest in high-quality early editions, so I've done the best that I can. While I've owned several variations of the limited editions of both, when I pared down my collections during harder times, those were among the first to go.

Starting with THE HOBBIT today. Both of these were purchased within the last ten years, both cost me less than $10.

This is a 22nd printing, the only second edition copy that I've ever owned. The jacket is... bad, but from all I can tell it's correct for the printing.

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e306/KNOMEOR/JRRT--HOBBIT-22nd_zps4cca9490.jpg

Also somewhat vintage, this 28th printing. It has the 1966 copyright and the ISBN on the copyright page, dating it after 1969; there is an inscription on the ffep dated 1972. As it happens, 1972 was the year I first read the book, so that adds a bit to the vibe.

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e306/KNOMEOR/JRRT--HOBBIT-28th_zps133cb435.jpg

[Merlin1958]

Thought I'd share a couple from my personal collection.

I've been collecting Tolkien since the 1970s; THE SILMARILLION was the first book that I bought, new, on day of issue. In collecting THE HOBBIT and THE LORD OF THE RINGS, I've never had the means to invest in high-quality early editions, so I've done the best that I can. While I've owned several variations of the limited editions of both, when I pared down my collections during harder times, those were among the first to go.

Starting with THE HOBBIT today. Both of these were purchased within the last ten years, both cost me less than $10.

This is a 22nd printing, the only second edition copy that I've ever owned. The jacket is... bad, but from all I can tell it's correct for the printing.

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e306/KNOMEOR/JRRT--HOBBIT-22nd_zps4cca9490.jpg

Also somewhat vintage, this 28th printing. It has the 1966 copyright and the ISBN on the copyright page, dating it after 1969; there is an inscription on the ffep dated 1972. As it happens, 1972 was the year I first read the book, so that adds a bit to the vibe.

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e306/KNOMEOR/JRRT--HOBBIT-28th_zps133cb435.jpg

I have a similar DJ but an earlier printing. When I really started going after these books the editions, the printings, etc are enough to drive you bat shit!!! LOL After awhile I just focused on the dates. I earmarked a couple thousand and bought the ones in my collection and then called it a collection. My most prized is "The Hobbit" UK 8th Impression, VF condition. TLOTR books are all U.S. early editions, 1958 or so, I think. Then I spent a few hundred on the Dolso cases, which to me, really make them something to look at and be proud of. If, you really get into these four books you can go bankrupt really fast!!! I think there are pics of mine in this thread, but if not they are in my collection thread, if you care to look. I have a 1/1 US Silmarillon, which I treasure as well. Then a few "special editions" and a couple peripheral ones like "Bilbo's last Song".

Great to see another, Tolkien collector here as well!!!

[mkb.redux]

And FELLOWSHIP...

Was looking back over this thread, and noted a comment about a collection/part of a collection lost to a flood. I lost my TWO TOWERS that way, and I've never owned a US or UK first of RETURN OF THE KING. These are nice to have (a 13th and 15th, respectively); the only better I had, I gave away before I understood the arcana of collecting Tolkien.

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e306/KNOMEOR/JRRT--FELLOWSHIP-US-15th_zps3a32678f.jpg

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e306/KNOMEOR/JRRT--FELLOWSHIP-US-13th_zpsb08615d4.jpg

[herbertwest]

Nice copies !

I've seen this from Stephen Spignesi, today, on facebook :


On June 3, 1954, JRR Tolkien wrote to his British publisher Allen & Unwin about the dust jacket proofs for the soon-to-be-published "The Lord of the Rings":
I wish that I could say that I approve of the proofs of the jacket, herewith returned. I do not. I think they are very ugly indeed. But to be effective I should have been given an opportunity of criticism at an earlier stage.….I tell you what I think, since I am asked: tasteless and depressing. But surely asking my opinion is a formality. I do not suppose that any of my criticisms could be met without serious delay. I would rather have the things as they are than cause any more delay. But if this can be done without delay, I would like a different type for the title-lettering at least (on the page; the spine is passable).


https://fbcdn-sphotos-g-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xap1/t31.0-8/10900044_10203469640407583_6852427423413528243_o.j pg

[fearless-freak]

i got the more recent reprint of Unfinished Tales in hardback with tolkien's artwork on the cover

[sharki69]

The Hobbit by J. R. R. Tolkien, illustrated by Jemima Catlin (Slipcase Edition)

http://coles-books.co.uk/the-hobbit-by-j-r-r-tolkien-illustrated-by-jemima-catlin-slipcase-edition

[fearless-freak]

i picked up a copy of The Lost Tales part 1 in paperback and its intresting to see where the basis of the later tales started

[sharki69]

Amazon has The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug (Blu-ray+DVD) for $10 (was $25) good price if you don't have it yet

http://www.amazon.com/Hobbit-Desolation-Smaug-Blu-ray-DVD/dp/B00HWWUQYY/

[Cordial Jim]

I drool every time I see pictures of those early Hobbit and Lord of the Rings hardcovers! What a thrill it must be to have those in your collection (whatever the printing # may be). I dug out my old copy of Karen Wynn Fonstad's The Atlas of Middle Earth (1981) the other day. I remember buying it with my own money just after it came out when I was 11. My book handling habits then were apparently not as refined as they are now. ;)

http://magnum-mania.com/images/atlas_middle_eart.jpg

[mae]

I still feel those recent Deluxe editions of most of Tolkien's books are some of the best-looking (and feeling) books out there. I guess after Beowulf the series is over?

[jhanic]

I drool every time I see pictures of those early Hobbit and Lord of the Rings hardcovers! What a thrill it must be to have those in your collection (whatever the printing # may be). I dug out my old copy of Karen Wynn Fonstad's The Atlas of Middle Earth (1981) the other day. I remember buying it with my own money just after it came out when I was 11. My book handling habits then were apparently not as refined as they are now. ;)

http://magnum-mania.com/images/atlas_middle_eart.jpg

I see a very well-loved book there!

John

[fearless-freak]

I still feel those recent Deluxe editions of most of Tolkien's books are some of the best-looking (and feeling) books out there. I guess after Beowulf the series is over?

because they're using tolkien's original artwork

[jsmcmullen92]

Here is my collection:
1, 6, 8, 8, 9, of HoME. Children of Hurin, over-sized last two books, illustrated edition by Alan Lee, 50th anniversary edition, and the green limited edition.

http://www.thedarktower.org/gallery/data/500/medium/20150218_192832.jpghttp://www.thedarktower.org/gallery/data/500/medium/20150218_192836.jpghttp://www.thedarktower.org/gallery/data/500/medium/20150218_192839.jpghttp://www.thedarktower.org/gallery/data/500/medium/20150218_192847.jpg
http://www.thedarktower.org/gallery/data/500/medium/20150218_192854.jpg

[sharki69]

Nice collection !

I have the green limited 1st printing - any idea what's the value (if any ?)


http://i367.photobucket.com/albums/oo111/sharki69/0A344C26-1F28-4E6A-8A9A-06464E9DCC34.jpg (http://s367.photobucket.com/user/sharki69/media/0A344C26-1F28-4E6A-8A9A-06464E9DCC34.jpg.html)

http://i367.photobucket.com/albums/oo111/sharki69/69DCE437-03CE-429B-993F-58122EC31121.jpg (http://s367.photobucket.com/user/sharki69/media/69DCE437-03CE-429B-993F-58122EC31121.jpg.html)

[Merlin1958]

I believe I have the exact same edition. Wonderful book!!! Unfortunately probably not worth more than $50-75 now. Didn't these become available at B&N a few years ago? I may be off base, but it sure looks the same. Lovely editions though!!

[jsmcmullen92]

Hate to say but it is only worth $30 - $35 You can still buy it new from B&N at price of $35. It's really "pretty" though and I do like it but probably will not become valuable until someone make a new Brown colored copy lol we now have gold and Green what could be next.

[fearless-freak]

i'm a volunteer at a charity shop and we came across this fine collection of tolkien books, i wanted them but the manager researched them and told me how much they were worth and we both agreed to ebay them

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/SET-12-J-R-R-TOLKIEN-History-Middle-Earth-Christopher-Tolkien-GF-W03-/371261272326?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_3&hash=item5670e57106

[Lookwhoitis]

I sure would like to read the History of Middle Earth

[jsmcmullen92]

Those are great books the only problem I see with them is that all but one are HarperCollins (Later edition) and the one good one Unwin Hyman (true UK). Given that I think I will still bid on them. Too bad you didn't offer them up on here 1st ;) I would have hopped right on them. I've been trying to build my collection but cannot find the ones I am looking for.

[fearless-freak]

you looking for firsts?

[Merlin1958]

If you manage to get a valuable copy of any of his books, I highly recommend a "Dolso" case for it. They really pop a and the wooden case goes very well wit, Tolkien. I have one for my LOTR and one for my "The Hobbit" outstanding cases!!!

[Theli]

Tolkien and The Hobbit were my first love when it came to literature. I read it first in grade 5, and read it several times since. I read The Lord of the Rings for the first time throughout high school. The Hobbit was also the first book I ever collected, though not specifically collectible versions, just random paperbacks with different art. I've expanded my collection a bit, but mostly have moved onto collecting other authors. Would love to get some of Tolkien's Easton Press editions as well as an early copy of The Hobbit one day.

This is the first copy of The Hobbit I had read, I'd borrowed it from the library in Grade 5, and years later bought it from them for $0.50, the art still captivates me. Would love to have a nice edition of this one.
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y265/Therionfan/Books/photo113_1.jpg (http://s7.photobucket.com/user/Therionfan/media/Books/photo113_1.jpg.html)

My first copies of The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings:
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y265/Therionfan/Books/photo112_1.jpg (http://s7.photobucket.com/user/Therionfan/media/Books/photo112_1.jpg.html)
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y265/Therionfan/Books/photo212_1.jpg (http://s7.photobucket.com/user/Therionfan/media/Books/photo212_1.jpg.html)

A cool version of the Silmarillion with an exrcept read by Christopher Tolkien and a Map:
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y265/Therionfan/Books/photo39_1.jpg (http://s7.photobucket.com/user/Therionfan/media/Books/photo39_1.jpg.html)

Same set for The Hobbit, but with a collection of postcards of Tolkien's art:
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y265/Therionfan/Books/photo213_1.jpg (http://s7.photobucket.com/user/Therionfan/media/Books/photo213_1.jpg.html)

The paperback collection (and one hard cover), gathered throughout the years. Often of vacations abroad, as a keepsake, like the German one, or sometimes just cause I wanted a book to read and The Hobbit can be found anywhere. Some I just bought because I liked the cover too.
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y265/Therionfan/Books/photo310_1.jpg (http://s7.photobucket.com/user/Therionfan/media/Books/photo310_1.jpg.html)

This one that everyone has:
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y265/Therionfan/Books/photo48_1.jpg (http://s7.photobucket.com/user/Therionfan/media/Books/photo48_1.jpg.html)
I've seen different versions, some seem to have more or less art, and may or may not have the marbled papers. I dunno...

And a first edition Silmarillion that I grabbed for $2 at a book sale:
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y265/Therionfan/Books/DSC00144.jpg (http://s7.photobucket.com/user/Therionfan/media/Books/DSC00144.jpg.html)
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y265/Therionfan/Books/DSC00145.jpg (http://s7.photobucket.com/user/Therionfan/media/Books/DSC00145.jpg.html)
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y265/Therionfan/Books/DSC00146.jpg (http://s7.photobucket.com/user/Therionfan/media/Books/DSC00146.jpg.html)
It has a publication date of 1977, has two print errors; one on p.330 and one on p.352. Don't recall the where the errors are specifically, though I obviously knew when I took this picture.

[Patrick]

:thumbsup:

[needfulthings]

The Rankin/Bass Production THE HOBBIT 24 page Read-Along book & 33 1/3 Record 1977 (still sealed)7 1/4" x 7 1/4"
http://imageshack.com/a/img537/314/dZRbWT.jpg

The Rankin/Bass THE RETURN OF THE KING 24 page Read-Along book & 33 1/3 Record 1980 7 1/4"x 7 1/4"
http://imageshack.com/a/img537/8653/Jsm1yt.jpg

[jhanic]

Simply amazing, Bruce. Thanks for sharing!

John

[Theli]

The Rankin/Bass Production THE HOBBIT 24 page Read-Along book & 33 1/3 Record 1977 (still sealed)7 1/4" x 7 1/4"
http://imageshack.com/a/img537/314/dZRbWT.jpg

The Rankin/Bass THE RETURN OF THE KING 24 page Read-Along book & 33 1/3 Record 1980 7 1/4"x 7 1/4"
http://imageshack.com/a/img537/8653/Jsm1yt.jpg

I'd love these! Huge fan of Rankin/Bass cartoons.

[jsmcmullen92]

you looking for firsts?

I'm looking for either harpercollins or unwin. Just dont like the amaerican editions. They just look off to me. Too bad your ebay wont ship to US. I was going to bid

[fearless-freak]

it should do, because i applied for a job at the warehouse and for my work trial i saw several items for the us

[becca69]

you looking for firsts?

I was wondering what printings they were. Do you happen to know?

[fearless-freak]

the later ones might be firsts, i didnt get to see what edition they were but a complete collection of firsts would go for over a grand

[Lookwhoitis]

the later ones might be firsts, i didnt get to see what edition they were but a complete collection of firsts would go for over a grand

UK Firsts?

[fearless-freak]

i'm not entirely sure but this site may help

http://www.abebooks.com/book-search/title/history-of-middle-earth/kw/complete-or-%22box-set%22/first-edition/bx/

[Stockerlone]

J.R.R. Tolkien - Briefe vom Weihnachtsmann (Letters from Santaclause)
Klett Cotta small size book HC box
http://www.thedarktower.org/gallery/data/742/medium/PICT1302.JPG
http://www.thedarktower.org/gallery/data/742/medium/PICT1303.JPG

The small size books are of cause illustrated.
http://www.thedarktower.org/gallery/data/742/medium/PICT1304.JPG

Both small size Klett Cotta J.R.R.Tolkien books Lieder der Hobbits + Briefe vom Weihnachtsmann with Fabelhafte Geschichten Anniversary Edition.
http://www.thedarktower.org/gallery/data/742/medium/PICT1305.JPG

[needfulthings]

The Rankin/Bass Production THE HOBBIT 24 page Read-Along book & 33 1/3 Record 1977 (still sealed)7 1/4" x 7 1/4"
http://imageshack.com/a/img537/314/dZRbWT.jpg

The Rankin/Bass THE RETURN OF THE KING 24 page Read-Along book & 33 1/3 Record 1980 7 1/4"x 7 1/4"
http://imageshack.com/a/img537/8653/Jsm1yt.jpg

I'd love these! Huge fan of Rankin/Bass cartoons.

THEN YOU ARE GOING TO LOVE THIS BOOK!
HARRY N. ABRAMS INC. 1977 CLEAR ILLUSTRATED DUSTWRAPPER (SMAUG & TITLES FRONT & BACK) 220 PAGES 10 7/8" X 11 5/8"
http://imageshack.com/a/img661/8043/xohQow.jpg

http://imageshack.com/a/img540/1420/Zn2e1D.jpg

http://imageshack.com/a/img537/8370/zKgAoR.jpg

http://imageshack.com/a/img538/2796/AghdIg.jpg

[Lookwhoitis]

THEN YOU ARE GOING TO LOVE THIS BOOK!
HARRY N. ABRAMS INC. 1977 CLEAR ILLUSTRATED DUSTWRAPPER (SMAUG & TITLES FRONT & BACK) 220 PAGES 10 7/8" X 11 5/8"


http://imageshack.com/a/img540/1420/Zn2e1D.jpg

http://imageshack.com/a/img537/8370/zKgAoR.jpg

http://imageshack.com/a/img538/2796/AghdIg.jpg

Oh my!

:drool:

[Theli]

The Rankin/Bass Production THE HOBBIT 24 page Read-Along book & 33 1/3 Record 1977 (still sealed)7 1/4" x 7 1/4"
http://imageshack.com/a/img537/314/dZRbWT.jpg

The Rankin/Bass THE RETURN OF THE KING 24 page Read-Along book & 33 1/3 Record 1980 7 1/4"x 7 1/4"
http://imageshack.com/a/img537/8653/Jsm1yt.jpg

I'd love these! Huge fan of Rankin/Bass cartoons.

THEN YOU ARE GOING TO LOVE THIS BOOK!
HARRY N. ABRAMS INC. 1977 CLEAR ILLUSTRATED DUSTWRAPPER (SMAUG & TITLES FRONT & BACK) 220 PAGES 10 7/8" X 11 5/8"
http://imageshack.com/a/img661/8043/xohQow.jpg

http://imageshack.com/a/img540/1420/Zn2e1D.jpg

http://imageshack.com/a/img537/8370/zKgAoR.jpg

http://imageshack.com/a/img538/2796/AghdIg.jpg

Oh my dear god. just knowing this exists makes my life better. This will be acquired one day.

[jsmcmullen92]

The Rankin/Bass Production THE HOBBIT 24 page Read-Along book & 33 1/3 Record 1977 (still sealed)7 1/4" x 7 1/4"
http://imageshack.com/a/img537/314/dZRbWT.jpg

The Rankin/Bass THE RETURN OF THE KING 24 page Read-Along book & 33 1/3 Record 1980 7 1/4"x 7 1/4"
http://imageshack.com/a/img537/8653/Jsm1yt.jpg

I'd love these! Huge fan of Rankin/Bass cartoons.

THEN YOU ARE GOING TO LOVE THIS BOOK!
HARRY N. ABRAMS INC. 1977 CLEAR ILLUSTRATED DUSTWRAPPER (SMAUG & TITLES FRONT & BACK) 220 PAGES 10 7/8" X 11 5/8"
http://imageshack.com/a/img661/8043/xohQow.jpg

http://imageshack.com/a/img540/1420/Zn2e1D.jpg

http://imageshack.com/a/img537/8370/zKgAoR.jpg

http://imageshack.com/a/img538/2796/AghdIg.jpg

HOW MUCH!?!?!?!?! I WANT IT!!!!!

[needfulthings]

Looks around $200 & up with Dust jacket (very fragile).

Don't forget the Double LP Complete soundtrack with Dialogue, Music & Songs with 16 page Special Edition Book.
http://imageshack.com/a/img540/63/vYXtpX.jpg

http://imageshack.com/a/img540/637/aUnSaB.jpg

[needfulthings]

Ralph Bakshi's 1978 The Lord of the Rings 16 page program booklet. U.S.A.
http://imageshack.com/a/img633/9646/NNbqbx.jpg

Ralph Bakshi's 1978 The Lord f the Rings 24 page program booklet JAPAN.
http://imageshack.com/a/img673/330/KFOfdH.jpg

UNWIN PAPERBACKS 1978 MOVIE TIE-IN U.K. (ALL 3 BOOKS IN ONE VOLUME 1,077 PAGES)
http://imageshack.com/a/img673/8999/h8wtZX.jpg

[Theli]

I also love the Bakshi film. Though it doesn't quite hold the same place in my heart as the Rankin & Bass productions, or his later collaboration with Frank Frazetta; Fire & Ice, it's still a fantastic flick and imaginative rendition of Tolkien's work. The soundtrack is great too, snagged the DLP for cheap at a record sale and love to spin it every now and again. Hope it wasn't supposed to come with a book, like the beautiful edition of The Hobbit DLP.

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y265/Therionfan/Mobile%20Uploads/image-7.jpg (http://s7.photobucket.com/user/Therionfan/media/Mobile%20Uploads/image-7.jpg.html)

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y265/Therionfan/Mobile%20Uploads/image-8.jpg (http://s7.photobucket.com/user/Therionfan/media/Mobile%20Uploads/image-8.jpg.html)

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y265/Therionfan/Mobile%20Uploads/image-9.jpg (http://s7.photobucket.com/user/Therionfan/media/Mobile%20Uploads/image-9.jpg.html)

[needfulthings]

You can always but one with it.
http://imageshack.com/a/img537/7915/VZ3RvH.jpg

http://imageshack.com/a/img905/2933/omDoaf.jpg

or if you would just like to color along with the music.
http://imageshack.com/a/img538/6958/vw6nkR.jpg
BUT STAY IN THE LINES
or even better
http://imageshack.com/a/img537/7364/5nyR2B.jpg
and remember
DON'T RUN WITH SCISSORS!

[needfulthings]

http://imageshack.com/a/img911/1336/ufGO6N.jpg

http://imageshack.com/a/img905/813/M4K4zI.jpg


http://imageshack.com/a/img912/4434/y2Wk5y.jpg
http://imageshack.com/a/img661/1841/5TWeC8.jpg

INTERESTING FACT
Without the dust-jacket this book is just BLACK.

[Theli]

^Another one that must be acquired. To make the set complete is there Rankin & Bass copy of Return of the King, or is that too much to ask?

[herbertwest]

I believe that my brother have a replica of the ring. Won it to a contest when the first movie was being released or something like this...

[needfulthings]

^Another one that must be acquired. To make the set complete is there Rankin & Bass copy of Return of the King, or is that too much to ask?
I have nothing in my collection & nothing that I know of & the fact that it was made for T.V. may have something to do with that.

[needfulthings]

Looks like I own VOL. 2 of a two part FRENCH set of The LORD of the RINGS with 8 pages of color illustrations from the film. :frown:
http://imageshack.com/a/img633/7540/B3neGl.jpg

[Theli]

^Looks like it would be a nice set though.



^Another one that must be acquired. To make the set complete is there Rankin & Bass copy of Return of the King, or is that too much to ask?
I have nothing in my collection & nothing that I know of & the fact that it was made for T.V. may have something to do with that.

I figured. Too bad.

[herbertwest]

Looks like I own VOL. 2 of a two part FRENCH set of The LORD of the RINGS with 8 pages of color illustrations from the film. :frown:
http://imageshack.com/a/img633/7540/B3neGl.jpg

Sad because you only have the vol 2?

[Merlin1958]

I loved the new "Hobbit" movie, but I found this to be pretty entertaining....




http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TZm_Zth0rhw&feature=youtu.be

[jsmcmullen92]

THEN YOU ARE GOING TO LOVE THIS BOOK!
HARRY N. ABRAMS INC. 1977 CLEAR ILLUSTRATED DUSTWRAPPER (SMAUG & TITLES FRONT & BACK) 220 PAGES 10 7/8" X 11 5/8"
http://imageshack.com/a/img661/8043/xohQow.jpg

http://imageshack.com/a/img540/1420/Zn2e1D.jpg

http://imageshack.com/a/img537/8370/zKgAoR.jpg

http://imageshack.com/a/img538/2796/AghdIg.jpg

I hope you know because of this post I had to go out and buy this book last night... thanks a lot :)

[jsmcmullen92]

And it came in today woo! http://www.thedarktower.org/gallery/data/500/medium/image30.jpg

[needfulthings]

:thumbsup:

[mkb.redux]

Sharing:

The frontispiece:

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e306/KNOMEOR/Baynes--FARMER-GILES-Frontis_zpshzhujcsl.jpg

--and interior plate from FARMER GILES OF HAM:

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e306/KNOMEOR/Baynes-2_zpsiaadhwod.jpg

[somekindofstranger]

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-33013144

Wasn't the seller someone on DT? Congratulations!

[Lauterer]

Holy Shit, what an outstanding book!

[mkb.redux]

Perfect. Thanks for posting the link!

[herbertwest]

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-33013144

Wasn't the seller someone on DT? Congratulations!

Yes it was someone here.

[Lauterer]

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-33013144

Wasn't the seller someone on DT? Congratulations!

Yes it was someone here.

Here you go... (http://www.thedarktower.org/palaver/showthread.php?443-Stephen-King-Proofs&p=922954&viewfull=1#post922954)

[Merlin1958]

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-33013144

Wasn't the seller someone on DT? Congratulations!

Yes it was someone here.

Here you go... (http://www.thedarktower.org/palaver/showthread.php?443-Stephen-King-Proofs&p=922954&viewfull=1#post922954)

Jolly good show, mate!!!

[herbertwest]

Even EW mentions the sale : J.R.R. Tolkien-inscribed first edition of The Hobbit doubles sales record
>>> http://www.ew.com/article/2015/06/05/jrr-tolkien-inscribed-first-edition-hobbit-doubles-sales-record?hootPostID=e95e573f28efc72dad3124cb3a3fc0b3

[Merlin1958]

Impressive!!!

[mkb.redux]

Had forgotten that I had these:

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e306/KNOMEOR/Tolkien--Drawings-for-THE-HOBBIT-Poster_zpsfz6utnww.jpg

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e306/KNOMEOR/Tolkien--LIFE-amp-LEGEND-Poster_zpsqsn4tear.jpg

[Merlin1958]

:thumbsup::thumbsup:

[Stockerlone]

Found the newer edition at a book flea market, untouched for 1.- Euro.:onfire:

J.R.R. Tolkien
Die Briefe vom Weihnachtsmann / The Father Santa Letters
old and new edition

http://www.thedarktower.org/gallery/data/742/medium/PICT3299.JPG
http://www.thedarktower.org/gallery/data/742/medium/PICT3317.JPG

[mkb.redux]

Anyone looking for this:

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e306/KNOMEOR/Tolkien--HOBBIT-Book-amp-Record-Small_zpsfx27x7zp.jpg

[jsmcmullen92]

while I was out making runs on all the book stores around me I found a set of 2nd edition LOTR in the slipcase for $70 almost bought it but when I looked at the return of the King it was a 9th impression. Didn't get a chance to look at the other two. Is this a good price?

[mkb.redux]

Condition?

[jsmcmullen92]

VG if I remember correctly. No where near as bad as I have seen some.

[sharki69]

Need your help on value (if any...). Found this today and although not in great shape it's the first time I come across the hobbit HC.

Let me know what you think. Thanks

http://i367.photobucket.com/albums/oo111/sharki69/D0D3A45A-8416-47C1-877D-2E3A3CB91606.jpg (http://s367.photobucket.com/user/sharki69/media/D0D3A45A-8416-47C1-877D-2E3A3CB91606.jpg.html)

http://i367.photobucket.com/albums/oo111/sharki69/97774BCD-B868-43E9-B29C-EC765A1F6872.jpg (http://s367.photobucket.com/user/sharki69/media/97774BCD-B868-43E9-B29C-EC765A1F6872.jpg.html)

http://i367.photobucket.com/albums/oo111/sharki69/8FA6F11E-F8B2-49E9-A949-94C107AFE0B1.jpg (http://s367.photobucket.com/user/sharki69/media/8FA6F11E-F8B2-49E9-A949-94C107AFE0B1.jpg.html)

http://i367.photobucket.com/albums/oo111/sharki69/DEF24AF8-3A79-46F0-A0A1-FFDB2EB1C253.jpg (http://s367.photobucket.com/user/sharki69/media/DEF24AF8-3A79-46F0-A0A1-FFDB2EB1C253.jpg.html)

[Merlin1958]

That's a bit of a rough copy, Shac. Bear in mind, I am no expert, but it looks to be a 33rd U.S. edition. I have an 8th edition that went for north of $800. Are there maps included? I do have a link to a very cool dealer that can help steer you in the right direction. He was very helpful and informative with me. I would recommend you run it buy him and maybe have a look at what he has to offer. Great transactions with this gentleman. Hope this helps you out a bit.

http://www.tolkienbookshelf.com/

Good luck!!!!

[Br!an]

I don't know what others might value that book, but it seems to be a reading copy to me.

[sharki69]

That's a bit of a rough copy, Shac. Bear in mind, I am no expert, but it looks to be a 33rd U.S. edition. I have an 8th edition that went for north of $800. Are there maps included? I do have a link to a very cool dealer that can help steer you in the right direction. He was very helpful and informative with me. I would recommend you run it buy him and maybe have a look at what he has to offer. Great transactions with this gentleman. Hope this helps you out a bit.

http://www.tolkienbookshelf.com/

Good luck!!!!

Thanks bill I'll give it a shot

[Cordial Jim]

Canadian Lord of the Rings, 1977. These came with a slipcase, which I don't have. I like the covers on these.

http://magnum-mania.com/images/lord_canadian_1.jpg
http://magnum-mania.com/images/lord_canadian_2.jpg
http://magnum-mania.com/images/lord_canadian_3.jpg
http://magnum-mania.com/images/lord_canadian_4.jpg

[jhanic]

Nice! I like them too.

John

[mkb.redux]

Another "found" scenario to dream on:
http://www.tor.com/2015/10/23/map-of-middle-earth-annotated-by-tolkien-found-in-rare-book-shop/

[jsmcmullen92]

So does anyone know how to tell editions on Tolkien? I just passed up a set of 2nd edition books (gold orange and purple) becausebecause I could not confirm them. Did they make a BCE edition of those in the slipcase? These had no price on the DJ and the map in the back was attached to the boards rather than their own page like I've seen. FoTR was a 12th printing and CP page looked good but there was also a 13th printing there that had a $9.95 price and the map on its own page.
Any info would be great!

[Lurker]

I ordered this set from the Tolkien Bookshelf about 5 years ago. The maps are all on a page in the back, not on the boards.

http://i885.photobucket.com/albums/ac54/ICONfan/Tolkien2_zps0lapy4vn.jpg

[jsmcmullen92]

I ordered this set from the Tolkien Bookshelf about 5 years ago. The maps are all on a page in the back, not on the boards.

http://i885.photobucket.com/albums/ac54/ICONfan/Tolkien2_zps0lapy4vn.jpg

Thanks for the information. The jackets weirded me out and I agree with your description that they were BC Jackets but I was sure the books were actual books due to the Copyright Page, but then the maps... I should have picked it up. It was a 12/11/11 as well and only $45 but I couldn't bring myself to throw money at something I wasn't 100% on. Hell maybe the set that was 12/11/11 was a one off that didn't have prices originally who knows, you could have something rare in itself. Maybe Bruce or Bill might have additional info from their findings?

[jsmcmullen92]

For anyone interested this is what I received from David at Tolkien Bookshelf.

It sounds like you have figured out the differences already. There was indeed a Book Club Set of the Lord of the Rings that was published concurrently with the 2nd US Trade Edition. Usually the Book Club Editions are not quite as nice or are made with lower quality paper, but these are virtually identical to the trade editions. The only difference is no price on the dustjackets, a small blind stamp on the back boards (lower corner), and the slipcases seem to be covered with a duller paper, doesn't shine quite as much and may have a tendency to fade a bit more. Also as you noted, the maps are placed differently, but I have seen some that were placed the same as the trade editions. It is not too unusual to find sets that may be mixed, as there were so many printed, and with people replacing lost or damaged copies, invariably there was some mixing and matching involved. So if you are looking for a nice set, I've found that the Book Club Edition may be found at a lower price, without giving up very much at all, comparatively speaking. If you have any other questions, feel free to contact me.

Very good information if you are planning on buying a set.

[herbertwest]

Tolkien's annotated map of Middle-earth discovered inside copy of Lord of the Rings
>>> http://www.theguardian.com/books/2015/oct/23/jrr-tolkien-middle-earth-annotated-map-blackwells-lord-of-the-rings?CMP=fb_gu

[Cordial Jim]

Picked this up at a Friends of the Library book sale recently ($5). Lord of the Rings + The Hobbit Ballantine Second Edition paperbacks box set (gold foil), issued between 1973 and 1983. All are printings from Feb. 1977. FotR, TTT and RofK are NF condition, The Hobbit is VG. The slipcase is a little dinged, but not in terrible shape.

These are great because these are the first paperbacks to feature Tolkien's own cover art (Barbara Remington did the covers for the Ballantine First Edition paperbacks). Tolkien also did the Heraldic symbols that appear on the slipcase of this box set (Elwe, Luthien Tinuviel, Finwe, Feanor, Idril Celebrindal, and Earendil). There is also a symbol called "Numenorean Title" that appears at the top of the slipcase.

Really excited to picked this up (it appears this thing is worth ~ $50). I now have the first three Lord of the Rings Ballantine paperback editions, most in NF condition. I don't think I'll be picking up any of the other (later) Ballantine editions. I don't care for the covers of those (and my overall paperback collection generally ends around the mid-80's).

http://magnum-mania.com/images/lotr_5.png
http://magnum-mania.com/images/lotr_6.png
http://magnum-mania.com/images/lotr_7.png
http://magnum-mania.com/images/lotr_8.png
http://magnum-mania.com/images/lotr_9.png

[mkberger]

These were the editions that I first read. Brought FELLOWSHIP on a driving tour of the Northeast and the Maritime Provinces with my family in the Summer of 1976; I recall almost nothing of the trip other than the book. Almost 40 years now, and still one of the signature events of my life.

[jhanic]

Very, very nice!

John

[Merlin1958]

Sweet!!!!

[Theli]

Got this a little while ago:

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y265/Therionfan/Books/20151026_184808.jpg (http://s7.photobucket.com/user/Therionfan/media/Books/20151026_184808.jpg.html)

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y265/Therionfan/Books/20151026_184832.jpg (http://s7.photobucket.com/user/Therionfan/media/Books/20151026_184832.jpg.html)

The crown jewel of my collection so far. The Hobbit is what got me into the book collecting game, and Alan Lee has been a favourite artist of mine for many years. His art adorned the covers of my first copies of The Lord of the Rings in paperback form.

[Theli]

I grabbed a couple unique pieces for my Tolkien collection recently. First up is a print with a remarque of Smaug from the graphic novel of the Hobbit, illustrated by David Wenzel.

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y265/Therionfan/20151117_224751.jpg (http://s7.photobucket.com/user/Therionfan/media/20151117_224751.jpg.html)

Second up is an original water colour of Thorin from David Wenzel.
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y265/Therionfan/20151117_224805.jpg (http://s7.photobucket.com/user/Therionfan/media/20151117_224805.jpg.html)

I also picked up a smattering of Tolkien 1st editions here and there. I upgraded my Children of Hurin to a 1st edition, picked up a first edition of the film tie-in printing of the Hobbit along with 1st of Beowulf and Smith of Wootton Major.

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y265/Therionfan/Books/20151010_191318-1.jpg (http://s7.photobucket.com/user/Therionfan/media/Books/20151010_191318-1.jpg.html)

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y265/Therionfan/Books/20151117_222239.jpg (http://s7.photobucket.com/user/Therionfan/media/Books/20151117_222239.jpg.html)

[jsmcmullen92]

Those are AWESOME!!!! so jealous!

[Merlin1958]

Ditto!!!! Wonderful additions, Theli!!! Color me green with envy as well!!!

[Theli]

Thanks guys!

[swintek]

Tolkien's annotated map of Middle-earth discovered inside copy of Lord of the Rings
>>> http://www.theguardian.com/books/2015/oct/23/jrr-tolkien-middle-earth-annotated-map-blackwells-lord-of-the-rings?CMP=fb_gu

I hadn't heard this- thanks so much for posting here. Fascinating. I love when stuff like this turns up- there are still undiscovered literary treasures out there in peoples attics and closets and desk drawers.

Ron

[Cordial Jim]

Great stuff, Theli! LOVE the Alan Lee Hobbit and Wenzel remarques! :)

[Theli]

Got this in the mail recently, a remarqued copy of the deluxe edition of Tolkien's The Fall of Arthur:

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y265/Therionfan/Books/20151221_213411.jpg (http://s7.photobucket.com/user/Therionfan/media/Books/20151221_213411.jpg.html)

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y265/Therionfan/Books/20151221_213429.jpg (http://s7.photobucket.com/user/Therionfan/media/Books/20151221_213429.jpg.html)

[jsmcmullen92]

Got this in the mail recently, a remarqued copy of the deluxe edition of Tolkien's The Fall of Arthur:

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y265/Therionfan/Books/20151221_213411.jpg (http://s7.photobucket.com/user/Therionfan/media/Books/20151221_213411.jpg.html)

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y265/Therionfan/Books/20151221_213429.jpg (http://s7.photobucket.com/user/Therionfan/media/Books/20151221_213429.jpg.html)
Man I wanna meet your contacts for Tolkien! So jealous

[Theli]

No contacts for me, just the internet! Hahaha

But thanks! I'm proud of my growing Tolkien collection.

[jsmcmullen92]

No contacts for me, just the internet! Hahaha

But thanks! I'm proud of my growing Tolkien collection.

Are you on ebay only or do you scoure other sources