I must say, I don’t generally buy U.K. editions and I don’t often buy “Deluxe” editions, however, for this whole 2007 series (Húrin, Sigurd, Arthur…), buying the U.K. Deluxe versions is really the only way to go. It’s not like you’re buying them for the content—compared with what was published through 1998, they’re really scraping the bottom of the barrel. So, I complain about the cost, but, I must have them, anyway!

Oh I will cry if they change the orientation of the spine text - it would ruin the consistency of the entire series for me (though I have just 3 of these books)

Earl wrote:
Oh I will cry if they change the orientation of the spine text - it would ruin the consistency of the entire series for me (though I have just 3 of these books)

The Houghton Mifflin Deluxe CoH, printed by LEGO is essentially identical to the HC CoH Deluxe, but has the other orientation of spine text. It doesn't look particularly good, so I also hope they do not take this path. Interestingly the HM Deluxe S&G has the same text orientation as the HC version, and only differs by virtue of having slightly lighter paper (and consequently being a tiny bit thinner).

http://www.tolkienlibrary.com/tolkien-book-store/CLP0471.htm

Yes I was aware of the Houghton Mifflin COH edition, and I never did like it. Besides the orientation of the spine text, I also find it weird that the text is not capitalized - it is in title case - and I find that very odd.

Did Houghton Mifflin ever come out with deluxe editions of the other books? If so, I have never seen them.

HM only did CoH & S&G. Even the S&Gs were remaindered. I got a sealed copy for $5 or so (can't remember the exact price).

Oh wow! That's CHEAP

Earl wrote:
Oh wow! That's CHEAP

'

Actually, it was eaven cheaper. Just checked Abe - was $2.94. Brand new and sealed. $14 international shipping, though.

Unfortunately, most everything costs a load to ship down here to Australia too :(

So is it the case for all this Deluxe series that only the first printing is of high quality? Subsequent printings are always done in China?

So far the 1st prints have been made in either UK or Italy. Hopefully this trend continues with Kullervo.

Reprints are generally made in China, except I think LOTR 2nd print was made in Italy.

I don't know if the same is true for all, but Chinese reprints of The Hobbit are of substantially lower quality. Even the color is different.