Houghton Mifflin Deluxe Editions: Discussion
22 Apr, 2020
2020-4-22 3:43:34 PM UTC
2020-4-22 3:43:34 PM UTC
One thing I've noticed over the course of me taking an interest in Tolkien books (as in the various editions, etc) is that there are some differences and similarities between Houghton Mifflin's edition of a Tolkien book, and HarperCollins' edition - even though it's the same title.
I'll break it down by example.
I often refer to a 'mirrored publication' usually when referring to Houghton Mifflin editions. Examples of these would be their editions of The Children of Hurin (including it's deluxe edition) and Tales From the Perilous Realm in standard hardback. In terms of content, cover art used, etc these are practically identical to HarperCollins' editions - with minor differences (size dimensions, texture of dustjacket, binding and of course publisher info, for instance).
Then, you have editions that are more notably different than what HarperCollins offers. A prime example of that would to be look at The Lord of the Rings 50th anniversary edition - the deluxe black version from Houghton Mifflin, and the deluxe red version from HarperCollins (each is the complete novel as one book). Now, yes, they are the "50th anniversary edition" so it's the same release in that sense; but those editions are different from one another, in design and style. I mean, just look at the stock photos. Though they have the same features: revised text, fold-out maps, and the plate section.
I've noticed that Houghton Mifflin's last deluxe edition (slipcased) was The Legend of Sigurd and Gudrun which 'mirrored' the HarperCollins edition. Heck I've got a copy, and it's even the same height and matches on the shelf my deluxes of the Great Tales. Only thing differs - as they're all still sealed - is the publisher info, and perhaps how the title is displayed on the spine.
Anyone know why Houghton Mifflin stopped making deluxe editions, 'mirrored' or otherwise? I understand that the vast majority of you here probably go for HarperCollins editions, between them and Houghton Mifflin; though some of their releases have merit.
Attached some photos for reference.
I'll break it down by example.
I often refer to a 'mirrored publication' usually when referring to Houghton Mifflin editions. Examples of these would be their editions of The Children of Hurin (including it's deluxe edition) and Tales From the Perilous Realm in standard hardback. In terms of content, cover art used, etc these are practically identical to HarperCollins' editions - with minor differences (size dimensions, texture of dustjacket, binding and of course publisher info, for instance).
Then, you have editions that are more notably different than what HarperCollins offers. A prime example of that would to be look at The Lord of the Rings 50th anniversary edition - the deluxe black version from Houghton Mifflin, and the deluxe red version from HarperCollins (each is the complete novel as one book). Now, yes, they are the "50th anniversary edition" so it's the same release in that sense; but those editions are different from one another, in design and style. I mean, just look at the stock photos. Though they have the same features: revised text, fold-out maps, and the plate section.
I've noticed that Houghton Mifflin's last deluxe edition (slipcased) was The Legend of Sigurd and Gudrun which 'mirrored' the HarperCollins edition. Heck I've got a copy, and it's even the same height and matches on the shelf my deluxes of the Great Tales. Only thing differs - as they're all still sealed - is the publisher info, and perhaps how the title is displayed on the spine.
Anyone know why Houghton Mifflin stopped making deluxe editions, 'mirrored' or otherwise? I understand that the vast majority of you here probably go for HarperCollins editions, between them and Houghton Mifflin; though some of their releases have merit.
Attached some photos for reference.
(I didn't realize the 2 of the photos would be blurry. As you can see - despite the lo-res - the spine of the deluxe Sigurd is identical to how the info is displayed on HarperCollins' edition. However, here's a better version of the Houghton Mifflin 50th anniversary edition of The Lord of the Rings.)
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