Urulókë wrote:

insurrbution wrote:

That's why I refuse to order with them, except as last resort. Sure you may save a few pounds, but is it really the frustration and hassle?

I agree, certainly in the last few years it has deteriorated. I have gift certificate funds to burn through though, so I occasionally get reading copies through Amazon to use up some balance. My keeper copy is coming from elsewhere. With HarperCollins's stellar box construction to protect the deluxe edition, though, the book and slipcase were perfect even though the corners of the publisher's box got dented since the Amazon box was nonexistent.

Another possible option to further protect items you order, is to use the giftwrap option. It's not much, but at least it's something.

I ordered the companion and guide set this week from Amazon.com sold by Amazon Global UK. These reports of back packing are pretty concerning, but Amazon had the best price and their return process has always been really easy for me so I figured it was worth the risk.

Thanks Trotter. I love Talking Tolkien’s videos. He has such a simple manner of talking about his books - it feels like sitting in a room with him and having a chat. Not many YouTubers are like this.

eorl wrote:

Thanks Trotter. I love Talking Tolkien’s videos. He has such a simple manner of talking about his books - it feels like sitting in a room with him and having a chat. Not many YouTubers are like this.

George_V I second this I also like your videos.

Mithrandir wrote:

I ordered the companion and guide set this week from Amazon.com sold by Amazon Global UK. These reports of back packing are pretty concerning, but Amazon had the best price and their return process has always been really easy for me so I figured it was worth the risk.

Hey Mithrandir. Are you Scelbi on Reddit by chance?

Hello everybody,
don't know if anyone is interested but I just placed an order for the Deluxe edition from a seller called Ideal Shop on amazon.co.uk who is listing it for 37,99.

Too tempting, couldn't resist. I'll let you know if everything is fine with shipment and book condition.

Cheers,
Max

Also let us know if it comes in its own box that has the ISBN & barcode on it as a sticker

My current deluxe copy came in the cardboard sleeve, and it did its job - really protected the book (especially the corners) from damage in shipping.

Approximate measurements

• 279mm x 162mm x 64mm (11" x 6.375" x 2.5")
  

It does have the sticker that has title, ISBN and UPC barcode on it, but no price.

HarperCollins tells me that they will begin using this style of individual packaging for all of their deluxe editions moving forward.

Max wrote:

Hello everybody,
don't know if anyone is interested but I just placed an order for the Deluxe edition from a seller called Ideal Shop on amazon.co.uk who is listing it for 37,99.

Too tempting, couldn't resist. I'll let you know if everything is fine with shipment and book condition.

Cheers,
Max

A week ago I ordered the 2020 illustrated hardcover set of LotR+H through this seller on eBay for £48. Have not received it yet, but I will revert with some feedback when it arrives as well.

Urulókë wrote:

My current deluxe copy came in the cardboard sleeve, and it did its job - really protected the book (especially the corners) from damage in shipping.

Approximate measurements

• 279mm x 162mm x 64mm (11" x 6.375" x 2.5")
  

It does have the sticker that has title, ISBN and UPC barcode on it, but no price.

HarperCollins tells me that they will begin using this style of individual packaging for all of their deluxe editions moving forward.

Is it 'all NEW collector's editions (titles that have yet to appear) going forward', or does that also includes current printings of older titles? I'm just genuinely curious. Of course, if you don't know that's completely fine