Updated the spreadsheet, main changes are that the Deluxe seems to be out of stock from a lot of retailers and looks to be difficult to order at the moment.

I, for one, have cancelled my pre-order of the trade edition (as Amazon would not provide free returns for my location). I would like to thank everyone in this thread who shared their experiences and opinions as you have likely saved me a dissapointment and money. Thank you for your time and kindness.

I'm pleased with both the Trade and Deluxe editions and glad that I bought them

Trotter wrote:

I'm pleased with both the Trade and Deluxe editions and glad that I bought them

Me too.
I have been stressed a bit while waiting my deluxe copy, but it arrives in fine condition with no impression errors.
I really like the Trade as well as the deluxe.

Emilien wrote:

Trotter wrote:

I'm pleased with both the Trade and Deluxe editions and glad that I bought them

Me too.
I have been stressed a bit while waiting my deluxe copy, but it arrives in fine condition with no impression errors.
I really like the Trade as well as the deluxe.

I ordered my deluxe a few months back and honestly forgot about it until it came in the mail yesterday! I have to agree, I'm very happy with the quality and all the cool extras. The leaves are a nice touch imo ? did not order the trade copy but fromm the pictures I've seen it also looks like a pretty copy!

Also seen some posts of poor paper quality. This is above my head in terms of collecting, but I am happy with mine!

Certainly a divisive edition. I find that anyone would be happy with the paper used for the illustrations to be a bit confusing, though.

With the paper used for the rest of it, people have different expectations, and I get that; The paper for the text is certainly functional.

So for those are happy with the edition, are you happy but recognise its failings, or happy because you don't really think there are failings? (genuine question).

Happy despite its failings. It is superficially stunning, but probably not a keeper.

I recently bought the Folio Society edition of GRRM's A Feast for Crows. Now that is of a "my precious" quality level that this LOTR deluxe edition doesn't quite reach.

I am happy with both editions, would have been nice if different paper was used for the illustrations but for me that is a minor issue.

What I am not happy about is comments stating 'I have cancelled my pre-order' because of comments here, without people actually getting copies of the book and deciding for themselves if they like it or want to return it.

I think you need to look at it and make up your own mind about it.

Trotter wrote:

I am happy with both editions, would have been nice if different paper was used for the illustrations but for me that is a minor issue.

What I am not happy about is comments stating 'I have cancelled my pre-order' because of comments here, without people actually getting copies of the book and deciding for themselves if they like it or want to return it.

I think you need to look at it and make up your own mind about it.

But for people who are international, buying it and changing their mind is not really an option. Returning a book internationally because you just don't like it much is very expensive to the buyer. The point of reviews, opinions and photographs is to help people make an informed choice.

My opinion on the deluxe isn't yet informed (other than on the paper, 'cos its the same), but I stand by my position that for a £60 book (and depending on where you buy it from, that is what you will pay), it isn't good enough. With a good discount, it is passable. Mine cost about £37 delivered, so I'm not losing sleep over it.

But these are just opinions, and people should take all the varied opinions and make a judgement based on them. I mean, it isn't like they aren't going to be able to pick up a copy later, and for most people 1st impression doesn't mean anything at all.

I think is fair to say that we have opinions ranging from it being absolute rubbish to it being totally great. That's actually unusual, and it must mean something.

For my part I am in the "happy with both editions, but recognize their failings" camp. I think that the UK trade missed on some opportunities for the price that were picked up by the German trade (slipcase, map size).

As for the deluxe, the image reproduction is disappointing as this is the first volume of its kind with the Professor's artwork. The paper for the text doesn't bother me as much as some here. But as I have said before, they did do something right here with the extras, and box designs.

While I did purchase both copies (as well as the German copy) I'm still holding out for a true deluxe edition (limited run, high end binding) that probably will never come.