Scarlet_Sorcerer wrote:

I never implied it was one or that they called it as such: just that it had *similar traits* to the *usual* line-up of deluxe editions:

- a slipcase
- a ribbon-marker
- something that folds out.

I even stated that it does *not* match the others.

None of these traits are specific to deluxe editions we have seen in the past. Many trade hardbacks have these as well.

I still don’t understand why you’re bringing this up in this discussion forum. It seems very random and off topic. Your comment about the artwork is also wrong as another member here had pointed out.

The Nazgul riding the fell beast (not sure the actual title for the art - my file just has it as "middle-earth panorama") was also used for the 1988 Houghton Mifflin box wrap, essentially in full form. I don't believe it was ever printed in full purely as a plate in anything other than the 2014 (at least not in any English language edition). 'tis a shame the opportunity was missed here as it is a fairly unique AL piece being in the ultra-wide format. Interestingly, the original art has ragged edges, which were cropped from the 2014 fold-out (though it remains the most complete printing of it). A ragged-edge plate of it would have been awesome.

Edit: The original painting is 72cm wide.

Very insightful, thanks!

I love the look of this set. Pre ordered and eagerly awaiting the arrival. Definitely going to re read with this one. I’m very happy that we’re getting a similar set to the 2022 Folio but for a much more reasonable price.

Absolutely. The Folio was too an exclusive of a set to be the only one to feature this new art by Alan Lee. I'm glad with the choices they made with this set. Three books is the way to go.

PlainVanilla wrote:

Absolutely. The Folio was too an exclusive of a set to be the only one to feature this new art by Alan Lee. I'm glad with the choices they made with this set. Three books is the way to go.

To be honest, the Folio is quite impractical to read. The materials are fairly delicate and it is just absurdly large. I think for most people, the HarperCollins edition will be more "useful" (and you won't need to worry about the cost when reading it).

Absolutely. I see the Folio edition like a work of art. To me, it is one of the most beautiful editions but not really meant to be read. It is more like a shelf piece. I do love the three paintings they chose for the covers, too.

The new HC Deluxe set is to my knowledge the first time the edition has been revised with new artwork from Alan Lee in a non-limited edition since 1992 and I think it will set a new standard for Alan Lee illustrated LOTR books. The materials they chose make it a practical edition for reading too. I have the 2020 slipcase set with the Hobbit and LOTR with the very visual look but the dust jackets makes it impractical. Paper dust jackets are too fragile. I love that they chose to go with quarter leather and cloth for this new one.

Eagerly awaiting HC posting these out . Will there be an ebook edition too ?

Admins, have you had the time to check if the Caradhras and Scouring of the Shire artworks have been replaced and to compare this new set to the 1992 one and to the Folio?