New super deluxe editions

My understanding is that the publication of the Super Deluxe Sigurd and Gudrun was prompted by the Tolkien Estate and not Harper Collins. It seemed that they wanted to put out a very nice edition of this book as a tribute to the work itself, as well as to provide an opportunity for fans to own a fine edition. (Beren should probably confirm this notion though. I seem to remember him having the inside scoop on the background of this book).

As far as new Super Deluxe editions go.... I think it is likely that at some point in the future, they will publish more. I don't know if it will be to the same specs as the most recent two, but someday, there will be something. I am skeptical that they will publish any new works in such a format (one could hope for a fancy 'Lay of Leithian' or something of that ilk*). Personally, I would like to see another SD Hobbit, LotR, or Silmarillion. Another question to ask is, would it be worth doing without Christopher Tolkien's signature? Maybe do something like the first 100 of 500 copies signed like in 1987 for the Hobbit (and 1982 for the Sil).

*Not that the Lay of Leithian is anything new, but it hasn't been published as a nice stand alone edition. I think they could pull off a few smaller Super Deluxe volumes of things like this and maybe 'Fall of Gondolin' or similar bits. These super deluxes aren't for the mass consumer anyway, and serious collectors would eat them up IMHO.

One more thought...

The publication of any new works is an interesting topic (and, all of this has been discussed in a previous thread, I am sure). Long now has Christopher Tolkien worked to bring as much as possible of his father's writing to light. While I certainly hope it is not soon at all, there will come a time when Christopher is not around to drive the publication of new materials. If there are any unpublished/incomplete works still there, I would vastly prefer to see them edited and brought to light by Christopher. He is simply the authority when it comes to his father's writing. I know that Tolkien's grandson will control editing rights eventually, but there is simply no way that anyone can carry on as Christopher has. His contributions have been nothing short of tremendous.

Just a thought...

I would like to see a ‘super deluxe’ of ‘letters’.

I think that the editing of J R R Tolkien’s work should cease after Christopher Tolkien. As Elwë said “He is simply the authority when it comes to his father's writing”. Also, if they can’t help themselves, I don’t know if a Tolkien would be the best editor. It should not be a birth right but a question of capabilities.

Wouldn’t it be great if there was released an autobiography by Christopher Tolkien. A ‘super deluxe’ edition would be brilliant. Leather bound, 100 copies, signed…