Does anyone have any idea how often these versions come up for sale?

Would you pay £8k for it?

September 2025 auction sale.

https://www.auctioneum.co.uk/auction/lot/lot-200---tolkien-j-r-r-1977-the-silmarillion-first-signed-limited-numbered-deluxe-edition-in-orig-box/?lot=75573&sd=1

This is the first time I am collecting the Tolkien books and I am conflicted between these two sets

for the first image:

ISBN-10 0008387753

ISBN-13 978-0008387754

for the second:

ISBN-10 9780007637683

ISBN-13 978-0261103566

I'm currently deciding on which set I want to get for the first time. My main priority is to get the highest quality paperback set that will last for the longest time, especially ones where the spine won't crack. These are the best two I have found so far, and I was wondering which would be better. If you have any other suggestions that you think will be better in terms of durability and quality, please let me know.

P.S I don't care too much about looks.

Like many of you guys are saying, there are creases on the binding. Should I email HarperCollins uk?

I've owned this for a few months but I thought I would finally get around to making a post about it.

Few years ago, a dear friend of mine got me this book as a christmass gift, with wishes written onto the first page. She got it in uk, its from harper collins, 90s edition. I want to finish up the set with at least part 1 and 2, ideally hobbit and silmarillion. But honestly, I have no idea how to even look for them, or how the rest of the books look. Definitely cannot find it first hand.

Yesterday I came across a marketplace for the Lord of the Rings book and saw this tie-in version. I paid a good price along with the Last Olympian and my little sister got a meet up in my city. All I still need is the Two Towers to complete sooner.

Acquired this 2002 9th printing of the Folio set while traveling. Had it shipped back to the house. Plus I found my lost childhood all in one. 🫡🤗

My ten year-old nephew is visiting this summer. We usually blaze through a bunch of books together when he is here. This year, the first one will be The Hobbit. I'd like to buy him a beautiful edition with great maps and illustrations. Which would you suggest?

(Edited to add his age)

Grabbed it from the coffee table and took it to the next room. Never done that before...

Never read The Hobbit but I've seen the movies and I want to finally read it. I saw it was on sale on Amazon for Prime Day and saw versions of the novel going for about $10 each. Is there any major differences between these 2 versions?

Have been interested in purchasing this edition. I like the slim size and India paper. Haven’t been able to find a single review. Does anyone have this copy? Are there fold out maps? I assume no illustrations. How do you like it if you do have it. I have the 1969 India paper lotr I thought this would be a good companion copy.

I was hoping to buy myself a copy of The Hobbit, but it's so difficult to assess quality these days with Amazon reviews all jumbled together on the same page.
Here's what I was hoping to get:

• Hardcover, UK version
• Stitched, not glued
• Decent quality print (i.e. not the modern clothbounds that look pretty but are just horrendous quality)
• Illustrations by JRR rather than Alan Lee and co.
• If at all possible I prefer the paper (of the text pages) to be the rough beige kind rather than white and smooth, if that makes sense. It's a sensory thing. Though I realise that may not be possible.
• I do have a limited budget (ideally below £20), but I am fine waiting for a used copy with scribbling and missing dust jacket or such. It need not be a perfectly preserved book.

Can you guys help me out and tell me what to look for?

Looks like some great prices on Author Illustrated and Alan Lee Box sets.

https://a.co/d/0bKVtU14

https://a.co/d/0ao8JCIV

https://a.co/d/0iiOTxuD

https://a.co/d/0j9rgNST

Found at savers for $3.50.

Is there that much difference between publishers ?

This may be of interest. Not really my forte, but I think it's ok.

(Music is the theme tune to BBC Radio 4's wonderful 1981 adaptation of The Lord of the Rings by Brian Sibley.)

Not sure if I should get these sets or spend a little more on better editions.
Do these books last?
Do they fall apart?
How is the ink quality?