The Lord of the Rings: Special Edition

Product Information

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It comes in a slipcase and contains the Tolkien illustrations found in the regular Illustrated Edition, as well as "two poster-size, fold-out maps revealing all the detail of Middle-earth." Sumptuous slipcased edition of Tolkien's classic epic tale of adventure, fully illustrated in colour for the first time by the author himself. This deluxe volume is quarterbound in leather and includes many special features unique to this edition. Lee’s original illustrations have been reproduced to the artist’s exacting standards, in a scale and quality never seen before, and have been augmented by several entirely new images, including enchanting endpapers depicting the One Ring long before it came into Frodo’s possession, three frontispieces, two revised versions of existing illustrations, a new image titled ‘The Grey Havens’ and an exclusive giclée print. Since the dawn of time, storytelling and the fantastic have gone hand in hand. All cultures have their myths – tales of gods and giants, monsters and marvels. An increasing interest in the roots of culture, together with a recognition of the importance of myth and archetype in understanding the human condition, led to a reflorescence of myth-based literature in the 20th century.

We love to see how the movies and the books come together in this latest release of the books. The Lord of the Ringsmovies have really set the tone for how many of us think about Tolkien’s work these days. So to unite the two always feels especially fun. The Folio Society Since it was first published in 1954, The Lord of the Rings has been a book people have treasured. Steeped in unrivalled magic and otherworldliness, its sweeping fantasy and epic adventure has touched the hearts of young and old alike. Over 100 million copies of its many editions have been sold around the world, and occasional collectors' editions become prized and valuable items of publishing. Other Tolkien collectibles include calendars, maps and art. The 2021 Gawain and the Green Knight movie brought renewed interest in Tolkien’s translation of the text. In 2022, The Fall of Gondolin, and Beren and Luthien were published as standalone works for the first time. The art by Tolkien has appeared in print before, most notably the hardcover "Pictures by JRR Tolkien" first published in 1979, the book itself a collection of illustrations printed in "a series of calendars" printed earlier in the 1970s.

But all that is gold does not glitter. If you want to become a Middle-earth collector, the possibilities are endless, with limited editions, deluxe editions, illustrated editions, box sets and attractive modern editions of Tolkien’s books, most of which are continually being republished. You can also find books signed by JRR's son, Christopher Tolkien, who edited several posthumous editions of his father’s writing, and by the illustrator Alan Lee.The 1954 edition only features two illustrations from Tolkien, but this latest Lord of the Rings illustrated version has "30 other sketches, illustrations, and maps." Rare Tolkien items are also available, including books and letters signed by Tolkien, proof copies and books from Tolkiens personal library. The strength of Tolkien’s work is in its fidelity to its roots, which lie in the legends of the Nordic world. Tolkien believed that the roots of myth and the roots of language are one and indivisible, and he demonstrated this belief by creating an entirely new language (Elvish) with its own grammar, its own beautiful script and its own mythology. it was a rarefied and highly personal world, yet it proved a fertile soil from which his great fantasy novels were to grow.