Collectable Lord of the Rings Books

[Nurvingiel]

I was in one of my favourite second-hand book stores the other day, when I saw they had the Folio boxed set for $100. (It was only $100 because the spine of one had been slightly damaged.)

However, the owner was not satisfied with the quality of the Folio books. His main complaint was the not-highest-quality paper. Hey, when you're making a collectable book, these things matter.

Then he showed me a mint condition copy of the Allen and Unwin The Fellowship of the Ring. It was gorgeous. They used the finest paper, the jacket was shiny and unblemished, and I've always loved Allen and Unwin's covers. This, to me, is the ultimate dream of Tolkien collectables. (But the one book was $40, so I resisted the strong urge to buy it.)

About two years ago at this same wonderous book store, I found a mint condition hard cover copy of the Harper-Collins publication of Tales from the Perilous Realm, and a mint soft cover of Roverandom. As far as Tolkien collection goes, these too are part of living the dream.

What Tolkien books, in specific publication (year or company) and/or obscure title, were you overjoyed to obtain?

Discuss other aspects of collecting Tolkien's books as well.