Tolkien Books in 2024

 

Well, as I often think (and often state) when it comes to Tolkien books: 'what next?'

I have been a fan of the various editions and versions of Tolkien's works since around 2002. I've often recounted the tale, of seeing 2-3 bookshelves full of various Tolkien books. Well, it was at least one whole unit at the book shop. What was interesting to me, was seeing the various editions that matched on display; as well as those that didn't match: 'hmm this copy of The Lord of the Rings doesn't have a Hobbit in the same style!' or 'this style offers them as 3 and but not as 1....'

Anyway, so it's very early in the year - the year just literally started, in fact - though here is what is, and what might come (which is speculation on my part) in the calendar year of "2024."

In the unjacketed hardback special edition format, there will be an edition of The Silmarillion coming. I fully expect this to complement the corresponding Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings. In terms of their construction and features, these editions don't really offer anything that other hardbacks don't, beyond the attractive cover and exterior design. While it's not my business to tell other collectors what 'place' a particular edition has on their shelves, it's my belief that these unjacketed special editions are targeted towards those that want something nicer than a paperback, but not paying usual hardback prices. 

The ISBN for this new edition is 9780008669140.



- The Fall of Numenor paperback.

Sometimes, a Tolkien book can take about 2-3 years to arrive in paperback. Most books take about a year after the hardback, so let's not forget that The Fall of Numenor could very well arrive in the paperback format at some point this year. If it does, my estimate would be Oct, Nov, or Dec. Side note: it'll be neat to see if it'll use the same cover as the hardback, or the image used for the 2024 Calendar.  

- The History of Middle-earth: Boxed Sets 2-4

The first boxed set (comprising of The Silmarillion, Unfinished Tales, The Book of Lost Tales: Part 1 and The Book of Lost Tales: Part 2) honoring Christopher Tolkien's legacy has just come out, though the rest will come out throughout 2024, with the fourth (and final, for The History of Middle-earth) to come out for Christopher's centenary.   




- The Battle of Maldon paperback.

Given that paperbacks typically appear a year after a hardback version - though not always with Tolkien books, as stated elsewhere - it wouldn't surprise me if The Battle of Maldon comes to paperback this year. I also wouldn't be surprised if it didn't: at this point, we don't know either way. Just something to take note of. 

- Unfinished Tales 'Illustrated by the Author' Edition (hardback and slipcased editions)....and Special Edition?

This one is pure speculation on my part, as seen here a few months ago: I mean, it could exist. It would be nice to have it match the others, but I can fully understand why the publisher wouldn't put this title in that format. It's great that the three main works are in this style, though.

As an aside, I've noticed - so far - that the unjacketed Special Editions correspond to the titles that exist in the 'illustrated by the author' format. For instance, The Silmarillion is currently the latest title to arrive in both of those formats.  

- The Lord of the Rings 70th Anniversary ('Illustrated by the Author') Boxed Set

Another speculative edition by me. I can see a 70th Anniversary Edition being a 'hybrid' or combination of the 2021 'Illustrated by the Author' 1-book standard edition, and the 60th Anniversary Boxed set. The features and more detail are examined here:

For the 50th Anniversary Editions, it went like this:

- 1-book standard edition
- 1-book slipcased edition 
- 3-part boxed set, with the Companion

For the 'Illustrated by the Author' edition of The Lord of the Rings, we already have 1-book editions in standard edition and as a slipcased edition, so it somewhat makes sense to me offer a boxed set of standard hardbacks. Of course, we'll see what they do for the 70th Anniversary, but that's just my own idea. Note: HarperCollins celebrated The Hobbit's 70th Anniversary more-so than the 75th, so I'm going by that. 


- 2025 Tolkien Calendar. 

The calendars typically come out July - September. Nothing against HarperCollins, though how the calendars typically work, is that the calendar for the following year is 'themed' after that year's Big Book. For example: The Children of Hurin was the 'Big Book' of 2007. The 2008 Calendar (which came out in 2007) was themed after that. 

The Fall of Numenor came out in 2022, and the 2023 Calendar wasn't themed after that release. Instead the 2024 one is. So, it makes one wonder what the 'theme' will be for the 2025 one. My guess is, The Lord of the Rings. Possibly Tolkien's artwork (due to the recent 'Illustrated by the Author' editions), or possibly pre-existing artwork by Ted Nasmith, Alan Lee and John Howe, similar to the 2021 calendar (all three illustrated Unfinished Tales.)  


Worth observing:



- Tree and Leaf will turn 60

2024 marks the 60th anniversary of Tree an Leaf. I'm definitely not expecting or anticipating to be done or to celebrate it; though for those that track and track book anniversaries, here's a special mention to this title. Many of the contents have been republished elsewhere since. 

So as always, it's interesting to look ahead to a new year and ponder about what will and can come out  with regards to Tolkien books. 

You'll likely find out on your own or through other means, but I'll keep you posted throughout the year.