Future Special Edition Hardcovers: Speculation

 




With The Fall of Numenor now coming to what was formerly known as the 'Author-Illustrated' Hardcovers, it makes one think on what other Tolkien titles may come to this format. 

I will 'think out loud' and speculate which other titles may arrive in this format. 

~ The Great Tales. 
Next year, the first of the three standalone books, The Children of Hurin, turns 20. As such, I can see all 3 (all on the same date? Over time?) arrive in this Special Edition hardcover format. How The Fall of Numenor was 'transferred' from its standard hardcover format into the Special Edition format could also apply to The Great Tales. The Great Tales may also appear in the Collector's Edition format - either in addition, or instead.  

~ Unfinished Tales
Another title I can see coming to this style would be Unfinished Tales - but, the one illustrated by Alan Lee, Ted Nasmith, and John Howe. All of Tolkien's own artwork was used for the Special Edition hardcovers of The Hobbit, The Lord of the Rings, and The Silmarillion. Again, howe The Fall of Numenor was 'transferred' into this format could also apply. The cover design could be Tolkien's image of Idril's Sigil - currently in use for the Signature Paperback counterpart. 

~ Tales From the Perilous Realm
This one is a 'maybe' for this format, though I can easily see it making it to the Collector's Edition format instead. 

~ Letters From Father Christmas
Lastly, I can see Letters From Father Christmas making it into this format. It could feature the typical image of Father Christmas, and have one or two pieces of paper detached: perhaps the stamps that's used for the endpapers for the current hardcovers? It'll be tricky to see how it look, but I can see it being red and silver. 

And that's all I've got! with The Fall of Numenor, it appears that that style is intended to serve as an 'in-between' edition, fitting in between the standard hardcovers and deluxe editions - even if it's the same contents/features found in other books, but just repackaged and presented differently. 

We'll see what the future holds! I'm curious and looking forward to seeing what titles may come to both the Collector's Editions and Special Editions. 

Below, is a visual 'key' using an example of The Hobbit:



Standard Edition




Collector's Edition



Special Edition

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