The Fireside

  With the publication of The Silmarillion  in this format, this completes HarperCollins' series of collector's editions.  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 others' what 'place' or 'purpose' a particular edition has on their shelves; it's my belief that these editions are targeted towards those that want something nicer than a paperback, but not paying usual hardback prices. Perfect as reading copies, and make great gifts to give, without breaking the bank.    The info for these editions is: ~ The Hobbit:  9780007487301 ~ The Fellowship of the Ring:   9780008567125 ~ The Two Towers:   9780008567132 ~ The Return of the King:   9780008567149 ~ The Silmarillion :  9780008669140 Sadly, there is no boxed set - though one can always get a custom-made one. I wanted to showcase the...

The Folio Society's limited-edition of The Lord of the Rings has sold out in about 36 hours after it was announced. Sadly, I didn't get the chance to write about it here, as I often enjoy doing about new Tolkien books/editions. In their catalogue, they've been publishing editions of The Hobbit, The Lord of the Rings , and The Silmarillion . With the release of the limited-edition of The Lord of the Rings by Alan Lee, there's obviously been requests for matching editions of The Hobbit and The Silmarillion . THE HOBBIT For The Hobbit , they have four artists they could go with to produce a similar edition which would match the recent Lord of the Rings . First up, is John Howe, whose Smaug (above) is among my favourite Tolkien pieces. John Howe has sort-of-but-not-really illustrated The Hobbit before: he did the infamous pop-up book. This would be a wonderful occasion to include some of his newer pieces related to The Hobbit that haven't been published yet (aside ...

  Hot on the heels (and matching) last year's special edition of The Lord of the Rings comes a new edition of The Silmarillion illustrated by Tolkien himself. It will be arriving in the fall. The ISBN is 9780008537890, and the official description follows: For the first time ever, a very special edition of the forerunner to The Lord of the Rings, illustrated throughout in colour by J.R.R. Tolkien himself and with the complete text printed in two colours. The Silmarilli were three perfect jewels, fashioned by Feanor, most gifted of the Elves, and within them was imprisoned the last Light of the Two Trees of Valinor. But the first Dark Lord, Morgoth, stole the jewels and set them within his iron crown, guarded in the impenetrable fortress of Angband in the north of Middle-earth. The Silmarillion is...

Another quick Tolkien post! The details for the 2022 Calendar have been revealed. The official Tolkien calendar, this year containing twelve stunning paintings inspired by J.R.R. Tolkien’s THE SILMARILLION. Featuring breathtaking artwork by Ted Nasmith, with new and lesser known pieces unique to this calendar. The official Tolkien calendar has become an established publishing event, eagerly anticipated by Tolkien fans the world over. Previous Tolkien calendars have become much sought after collector’s items, and this year’s will doubtless be an essential purchase for Middle-earth fans everywhere. Featuring 12 full-colour paintings of scenes from The Silmarillion, some of which are new and unique to this calendar, Ted Nasmith explores Tolkien’s creation with greater depth than ever before. Ranging from the Elder Days of Middle-earth, through the Second Age and the rise of Sauron, to the end of the War of the Ring, the reader is drawn even further into the fantastical world ...