The vast majority of JRR Tolkien’s “new” books are new versions of his seminal fantasy novels The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings. In fact, a new collector’s edition of The Lord of the Rings was released this week. A more polished Lord of the Rings box set will be available in October, just weeks before the luxurious new edition of The Hobbit hits store shelves. But this week also saw the publication of Tolkien’s complete poetry for the first time, including works about Middle-earth. “The Poems of JRR Tolkien” is a heavy three-volume, 1,728-page hardcover boxed set. If you’d like to explore some of Tolkien’s earliest works, you can add the collection to your library from Amazon for $112.50 (regularly $125).
$113 (originally $125)
The Collected Poems of JRR Tolkien features a minimalist design with three matching hardcover books and a discreet slipcase to display and store each volume.
The three volumes contain approximately 200 poems of varying lengths. Although many of these books have been published before, more than 60 of them have never been seen by even the most diligent Tolkien readers.
This collection of poems is particularly interesting because you will find poems written by the author when he was a teenager as well as poems he wrote when he was in his 70s. Juxtaposing the work of an aspiring writer with that of an aging giant in the world of fiction is a cool way to look at his development as a writer.
His poetry appears in The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit, but the scope extends far beyond Middle-earth—so don’t expect more than 1,700 pages of poetry about Bilbo Baggins.
In addition to Tolkien’s poetry, this three-volume collection includes commentary by Tolkien scholars Christina Scull and Wayne G. Hammond. This review is intended to provide readers with a deeper understanding of Tolkien’s life and his works.
Lord of the Rings Collector’s Edition Series
As mentioned above, all three volumes of The Lord of the Rings also received new collector’s editions on September 17th. These new hardcover books feature foil cover art, stained edges, ribbon bookmarks, and a map of Middle-earth as endpapers. At $35 each, you can save Fellowship of the Ring and two towers Amazon Collector’s Edition. Return of the King That’s full price, but you can still get all three for a combined price of $87.50, down from $105. Bundle containing all three versions released on November 5th. Pre-order Lord of the Rings Collector’s Edition Set $94.50 at Amazon (originally $105).
To complete your collection, you can choose from the recently released Collector’s Edition hobbit and Silmarillion.
Devoted Tolkien fans with money to burn can pre-order “The Lord of the Rings” Deluxe Illustration Set Priced at Amazon for $292.50 before release on October 1 (originally $325). This three-volume hardcover is an improved version of the 1992 edition, illustrated by renowned artist Alan Lee. The new version has more than 50 new pictures. Like the poetry collection, the set has the same understated aesthetic, with a blue hardcover in cloth and leather, and gilded silver typescript and badges. It also comes with two maps and three art cards created by the late Christopher Tolkien (the author’s son).
Tolkien Illustration Series
Alan Lee’s illustrations of the places and creatures of Middle-earth are fantastic, but there are more affordable options for illustrated versions of Tolkien’s most famous work. The Tolkien Illustrated Series features the author’s own drawings. Whether you choose Standard or Deluxe, these editions Lord of the Rings, hobbitand Silmarillion Very gorgeous.
The History of Middle-earth Sets
The Silmarillion is one of the 12 books in The History of Middle-earth, which provides a detailed introduction to the various eras of Middle-earth. Compiled and edited by Christopher Tolkien using JRR Tolkien’s treasure trove of background notes, History of Middle-earth The scope is vast and often mesmerizing. If you’re a die-hard Tolkien fan and have a serious interest in world-building, they’re worth a look. The series is reissued this year in a beautiful new hardcover edition in a four-box set (three volumes each).
