I think the Orange hard cover book captures something that I hadn´t associated with the Silmarillion before, that is war, strife and tumult. I suppose I had always seen it as something more spiritual or mythical, but this presentation has me seeing it through different eyes. There is no doubt that the Unfinished Tales version (slip case hardcover) is possibly the most beautiful book I have ever owned, I pick it up regularly just to sift through it. The Silmarillion version doesn´t quite hit them heights, but it is so beautifully laid out, the paper, the font, the printing, everything is simply divine, and the colour, while controversial, certainly adds something to the whole experience. Also I think the orange colour is a reflection of the fire that shaped Middle Earth and the fires that shaped the Silmarils. There are definite Promethean overtones to the entire concept.
THIS I hate myself for liking the 2021 Deluxe Edition more than the latest Deluxe illustrated by Tolkien himself because there's the same concept for LOTR and The Hobbit so they would look amazing together on a bookshelf but you put into word my exact thoughts about the orange 2021 edition. I adore the choice of putting Maglor throwing the Silmaril into the sea on the cover, it matches perfectly with the mood and the choice of colour they've gone for. And the burning of the ships for the hardcover box? That was the moment that really made me fall in love hard for The Silmarillion. I'm gonna send a letter to Harper Collins begging them to release LOTR and The Hobbit with the same concept. What colour would you choose for them and which illustrations?
@@andreaberetta5596 I’m halfway through it right now and I’m honestly transfixed with the whole thing, the layout etc. it’s not the first time I’ve read the Silmarillion, but I’ve never enjoyed it as much. The book, the grandeur etc, has made me read slower, focus on details etc etc. It’s a masterwork. Colours for the other books..The Hobbit some sort of gold colour, the LOTR hmmmm..always has been green for me but would be open to others.
@@brewingbooks certainly a tad too orange, I wonder if it will fade with time. I finished the book last night, I had never read it with such concentration, and really the way to read it is slowly and constantly checking the index and family trees. It´s an incredible piece of work, and this version really added to the entire experience.
I agree with you. When I saw this hardcover I thought it captures something the others don't and I reckon that's what Nasmith and the publishing team were probably thinking as well. They took a risk and it's a risk I'm proud to own
Amazing Silmarillion collection!!!! I have the deluxe edition from 2007 and I love it 😊 Wishing I could buy one day the deluxe illustrated edition from the last year (2022) 😅
This is a lovely collection. I'm always interested to hear what motivates people to collect books. For me, it's primarily about building a library around a particular subject area as opposed to collecting different editions of the same books, and all my books are always ultimately going to be 'reading copies' although I do take great care with them when reading to avoid wear and tear. Having said that though, I always prioritise good quality, nice (although not necessarily deluxe) editions of the books I buy where possible as I appreciate the aesthetic qualities of books both for how they look on the shelf as well as how they feel (and look and smell!) when being read. So I always prioritise hardback over paperback where possible, and if buying secondhand (for out of print books) I'm fussy about the condition. And I always put clear protectors on dust jackets to avoid damage to them as well. Having said all this, I must admit that with the Tolkien books at least I am tempted to buy some of the other editions of the books I already own as they are just so nice! But it seems like a very slippery slope...!!!
I do both -- I have collections around subjects, and collections around individual books. My wife ended up doing the same, she collects classics, but we now have a separate collection of Jane Austen, in many editions
A very happy 2023 to James and to all the visitors of this wonderful channel! Healthy, happy and peaceful may this year be! I would like to add that, at least in case of The Lord of the Rings, different editions *may* contain different texts. Hence, from the collectors' point of view, they are all equally welcome in our collections. But even if they contain the same sets of characters, maps, illustrations and motives, hardly most of us collectors will be able to give a reasonable explanation "why we collect them all". The important thing here is that at least one of those books must be read. Otherwise the collectors would turn into accumulators, with the Spirit and Essence gone. Here are the four links to the four records from Wayne Hammond/Christina Scull blog dedicated to the evolution of the text of The Lord of the Rings. I was preparing to read it (the book) starting on JRRT's birthday the day after tomorrow. I wouldn't want to unbox the 60th Anniversary boxed set (in which a revised version of "A Reader's Companion" is included) and bought another copy of that book to use it as I read the trilogy. However, having read those records by Hammond/Scull, I understood that the comments and references it contains will not match the single-volume 1991 edition I was going to use. They won't even match the 2020 boxed set edition, which is currently considered the most correct edition (unless one sunny day it is found out that the latest fixes had in their turn added more issues to the texts, as it happened previously). Still, the issues seem to be not that many, and probably I will use the 60th Anniversary edition this time. And the 1991 edition will be left for the next time. And 2020 - for the 2025 round, huh? Well, now isn't this yet another reason why we would want to collect them all? ;-) Oh, the above-mentioned links are as follows: wayneandchristina.wordpress.com/2012/02/08/lord-of-the-rings-comparison/ wayneandchristina.wordpress.com/2014/12/21/lord-of-the-rings-comparison-2/ wayneandchristina.wordpress.com/2016/06/23/lord-of-the-rings-comparison-3/ wayneandchristina.wordpress.com/2020/07/17/lord-of-the-rings-comparison-4/ P.S. I am sorry, I haven't yet unsealed my 2021 copy of The Lord of the Rings. What is the edition it is based on? Can anyone let me know what is written on the copyright page regarding this? If it uses the same "reset edition first published 2014 which is a revised version of the reset edition first published 2004", then maybe I should simply unseal that copy an enjoy it?
I have several editions of The Hobbit and LOTR because of nostalgia. I admired the cover art as a boy and teen at a time when these novels and my daily life was magical and full of imagination. So the older different editions evoke lots of positive childhood feelings. I ordered another edition of Silmarillion for a different reason. I wanted a large hardcover to read.
I bought the orange illustrated edition along with the new Red Deluxe edition of the LOTR. I thought it looked really cool and that the orange color made it more unique. That's only my opinion though. I loved these books as a boy and I recently became inspired to start my own collection.
Being able to see tangible versions of all these books has made my decision for what I buy so much easier. I've probably spent about $400 on Tolkien's books since finding your channel haha
I have the one with the green on the pages. It's shocking at first but it really grew on me and it looks cool with my hobbit (blue pages) and my lotr (red pages)
I love your videos and look forward to the tour of your bookshelves. If there is any book besides The Lord of the Rings that inspires someone to collect the various versions of them, it's The Silmarillion! As an aside, I noticed you & I have another interest in common, Astronomy!
Great to see your first edition in such good condition! Mine also sits in a jacket protector and only gets read here and there, but I love owning the way the world first saw it years ago. I'm also a big fan of the original big maps. I noticed you are 'technically' missing one... the large format hardback illustrated by Ted Nasmith. I say 'technically' as you've got the 2022 version which matches the other recent hardbacks. The large format one has the moreso glossy paper, however it's my 'reading copy' and bothers me far less than I thought it would. I'd love to run into Ted Nasmith one day to tell him how much his work means to us all, and get it signed!
You’re right about the Nasmith hardback one. I’d wanted a copy for a long while but once I heard news about the 2021 editions coming out I felt it would be unnecessary (ironic though, given the multiple copies of the same book one owns 😅)
@@brewingbooks Ah no judgement here - I think they all look great and that you should do what makes you happy (and I own about 5 or 6 copies of Marcus Aurelius' meditations!). From memory that hardback Silmarillion from 21/22 actually contains additional illustrations, I may be wrong however. I'm sure I don't have to tell you either, but those books also look fantastic together on the shelf.
I personally am excited to own the standard hardback edition of the 2021 Silmarillion illustrated by Ted Nasmith so that I can have I believe 50 of the illustrations that he has inside of it which is remarkable.
Happy new year to you too. Keep doing your amazing videos. I love hearing about your Tolkien collections. I personally own a copy of the silmarillion that is I think exclusively for Germany, correct me if I'm wrong. It's bound in blue leather and I absolutely love it 😍
I want that newest deluxe edition that you like a lot but man…there’s just something about that orange one that speaks to me. I know that is an unpopular opinion it seems. But I can’t get over it
Such a fantastic collection! 🎉 The different editions really do make each reading experience feel unique. It’s amazing how much depth The Silmarillion holds, and it’s clear why it’s worth having so many versions. Do you have a favorite edition, or does the content itself always take the spotlight for you? Personally, I always find myself coming back to the stories in the book, no matter the format! Can’t wait to see more of your Tolkien content
What is the hardback book between the hobbit and the Silmarillion on the shelve right next to your head on the right side (from the watchers POW)? Love the aesthetic of the books on that shelve.
My first entry to the silmarillion was the 2nd edition the one with the elves in cuivienen as the dustjacket. Just bought a ted nasmith illustrated version, the standard one, and now Im also eyeing the blue and green tolkien illustrated edition.
The blue one has long term issues with silver etching on the spine coming off. Some books, like mine, came with etching already damaged, even tho the book was still factory sealed. It's a beautiful book but it really doesn't want you to touch it, which is ironic... Since you already own one of the best version of the book, these new "deluxe" editions by Harper Collins are just now worth your money. If you really insist on getting a deluxe edition primarily as a collectible item, get some of the older editions like the one from 2004. Also, there are other publisher who make "deluxe" Tolkien books like Folio Society and Easton Press, you may find more luck with them. Just keep in mind that we live in a profit oriented world and there are also issues with shortage of quality materials, so keep your expectations in check.
I second Mark’s comments. Some people seem to have experienced some issues with the silver on the spine coming off. So far I have found no issues with mine.
@@markz4467 no worries with the latest deluxe edition with me, couldnt be bothered by the spine foiling issue, the very reason that I am eyeing to get it after all is Tolkien's art works. Thanks for the forewarning though, I'll still get it but I'll be waiting for a sizeable discount before finally purchasing it.
Do you think we will get a new set of hobbit editions to match the 2021 LOTR and the 2022 silmarilion? I would assume they would use the symbol and color scheme of the early 2000s deluxe editions
Thanks for sharing & Happy New Year. I have got the first edition & not long ago got the 2007 with the Tolkien illustrated dust jacket. Might get the Ted Naismith or a deluxe one, however the slipcase deluxe is very expensive at over £70.
Hi James. I was wanderring. I know this video is almost a year old. But again I was thinking do you have or you ever getting the Easton press versions or the Folio ones. I know thats a whole other commitment but again was wanderring. Awesome video.
Hi there! I’ve had the Folio editions of LoTR and The Hobbit, but never had the Easton press ones. Folio’s aesthetic style and especially the illustrations might not be to everyone’s liking but they’re a lovely set to have nonetheless.
Awesome vid as always! I was wondering, do you - or have you considered - collecting Tolkien books in other languages? I collect my favourite, The Hobbit, but only in English, but then in 2022 a lovely hardcover edition was released in Danish with illustrations by the talented Tove Jansson, and I really want to get it, even though I would never read it, at least not in full.
I only collect UK editions of The Hobbit, but frequently break this rule, and I love the Danish Hobbit with Tove Jansson's illustrations, I can't read the book but can admire her wonderful illustrations.
Thanks for your kind words. Very interesting question 😃 So far I only have English editions but I’m actually interested in the Latin version of The Hobbit and I believe there was also a Breton one released not long ago.
Just snagged a 1st edition 1st printing on eBay for cheap! Glad I’m not the only one with multiple copies of the Silmarillion on the shelf lol In a way it makes me sad, I own 4 copies of this book (two first edition) but I’d trade them all to get that beat up paperback I initially fell in love with all those years ago. Well maybe I wouldn’t, I just wish I still had that first copy I got in high school!
I’m still looking at the 2021 hardback edition to purchase though. I haven’t read The Silmarillion yet, and I think that one would better match my Illustrated LOTR/Hobbit box and Great Tales from Middle Earth Box. The other illustrated hardback editions also seem to match its size and appearance.
I think you’d find the 2021 standard hardback edition to be best suited (aesthetically) for the rest of your box sets/books. Just be aware of that possible creasing along the inside of both dustjacket flaps, but nothing major in my opinion
Think of the green on the latest edition as representing springtime for the elves, whereas the correlating red color for the latest Lord of the Rings represents the autumnal period for the elves.
They really are pretty. But I wonder if that coloring comes off after reading them multiple times? I suppose if you're just keeping them on the shelf that's not an issue. But I'm not one for buying books just to keep on the shelf.
Hi James, since this video have you acquired the new blue hardback embossed with Telperion and Laurelin on silver and gold? It's not such a heavy book as some and as a result is much easier as a reading copy, opening quite easily but retaining the hardback quality.
This is the exact difference between a real book and an ebook. Yes its convenient to have thousands of books in your tablet and read them everywhere. Nobody can disagree. But the real book is different. The feeling of the book itself, its quality, its dust jacket, its back, its pages, its decorations, its something that you cant feel it with any electronic version of a book. And of course you cannot declare yourself as a collector just because you have some files in a memory card.
I will never understand having multiple copies of the same book. But to each their own. All I want are some basic hardcover editions. Nothing fancy. My very old, cheapie paperbacks are now fading. I love my Barnes & Noble "pocket sized" set because they're wonderful for taking with you on the go. But the print is fairly small and as the years go on, I'm finding it more straining on my eyes. I do wish all hardback books (or at least classic books) came with slipcovers! It's such a great idea to keep them clean and in good shape. One day I will have a bookcase with glass doors. I don't care much about fancy furniture, but that's one thing I wish I could get. I am constantly fighting a losing battle against dust. I can't stand it!
The Ted Nasmith is pretty much my favorite edition. Sewn, easy to read, easy to repair and cheap. My only gripe about it is that the illustrations are not on illustration paper but on plain matte one. And maybe the greenish printed tint of the pages. I do not really care for the latest editions. I find the colors a bit gaudy, and for the price you can probably get a much nicer version of the first edition
That’s great! It’s always an exciting moment when embarking on a Middle-earth reading journey. Any edition should be suitable for this purpose. I would however suggest a comfortable paperback, as it makes reading much easier and practical than a bulky hardback.
I am in this somewhat strange camp of people who don't really like the deluxe editions that much, but only because I prefer the outer artwork and dustjackets. I just adore the Alan Lee, John Howe, and Ted Nasmith work. So I have the complete History of Middle-Earth but only the black series paperbacks with Howe's artwork. Never bothered getting the hardbacks because I preferred the art. I tend to only get volumes and editions that either contain things missing in other editions, or are particularly pleasing to me aesthetically. Otherwise, I manage to avoid the constant repackaging of Tolkien's work. My personal feeling is that I think the Tolkien Estate should probably focus on new material over continuously releasing the same stuff and just repackaging it. At this point, there are so many excellent editions of The Silmarillion out (especially now that we have one with Tolkien's art), that the only way they could justify a new edition, in my opinion, would be to release one fully illustrated by Alan Lee. Other than that, I would prefer they just work on getting editors for Tolkien's previously unseen and unreleased letters, and manuscripts that can add more to the world. It just seems a tad exploitative. Especially to us as collectors, and seems to deliberately just exploit that collecting mindset to strip our cash for something that... isn't really that much more impressive. Like, I'll say I have been seldom disappointed by the various new editions of LotR, and as much as I love Tolkien's art, I already had the "Art of the Lord of the Rings" volume and I think the Alan Lee boxset was just the peak of LotR editions. So it was a bit of a letdown for me when I took a look at it (enough that I never obtained a copy of either the deluxe or regular hardback). But this is just my view. I tend to be a pretty picky collector though.
Absolutely fine view in my opinion. Everyone has different tastes and opinions in deluxe editions 🙂 I just find them classically-minimalistically-appealing
Hey man, nice video. Which do you prefer between the 30th anniversary edition and the newest illustrated deluxe? Also what about last years deluxe lotr and the 50th year edition?
Some difficult questions indeed! 😅 I’d say I still have a soft spot for The Silmarillion 30th anniversary deluxe edition. It has a regality but a simplicity to it at the same time. As for LOTR, from a practical point of view (reading) I found last years deluxe much superior.
Not that I’m aware, though that would be a rather splendid edition 🙂 That said, the Ted Nasmith illustrated editions are quite wonderful in their own right too.
James, was the 2nd Silmarillion Edition, the 2006 version with the authors illustrated cover, the same as the one issued in 1999? I ask because I would like to get the edition to go with my 60th anniversary LOTR set which also have author illustrated covers and I finding it hard to find the exact edition/year you referenced.
I'm conflicted by those green sprayed edges. On the one hand it coordinates with the dust jacket but with everyone doing sprayed edges these days it feels "trendy" and I don't think a Tolkien edition should ever feel "Trendy".
I prefer the Easton Press editions. Sworn by many to be the best. Not sure you can find them in U.K. since it's an American company, but the quality is second to none.
@@brewingbooks I am picking up LOTR Deluxe Edition from your review. It's a good book price and I think you're right that it's a perfect copy to read LOTR.
Wondering why you think the 2007 deluxe hard cover is not an enjoyable book to read (thick pages, hard to open etc) but the 2022 version is perfect? Apart from the cover coloring and symbols they look almost identical. Is the binding on the 2007 edition way too stiff or something?
Great question! The 2022 edition is somewhat thicker in volume than the 2007, and this somehow makes the 2007 version feel more resistant to being opened at a certain angle than the later edition. I must admit I’m not one who enjoys opening hardback books (or paperbacks, for that matter) to a very wide angle 😅
I have Hobbit and LOTR box and aesthetically, i want to buy the 2021 version, but i can't help it with the 2022 version. God, i wish i could buy all of them at once :)
i'm curious how your '22 version stacks up to the version that'll be released at the end of january. I've been on pre-order for the The Silmarillion Hardcover - Illustrated, due out this month. it could be the same one?
@@brewingbooks “The Silmarillion Hardcover - Illustrated, Jan. 31 2023 by J. R. R. Tolkien (Author, Illustrator)” That’s a cut n paste from pre-order that I placed a while ago. (from Amazon Canada)
Heyy i need your helppppp you all guys can comment n help too So im planning to buy 3 books the silmarillion, the hobbit and the lord of the rings and i have 2 options one is the hobbit + lodr(3 books) illustrated box set by Alan Lee + the 2021 standard edition of the silmarillion (the only turnoff for me is brown i wanted it to be blue cz all rest have prominent blue) as it will complete the set (my favorite option) and the 2nd option are to buy the lodr 2021 editon which has red outer pages + elvish writing + 2023 hobbit standard editon whivh has elvish writings on side + 2022 silmarillion std edtion but but that light green is just kill for me cant bare that so helpp meee
Hey sorry for such a late reply. I’m not sure whether you’ve made a decision since then, but if I had to choose between the proposed options, I would go with the Alan Lee box set (which includes The Hobbit and LOTR). Beautiful, well-made, value for money and a great collector’s item.
@@brewingbooks No I still haven't made my decision but I was favouring Alan lee boxed set and your reply made my decision to buy the Alan lee boxed set
An edition with Ted Nasmith's illustrations unnecessary?! Blasphemy! :D I love all of these. For reading I prefer the 2006 taniquetil edition, because it's light and I don't feel as bad if my fingers aren't quite clean or if there is a nick.
Well said indeed! I can understand my statement being interpreted as blasphemous but it’s certainly not what I intended 😅 As for your reading choice of the 2006 I think that’s a fantastic edition to read The Silmarillion in 👍
@@brewingbooks Just finished it this weekend for the first time. I've spend years wondering what was going on in those paintings. Now I know. It's a fantastic book and I feel I am still processing it all. So many memorable moments. And it was in part your channel (and your blog which I had discovered years earlier) that inspired me to make it through. So, thank you for indirectly encouraging me to read them.
I JUST got my first copy of the silmarilian for christmas
Same👊
Congratulations! I need to do a reread. It's been a while. It's beautiful.
Great! Enjoy 😃
I just got my first copy for Easter
I just ordered the 2021 standard edition I can’t wait to read it
I think the Orange hard cover book captures something that I hadn´t associated with the Silmarillion before, that is war, strife and tumult. I suppose I had always seen it as something more spiritual or mythical, but this presentation has me seeing it through different eyes. There is no doubt that the Unfinished Tales version (slip case hardcover) is possibly the most beautiful book I have ever owned, I pick it up regularly just to sift through it. The Silmarillion version doesn´t quite hit them heights, but it is so beautifully laid out, the paper, the font, the printing, everything is simply divine, and the colour, while controversial, certainly adds something to the whole experience. Also I think the orange colour is a reflection of the fire that shaped Middle Earth and the fires that shaped the Silmarils. There are definite Promethean overtones to the entire concept.
THIS
I hate myself for liking the 2021 Deluxe Edition more than the latest Deluxe illustrated by Tolkien himself because there's the same concept for LOTR and The Hobbit so they would look amazing together on a bookshelf but you put into word my exact thoughts about the orange 2021 edition. I adore the choice of putting Maglor throwing the Silmaril into the sea on the cover, it matches perfectly with the mood and the choice of colour they've gone for. And the burning of the ships for the hardcover box? That was the moment that really made me fall in love hard for The Silmarillion.
I'm gonna send a letter to Harper Collins begging them to release LOTR and The Hobbit with the same concept. What colour would you choose for them and which illustrations?
@@andreaberetta5596 I’m halfway through it right now and I’m honestly transfixed with the whole thing, the layout etc. it’s not the first time I’ve read the Silmarillion, but I’ve never enjoyed it as much. The book, the grandeur etc, has made me read slower, focus on details etc etc. It’s a masterwork. Colours for the other books..The Hobbit some sort of gold colour, the LOTR hmmmm..always has been green for me but would be open to others.
I guess you're right about the organe for The Silmarillion. It certainly complements Nasmith's illustration of the burning of the ships.
@@brewingbooks certainly a tad too orange, I wonder if it will fade with time. I finished the book last night, I had never read it with such concentration, and really the way to read it is slowly and constantly checking the index and family trees. It´s an incredible piece of work, and this version really added to the entire experience.
I agree with you. When I saw this hardcover I thought it captures something the others don't and I reckon that's what Nasmith and the publishing team were probably thinking as well. They took a risk and it's a risk I'm proud to own
Amazing Silmarillion collection!!!! I have the deluxe edition from 2007 and I love it 😊 Wishing I could buy one day the deluxe illustrated edition from the last year (2022) 😅
The 2007 is gorgeous 😃
The bookcase is looking good! I look forward to the tour.
Thank you!
This is a lovely collection. I'm always interested to hear what motivates people to collect books. For me, it's primarily about building a library around a particular subject area as opposed to collecting different editions of the same books, and all my books are always ultimately going to be 'reading copies' although I do take great care with them when reading to avoid wear and tear. Having said that though, I always prioritise good quality, nice (although not necessarily deluxe) editions of the books I buy where possible as I appreciate the aesthetic qualities of books both for how they look on the shelf as well as how they feel (and look and smell!) when being read. So I always prioritise hardback over paperback where possible, and if buying secondhand (for out of print books) I'm fussy about the condition. And I always put clear protectors on dust jackets to avoid damage to them as well. Having said all this, I must admit that with the Tolkien books at least I am tempted to buy some of the other editions of the books I already own as they are just so nice! But it seems like a very slippery slope...!!!
Thanks for sharing Matt! It’s great to hear thoughts from a fellow collector 👍
I do both -- I have collections around subjects, and collections around individual books. My wife ended up doing the same, she collects classics, but we now have a separate collection of Jane Austen, in many editions
A very happy 2023 to James and to all the visitors of this wonderful channel! Healthy, happy and peaceful may this year be!
I would like to add that, at least in case of The Lord of the Rings, different editions *may* contain different texts. Hence, from the collectors' point of view, they are all equally welcome in our collections. But even if they contain the same sets of characters, maps, illustrations and motives, hardly most of us collectors will be able to give a reasonable explanation "why we collect them all". The important thing here is that at least one of those books must be read. Otherwise the collectors would turn into accumulators, with the Spirit and Essence gone.
Here are the four links to the four records from Wayne Hammond/Christina Scull blog dedicated to the evolution of the text of The Lord of the Rings. I was preparing to read it (the book) starting on JRRT's birthday the day after tomorrow. I wouldn't want to unbox the 60th Anniversary boxed set (in which a revised version of "A Reader's Companion" is included) and bought another copy of that book to use it as I read the trilogy. However, having read those records by Hammond/Scull, I understood that the comments and references it contains will not match the single-volume 1991 edition I was going to use. They won't even match the 2020 boxed set edition, which is currently considered the most correct edition (unless one sunny day it is found out that the latest fixes had in their turn added more issues to the texts, as it happened previously).
Still, the issues seem to be not that many, and probably I will use the 60th Anniversary edition this time. And the 1991 edition will be left for the next time. And 2020 - for the 2025 round, huh?
Well, now isn't this yet another reason why we would want to collect them all? ;-)
Oh, the above-mentioned links are as follows:
wayneandchristina.wordpress.com/2012/02/08/lord-of-the-rings-comparison/
wayneandchristina.wordpress.com/2014/12/21/lord-of-the-rings-comparison-2/
wayneandchristina.wordpress.com/2016/06/23/lord-of-the-rings-comparison-3/
wayneandchristina.wordpress.com/2020/07/17/lord-of-the-rings-comparison-4/
P.S. I am sorry, I haven't yet unsealed my 2021 copy of The Lord of the Rings. What is the edition it is based on? Can anyone let me know what is written on the copyright page regarding this? If it uses the same "reset edition first published 2014 which is a revised version of the reset edition first published 2004", then maybe I should simply unseal that copy an enjoy it?
I have several editions of The Hobbit and LOTR because of nostalgia. I admired the cover art as a boy and teen at a time when these novels and my daily life was magical and full of imagination. So the older different editions evoke lots of positive childhood feelings. I ordered another edition of Silmarillion for a different reason. I wanted a large hardcover to read.
I bought the orange illustrated edition along with the new Red Deluxe edition of the LOTR. I thought it looked really cool and that the orange color made it more unique. That's only my opinion though. I loved these books as a boy and I recently became inspired to start my own collection.
Good choices! Enjoy reading :)
Being able to see tangible versions of all these books has made my decision for what I buy so much easier. I've probably spent about $400 on Tolkien's books since finding your channel haha
I have the one with the green on the pages. It's shocking at first but it really grew on me and it looks cool with my hobbit (blue pages) and my lotr (red pages)
Glad you enjoy that edition 🙂
Love your collection of Tolkien books! I have a small collection but I hope mine is as grand as yours one day.
Thank you! And, absolutely! With time, patience, and dedication, you’ll certainly achieve it 🙂
Damn. A first edition of The Silmarillion. What a gem.
Agreed 😃
I love your videos and look forward to the tour of your bookshelves. If there is any book besides The Lord of the Rings that inspires someone to collect the various versions of them, it's The Silmarillion! As an aside, I noticed you & I have another interest in common, Astronomy!
Well spotted! Yes indeed. I would consider astronomy as my second love 😄
Great to see your first edition in such good condition! Mine also sits in a jacket protector and only gets read here and there, but I love owning the way the world first saw it years ago. I'm also a big fan of the original big maps.
I noticed you are 'technically' missing one... the large format hardback illustrated by Ted Nasmith. I say 'technically' as you've got the 2022 version which matches the other recent hardbacks. The large format one has the moreso glossy paper, however it's my 'reading copy' and bothers me far less than I thought it would. I'd love to run into Ted Nasmith one day to tell him how much his work means to us all, and get it signed!
You’re right about the Nasmith hardback one. I’d wanted a copy for a long while but once I heard news about the 2021 editions coming out I felt it would be unnecessary (ironic though, given the multiple copies of the same book one owns 😅)
@@brewingbooks Ah no judgement here - I think they all look great and that you should do what makes you happy (and I own about 5 or 6 copies of Marcus Aurelius' meditations!).
From memory that hardback Silmarillion from 21/22 actually contains additional illustrations, I may be wrong however. I'm sure I don't have to tell you either, but those books also look fantastic together on the shelf.
I personally am excited to own the standard hardback edition of the 2021 Silmarillion illustrated by Ted Nasmith so that I can have I believe 50 of the illustrations that he has inside of it which is remarkable.
Happy new year to you too. Keep doing your amazing videos. I love hearing about your Tolkien collections.
I personally own a copy of the silmarillion that is I think exclusively for Germany, correct me if I'm wrong. It's bound in blue leather and I absolutely love it 😍
Happy new year! And wow that’s a great edition you have 😃
I want that newest deluxe edition that you like a lot but man…there’s just something about that orange one that speaks to me. I know that is an unpopular opinion it seems. But I can’t get over it
To each their own I guess. If you like the aesthetic, go for it! :)
i ordered the orange one too i also got the 60th year edition of lotr because i think it matches better in color next to each other
Such a fantastic collection! 🎉 The different editions really do make each reading experience feel unique. It’s amazing how much depth The Silmarillion holds, and it’s clear why it’s worth having so many versions. Do you have a favorite edition, or does the content itself always take the spotlight for you? Personally, I always find myself coming back to the stories in the book, no matter the format! Can’t wait to see more of your Tolkien content
What is the hardback book between the hobbit and the Silmarillion on the shelve right next to your head on the right side (from the watchers POW)? Love the aesthetic of the books on that shelve.
Thanks! I suspect you’re referring to the hardback of Unfinished Tales with the dust jacket replica of the original artwork 🙂
@@brewingbooks yes that’s the one! Thanks for the answer!
Nice vids you deserve more subs keep up the good work
Thanks for your support 😃
Nice collection and appreciate your thoughts on the editions. I prefer to read hardback, crack'em open!
My first entry to the silmarillion was the 2nd edition the one with the elves in cuivienen as the dustjacket. Just bought a ted nasmith illustrated version, the standard one, and now Im also eyeing the blue and green tolkien illustrated edition.
The blue one has long term issues with silver etching on the spine coming off. Some books, like mine, came with etching already damaged, even tho the book was still factory sealed.
It's a beautiful book but it really doesn't want you to touch it, which is ironic...
Since you already own one of the best version of the book, these new "deluxe" editions by Harper Collins are just now worth your money.
If you really insist on getting a deluxe edition primarily as a collectible item, get some of the older editions like the one from 2004. Also, there are other publisher who make "deluxe" Tolkien books like Folio Society and Easton Press, you may find more luck with them. Just keep in mind that we live in a profit oriented world and there are also issues with shortage of quality materials, so keep your expectations in check.
I second Mark’s comments. Some people seem to have experienced some issues with the silver on the spine coming off. So far I have found no issues with mine.
@@markz4467 no worries with the latest deluxe edition with me, couldnt be bothered by the spine foiling issue, the very reason that I am eyeing to get it after all is Tolkien's art works.
Thanks for the forewarning though, I'll still get it but I'll be waiting for a sizeable discount before finally purchasing it.
Do you think we will get a new set of hobbit editions to match the 2021 LOTR and the 2022 silmarilion? I would assume they would use the symbol and color scheme of the early 2000s deluxe editions
That’s my thinking. The Hobbit next in line most probably …
Thanks for sharing & Happy New Year. I have got the first edition & not long ago got the 2007 with the Tolkien illustrated dust jacket. Might get the Ted Naismith or a deluxe one, however the slipcase deluxe is very expensive at over £70.
Thanks, you too! Yes, unfortunately some of these editions are ridiculously expensive
You are a legend mate great review appreciate ya work 🤙🏾
Cheers mate!
Hi James. I was wanderring. I know this video is almost a year old. But again I was thinking do you have or you ever getting the Easton press versions or the Folio ones. I know thats a whole other commitment but again was wanderring. Awesome video.
Hi there! I’ve had the Folio editions of LoTR and The Hobbit, but never had the Easton press ones. Folio’s aesthetic style and especially the illustrations might not be to everyone’s liking but they’re a lovely set to have nonetheless.
Fantastic collection.
Many many thanks :)
Awesome vid as always! I was wondering, do you - or have you considered - collecting Tolkien books in other languages? I collect my favourite, The Hobbit, but only in English, but then in 2022 a lovely hardcover edition was released in Danish with illustrations by the talented Tove Jansson, and I really want to get it, even though I would never read it, at least not in full.
I only collect UK editions of The Hobbit, but frequently break this rule, and I love the Danish Hobbit with Tove Jansson's illustrations, I can't read the book but can admire her wonderful illustrations.
Thanks for your kind words. Very interesting question 😃 So far I only have English editions but I’m actually interested in the Latin version of The Hobbit and I believe there was also a Breton one released not long ago.
Love your channel!
Thanks!
Just snagged a 1st edition 1st printing on eBay for cheap! Glad I’m not the only one with multiple copies of the Silmarillion on the shelf lol
In a way it makes me sad, I own 4 copies of this book (two first edition) but I’d trade them all to get that beat up paperback I initially fell in love with all those years ago. Well maybe I wouldn’t, I just wish I still had that first copy I got in high school!
Ah yes. That first copy we all own will always remain special to us 🥲
what a collection!
Thanks!
happy new year greetings :)
Same to you 🙂
I’m still looking at the 2021 hardback edition to purchase though. I haven’t read The Silmarillion yet, and I think that one would better match my Illustrated LOTR/Hobbit box and Great Tales from Middle Earth Box.
The other illustrated hardback editions also seem to match its size and appearance.
I think you’d find the 2021 standard hardback edition to be best suited (aesthetically) for the rest of your box sets/books. Just be aware of that possible creasing along the inside of both dustjacket flaps, but nothing major in my opinion
Think of the green on the latest edition as representing springtime for the elves, whereas the correlating red color for the latest Lord of the Rings represents the autumnal period for the elves.
They really are pretty. But I wonder if that coloring comes off after reading them multiple times? I suppose if you're just keeping them on the shelf that's not an issue. But I'm not one for buying books just to keep on the shelf.
@@Yesica1993 - I hear you… I don’t feel like I fully own a new version of a book until I’ve read it. I certainly need to read it to justify buying it.
That’s a nice way of looking at it I guess 😃
Hi James, since this video have you acquired the new blue hardback embossed with Telperion and Laurelin on silver and gold?
It's not such a heavy book as some and as a result is much easier as a reading copy, opening quite easily but retaining the hardback quality.
This is the exact difference between a real book and an ebook. Yes its convenient to have thousands of books in your tablet and read them everywhere. Nobody can disagree. But the real book is different. The feeling of the book itself, its quality, its dust jacket, its back, its pages, its decorations, its something that you cant feel it with any electronic version of a book.
And of course you cannot declare yourself as a collector just because you have some files in a memory card.
Couldn’t have said it better! 👏
@@brewingbooks Thank you
I will never understand having multiple copies of the same book. But to each their own. All I want are some basic hardcover editions. Nothing fancy. My very old, cheapie paperbacks are now fading. I love my Barnes & Noble "pocket sized" set because they're wonderful for taking with you on the go. But the print is fairly small and as the years go on, I'm finding it more straining on my eyes.
I do wish all hardback books (or at least classic books) came with slipcovers! It's such a great idea to keep them clean and in good shape. One day I will have a bookcase with glass doors. I don't care much about fancy furniture, but that's one thing I wish I could get. I am constantly fighting a losing battle against dust. I can't stand it!
It’s difficult to explain such motivations, I admit 😅
I found a 1977 UK edition here in England from a charity shop for £1!
The Ted Nasmith is pretty much my favorite edition. Sewn, easy to read, easy to repair and cheap. My only gripe about it is that the illustrations are not on illustration paper but on plain matte one. And maybe the greenish printed tint of the pages. I do not really care for the latest editions. I find the colors a bit gaudy, and for the price you can probably get a much nicer version of the first edition
Wish to start reading about middle earth. Which edition should I buy (silmarillion)?
That’s great! It’s always an exciting moment when embarking on a Middle-earth reading journey. Any edition should be suitable for this purpose. I would however suggest a comfortable paperback, as it makes reading much easier and practical than a bulky hardback.
I am in this somewhat strange camp of people who don't really like the deluxe editions that much, but only because I prefer the outer artwork and dustjackets. I just adore the Alan Lee, John Howe, and Ted Nasmith work. So I have the complete History of Middle-Earth but only the black series paperbacks with Howe's artwork. Never bothered getting the hardbacks because I preferred the art. I tend to only get volumes and editions that either contain things missing in other editions, or are particularly pleasing to me aesthetically.
Otherwise, I manage to avoid the constant repackaging of Tolkien's work. My personal feeling is that I think the Tolkien Estate should probably focus on new material over continuously releasing the same stuff and just repackaging it. At this point, there are so many excellent editions of The Silmarillion out (especially now that we have one with Tolkien's art), that the only way they could justify a new edition, in my opinion, would be to release one fully illustrated by Alan Lee. Other than that, I would prefer they just work on getting editors for Tolkien's previously unseen and unreleased letters, and manuscripts that can add more to the world.
It just seems a tad exploitative. Especially to us as collectors, and seems to deliberately just exploit that collecting mindset to strip our cash for something that... isn't really that much more impressive. Like, I'll say I have been seldom disappointed by the various new editions of LotR, and as much as I love Tolkien's art, I already had the "Art of the Lord of the Rings" volume and I think the Alan Lee boxset was just the peak of LotR editions. So it was a bit of a letdown for me when I took a look at it (enough that I never obtained a copy of either the deluxe or regular hardback).
But this is just my view. I tend to be a pretty picky collector though.
Absolutely fine view in my opinion. Everyone has different tastes and opinions in deluxe editions 🙂 I just find them classically-minimalistically-appealing
Hey man, nice video. Which do you prefer between the 30th anniversary edition and the newest illustrated deluxe? Also what about last years deluxe lotr and the 50th year edition?
Some difficult questions indeed! 😅 I’d say I still have a soft spot for The Silmarillion 30th anniversary deluxe edition. It has a regality but a simplicity to it at the same time. As for LOTR, from a practical point of view (reading) I found last years deluxe much superior.
Is there any version of Silmarillion illustrated by Alan Lee?
Not that I’m aware, though that would be a rather splendid edition 🙂 That said, the Ted Nasmith illustrated editions are quite wonderful in their own right too.
James, was the 2nd Silmarillion Edition, the 2006 version with the authors illustrated cover, the same as the one issued in 1999? I ask because I would like to get the edition to go with my 60th anniversary LOTR set which also have author illustrated covers and I finding it hard to find the exact edition/year you referenced.
James…I finally found a 2006 edition. It looks a lot like the 1999 but its a lot harder to find. Should have never doubted the expert!
I'm conflicted by those green sprayed edges. On the one hand it coordinates with the dust jacket but with everyone doing sprayed edges these days it feels "trendy" and I don't think a Tolkien edition should ever feel "Trendy".
I understand your reservations on this. I too find those green edges somewhat off …
What about the nasmith art, does it make they 2021 worth it?
Are you referring to the 2006 (?) hardback illustrated edition of The Silmarillion?
Did you find it difficult starting with the silmarilion over the hobbit or lotr?
Incredibly! Which is why I would strongly suggest not to start that way. I’d always recommend starting off with The Hobbit first 🙂
I hereby dub you a Silmarillionaire!
😂 very nice title indeed!
I prefer the Easton Press editions. Sworn by many to be the best. Not sure you can find them in U.K. since it's an American company, but the quality is second to none.
I haven’t had the opportunity of owning or looking through Easton press edition, but I do hear that they are indeed very well made.
@@brewingbooks I am picking up LOTR Deluxe Edition from your review. It's a good book price and I think you're right that it's a perfect copy to read LOTR.
Thanks for the video. Are all versions illustrated?
Not all editions are illustrated. All book descriptions should provide you with this information if you have any doubts 🙂
@@brewingbooks thanks 🙏🏻 🙂
Wondering why you think the 2007 deluxe hard cover is not an enjoyable book to read (thick pages, hard to open etc) but the 2022 version is perfect? Apart from the cover coloring and symbols they look almost identical. Is the binding on the 2007 edition way too stiff or something?
Great question! The 2022 edition is somewhat thicker in volume than the 2007, and this somehow makes the 2007 version feel more resistant to being opened at a certain angle than the later edition. I must admit I’m not one who enjoys opening hardback books (or paperbacks, for that matter) to a very wide angle 😅
i loved both 2021 Standard and 2022 Illustrated Edition with greeny edges, i can't decide. Which one should i buy, What do you think ? :)
I have Hobbit and LOTR box and aesthetically, i want to buy the 2021 version, but i can't help it with the 2022 version. God, i wish i could buy all of them at once :)
A Silmarillion for all seasons.
i'm curious how your '22 version stacks up to the version that'll be released at the end of january.
I've been on pre-order for the The Silmarillion Hardcover - Illustrated, due out this month.
it could be the same one?
As far as I’m aware there is no new Silmarillion edition coming out this month. Do you have any more info on this? 🤔
@@brewingbooks “The Silmarillion Hardcover - Illustrated, Jan. 31 2023
by J. R. R. Tolkien (Author, Illustrator)”
That’s a cut n paste from pre-order that I placed a while ago. (from Amazon Canada)
@@jameswhite1450 I believe it’s the same edition but possibly by Houghton Mifflin.
@@brewingbooks I’ll let you know when it arrives here. The expected date is the 10th.
Sometimes they get pushed back though.
Heyy i need your helppppp you all guys can comment n help too
So im planning to buy 3 books the silmarillion, the hobbit and the lord of the rings and i have 2 options one is the hobbit + lodr(3 books) illustrated box set by Alan Lee + the 2021 standard edition of the silmarillion (the only turnoff for me is brown i wanted it to be blue cz all rest have prominent blue) as it will complete the set (my favorite option) and the
2nd option are to buy the lodr 2021 editon which has red outer pages + elvish writing + 2023 hobbit standard editon whivh has elvish writings on side + 2022 silmarillion std edtion but but that light green is just kill for me cant bare that
so helpp meee
Hey sorry for such a late reply. I’m not sure whether you’ve made a decision since then, but if I had to choose between the proposed options, I would go with the Alan Lee box set (which includes The Hobbit and LOTR). Beautiful, well-made, value for money and a great collector’s item.
@@brewingbooks No I still haven't made my decision but I was favouring Alan lee boxed set and your reply made my decision to buy the Alan lee boxed set
@@aniruddhsathe2420 Fantastic! 😃
@@brewingbooks Thank you soo much ❤️
An edition with Ted Nasmith's illustrations unnecessary?! Blasphemy! :D
I love all of these. For reading I prefer the 2006 taniquetil edition, because it's light and I don't feel as bad if my fingers aren't quite clean or if there is a nick.
Well said indeed! I can understand my statement being interpreted as blasphemous but it’s certainly not what I intended 😅 As for your reading choice of the 2006 I think that’s a fantastic edition to read The Silmarillion in 👍
@@brewingbooks Just finished it this weekend for the first time. I've spend years wondering what was going on in those paintings. Now I know. It's a fantastic book and I feel I am still processing it all. So many memorable moments. And it was in part your channel (and your blog which I had discovered years earlier) that inspired me to make it through. So, thank you for indirectly encouraging me to read them.
You need to be a collector to understand a collector. I do 😅
Hehe cheers to that 😉
Ooof😂🎉😂
My oh my!
When you sniff the book 😂
That’s the best 😅
@@brewingbooks it iss! 😆
First version for me.
All others are just marketing.
Good choice 🙂
Now you are my favourite fellow autistic, you like it or not
Great!
Are those shelves strong?
Made out of mithril 😉
Ikean Mithril? :D 🏵@@brewingbooks