Folio Society's The Lord of the Rings Set Unboxing

[@frederikkobbelgaard5946]

Fun fact, Ingahild Grathmer is in fact a pseudonym used by the former Queen Margrethe the Second of Denmark who just recently abdicated the throne for her son. I know that at least some of the drawings were made during her studies of archaeology in the 1960s in at Cambridge. The drawings have previously been used in Danish publications of the books and are rather famous here. The story goes that the Queen and Tolkien met multiple times and that Tolkien liked the drawings so much that he pronounced them some of the greatest artistic renditions of his thoughts while writing the books.

[@emilpettersson4509]

I recently heard that he had one of her drawings in his pocket the day he died.

[@VoiceoftheRings]

That's very cool!

[@michaelminch5490]

I thought that looked like her work. I have a two-CD set of JRRT's poems set to music by The Tolkien Ensemble, "An Evening in Rivendell" and "A Night in Rivendell," with slipcase and booklets illustrated by Queen Margrethe. I found it while browsing at Border's Books in Tacoma in the mid-ish '90s. Snapped it up immediately, of course.

[@insurrbution]

That’s quite the history but b&w chapter art - by anyone - feels sub-par for this publisher

[@jespernielsen8549]

How come her drawings are redrawn by Eric Fraser? Even the Danish edition from 1977 has her drawings redone by Fraser. Is it some kind of copyright issue or what?

[@veraketter7058]

I've got this set: did you know they're on acid free paper and ink, so they'll never fade. Awesome!!

[@slorunner7086]

All books from like last 20 or so years are printed on acid free paper. And the spines of these will fade if you leave them exposed to the sun on a shelf like any other book.

[@indyjones720]

@@slorunner7086not true. A lot of publishers like Penguin Classics still don’t use use acid-free in much of their works. Sad but true.

[@hughphillips5129]

I got this set from my dad who used to read the books to me as a kid, they’re beautiful books

[@Trotter_Tolkien]

The illustrations are by Eric Fraser, who also did illustrations for the BBC Radio Times entries for the Lord of the Rings. Brian Sibley has managed to get most of the artwork and the original cover from when it appeared on the Radio in 1981. As other people have mentioned, Eric redrew the illustrations for this edition, from originals by Queen Margrethe the Second of Denmark. Her originals were shown in an exhibition in France, I think in 2023. These books were first published in 1977 only a few years before the BBC Radio Series, and Eric reused the design and motifs for the BBC Radio Series.

[@Ryotsu2112]

Folio has been printing this version for a long time. I got mine in the late 90's, along with the matching red Hobbit and blue Silmarillion books. I cherish them.

[@Goldberry69]

Same. I got Folio’s LOTR, Hobbit, and Silmarillion books years ago. I love the covers of them.

[@andycrawley1961]

I've a 1977 set, they are gorgeous.

[@NeuroSquire]

How have they aged for you? Have the covers faded? Do you like how they’ve taken on character? 🍻

[@bmniac]

@@NeuroSquire Part of my Folio, Easton and other special signed editions. I am 86 and these go to my children. (from Bangalore)

[@fingersTitan]

As a full time carer. I can never afford these (Well, I can but I won't be able to eat for a couple of weeks) but Matt kepts uploading stunning collections of Tolkien books over and over. It's like showing a banquet to someone on a diet. Sod it. I want some more book. I'm not eating. lol.

[@rayrack5416]

I was gifted a Folio Society copy of Dune. It's so beautiful I'd NEVER read it in fear of damaging the pages. Instead, I just show it (carefully) to friends.

[@the_legit_tsm]

My Grandad has these. He left them to me when he passed. They are beautiful books to hold a brilliant story

[@logansfury]

Having watched the video to completion I have to say that this is indeed a beautiful set of books. To those that get satisfaction from collecting and displaying book sets, I can absolutely see the appeal to own this set.

[@BethS-ElewenAdanel]

I just adore these editions!! I am so lucky, as I picked up this box set at an op-shop for just $50. I have many Lord of the Rings editons, but these would have to be my favourites 😊 By the way, thanks for doing these book unboxing videos - it's so good to see what editions look like before buying them 😊

[@VoiceoftheRings]

Very nice!!! Thanks for an awesome video! I totally understand what you mean about the nostalgia and yet you just got them. They do have that feeling and look! 😊😎

[@90RavenBlack]

It always makes me happy when mention is made of the BBC Radio adaptation. I implore anyone who hasn't heard it already to give it a listen. :)

[@rayrack5416]

I remember listening to this series when it first aired on the radio. Hardcore nostalgia! From time-to-time someone will post it on KZbin before it is taken down.

[@90RavenBlack]

@@rayrack5416 I'm lucky enough to own the series on CD, but I believe if you Google it then the whole series is available on SoundCloud at the moment.

[@logansfury]

I have never heard of the Folio Society, I will have to google that. I have always had limited space for books and never really felt a need to collect duplicate books sets. My books are worn, covers have come off, the Tor books in particular are notorious for coming apart into pieces - my library is well worked, well read, and loved. I have never bought a book as a decorative house item. The only time I ever felt a desire for more of the same was in my youth when I was collecting the Daw editions of the Elric series with the Michael Whelan cover art. I noted that Ballantine or some other publisher had the series as well and their artist made impressive enough covers that I gave duplicate purchase consideration, but never did.

[@sorenpx]

Folio Society publish some nice books but they're expensive. I have an edition of Agatha Christie's "Murder on the Orient Express" from them and it was $80. It looks like this LOTR set is $230.

[@logansfury]

@@sorenpx Yeah, that is way too much of an investment for me. I have no room to display them untouched and I dont want to wear an expensive set like that with use.

[@sorenpx]

@@logansfury It's definitely a lot to spend for a set of books. It reminds me of another publisher called Easton Press who published a deluxe, limited edition five-volume set of The Count of Monte Cristo for $775. I really wanted it and now think I should've gotten it because that set now sells on eBay for about twice the original price.

[@logansfury]

@@sorenpx These kind of books that are more decorative than anything else, and extremely expensive exist for the wealthy to decorate their library rooms with. I think they are more intended to be looked at on a shelf than taken down and actually read. And who would want to put wear and tear on an investment?

[@sorenpx]

@@logansfury Yeah, for sure. I doubt I'd actually READ them. I might occasionally pull a volume down just to admire the craftsmanship and flip through them. In fact, I don't even read my $80 copy of Murder on the Orient Express. I just open it up and look at it occasionally.

[@annaroselarsen4218]

Oh my goodness they are gorgeous!

[@guy8181]

It's nice to see they put the illustration for Emyn Muil right side up again, in my copy (16th printing) it was upside down. When I contacted Folio Society about it they would not respond.

[@FreeLatveria]

"I don't want it." - Jon Snow, repeatedly. I LOVE my Illustrated by the Author edition that I got a while back and really have no need to get something new. With that said, thanks for showing them off. Those are some cool illustrations I would never have seen otherwise.

[@1afeatherstone]

I would love to see unboxing of the hobbit and the Silmarillion. Thank you very much for sharing this unboxing with us!

[@LuketheDuke424]

Anemoia, nostalgia for a time or place one hasn't known. I think that is the feeling books like these invoke.

[@skinkskinkdead4628]

these are absolutely beautiful copies of the books

[@kristenrosales2919]

Maybe you wear a branched velvet dressing gown while reading these books. Very chic.

[@victorarmandoneis]

Impressive. Most impressive.

[@ZampanosCat]

Do you have a link for that BBC radio drama poster that you have?

[@j-dmachado4349]

These editions are beautiful - the art style isn’t directly to my taste; I love Alan Lee’s and John Howe’s work above all, and the flourishing Scandinavian art nouveau style they established, but these ones certainly present a strong, refined aesthetic 💚 Thank you!

[@MartinMCade]

The Folio Society also did an edition of 1,000 with new illustrations by Alan Lee, and signed by him. I have a copy of the set. They're beautiful, but I also wouldn't mind having a copy of this non-limited edition.

[@fgdj2000]

If there is another edition I am going to get it’s this one. But alas, I have almost 10 editions (from paperbacks to the full collector’s edition hardcovers). While I am also curious for the upcoming 70th anniversary edition I am currently not in the mind of getting it.

[@ThomasPhillips-ng4ig]

I both love and hate watching these unboxing videos. I have coveted this set for years, just can't justify the expense right now.

[@Little-Dude]

What a beautiful set!

[@bolinvolovan3060]

There’s an eye opener and no mistake

[@HannahJohnson13]

I want to get the Folio Society’s The Silmarillion. It looks so beautiful

[@ryanmetheny7940]

I like the book covers. ❤

[@gorgonheap9770]

I hear you on the smoking jacket. I have editions of "The Travels of Marco Polo" and "Don Quixote de la Mancha" from the 1940s and they both have the sort of simple classy artistry I can see you appreciate in this collection.

[@fireraider747]

They look very pretty. But I'm good with one set of books on my shelf.

[@JenMaxon]

Looks like a nice edition

[@GiuseppeSole-i3t]

I am choosing the editions to pass to my son... but in fact I have chosen other edidtions for LOTR. The reason is in price and illustrations.

[@tcr36]

What art work that looks to be the fellow ship is covering your desk or table? And can I get one?

[@Tadzioreik]

Sweet! I’ll try the giveaway! Thanks Matt!

[@matthewhill2061]

Hello, tossing up between purchasing the Harper Collins Deluxe Illustrated editions of the LOTR, Silmarillion, Hobbit or the Folio Society editions. Any thoughts ?

[@abesapien9930]

This actually got me more interested in the BBC radio drama than the book!

[@martinmanzi1830]

They look really cool. Somehow keep it clean but with nice aesthetics

[@cademartin7637]

Love the book unboxings!

[@primevalseeker3952]

Do you have a 1st edition of LTR?

[@insurrbution]

It's mind-boggling that the text setting for these that are currently in print pre-dates the 50th Anniversary corrections.

[@indyjones720]

Does it matter? A few misspellings, etc fixed here and there?

[@insurrbution]

@@indyjones720if by ‘a few’ you mean ‘400+ errors’ then yes

[@indyjones720]

@@insurrbutionOk? And there is literally over 480,000 words in LOTR? That’s like a micro percentage and something that NO ONE is going to even notice. It’s funny actually 😂

[@fgdj2000]

These look fantastic 😭

[@burninlightpresents]

How many versions of these books do you have now?

[@johnclark8921]

Perhaps my favourite gift I have ever received was my folio society copy of the silmariillion

[@Dave-hq5xi]

On the cover of Fellowship of the Ring, is the horse rider a hobbit? If its a black rider or ranger or elf, their legs are missing! No stirrups or feet hanging below the horse's belly.

[@be1mont_lotr]

Well packaged books 👌

[@ellenkirby8366]

Just entered to win these books through FB🙌🏻☺️

[@PixieDust12]

My two new hobbies: Collecting LOTR books and then reading them dozens of times.

[@alancoll1987]

I love any fantasy novel that includes maps so I can trace the route of the story. Tolkien is the best of course but writers like G.R Martin with GOT maps make me look at them. Even Christopher Paolini with the Eragon series made me a fan before I went to Lord of the Rings. Wierdly even Sci Fi maps of the Star Wars Galaxy or Star Trek make me look for all the places. :D

[@TomJones0065]

Man I would LOVE that set, but being as I had lost my job of 18yrs a few years ago and can not bounce back. I wont be getting those anytime soon, : ( I have the HOLE Set of the Legos from when the Movie Came Out, I I have all of them! And had offers on them and maybe one day soon, I may have to sell them. The Lego Sets Have NEVER BEEN OPENED! They had been Put in water Tight Totes so they still look New. You have SUCH a Great Collection! Kinda Jelly!! NICE SET! One Day I will HAVE THOSE!! ; (

[@Relics_of_Arda]

Looks cool!

[@jerrybrown1063]

You must get the hobbit and Silmarillion folio copy’s! They look fantastic together and have even greater quality than the lord of the rings!

[@indyjones720]

How are they different? They’re all printed and bound in Germany. Please explain.

[@aquinoadrianne]

Wish me luck to your giveaway 🤞🙏🙏🙏

[@Joker-fx6mh]

Reminder, they are making a limited the hobbit soon just like they did with the lord of the rings. I bet they’ll be out by September. 1000 quantity limited

[@WarriorVII]

I love this channel. It's always such a peaceful escape into Middle Earth that I can just fall into for a bit, desynching and destressing from the actual world. So glad we have Tolkien's works - they're such beautiful creations. Thanks for all you do, Matt.

[@Livingdeadinnz]

Beautiful 😍

[@destro6971]

For Foilo Society, the price isn’t too bad. Their Game of Thrones books are amazing, but damn near prohibitively expensive

[@KingsMantle]

I would love to own the Lord of the rings in the six book format instead of the three

[@Adamadam-zc6pe]

Freaking beautiful set

[@manilmathew926]

Awesome ❤

[@afolsom685]

Phooey! I'm not on facebook or instagram! LOL

[@p.gin3955]

I'm not the biggest fan of the covers, the green colour with the golden design is nice, but the pictures look like cheap stickers just put on the books... It might be different in real life though.

[@redmo11]

First thought when seeing the 1981 poster: Why is Gandalf holding the ring. Gandalf never held the ring. Second thought: Wait, is Frodo.... wearing glasses??? ;)

[@liamschulzrules]

Yes he did. In Bag End he takes the ring from Frodo, hold it up to look at it, then throws it in the fire

[@Nace112]

Damn $220...

[@gandalf4751]

😍😍😍😍✅✅✅✅

[@TheHiggybaby]

Are you running out of shelf space yet, sir? 🤣

[@PhilipBlair-by7ic]

faux nostalgia is awesome

[@Sealdog]

Art style isn't doing it for me.

[@SemperSapper]

I’d watch a review of The Hobbit version.

[@The_ZeroLine]

Question: is it true Shadowfax was turned into super glue? I heard Celeborn commanded it because he was sick of gems falling out of his man-tiara.

[@randomchannel323]

I can't not see the Zelda triforce on the covers 😂

[@Shood33]

Pages look nice but the green cover? Bleh no thanks.

[@andrejmilojeski7160]

Second!

[@Caliban_80]

Folio has great quality but the design of this set is uninspired compared to a lot of what they produce. With the wealth of Tolkien centric art/artists available in the world today, they went with a rather bland choice here.

[@Beazle00]

Wrong Folio edition. The one to review and unbox is the 2023 LTR Limited Folio edition (1000 copies only) which sold out by noon on day 1 and which now cannot be purchased for under $5,000.00.

[@Zveebo]

That seems like the wrong edition to review, given nobody can buy it, unlike this one.

[@joseluishernandezseptien]

lol so true! I am glad we got the right edition being reviewed :)

[@1rishpotat0]

First!

[@ilikemandalorians9861]

The books look quite pretty but I do not find the illustrations appealing at all. I much prefer the Tolkien illustrated version, or Alan Lee’s editions

[@jumpimcjump7888]

you can't convince me that you are not a virgin bro

[@waltw9818]

Too much merchandice! SAD!

[@Ryotsu2112]

In other news, books are traditionally sold, and thence: merchandise.

[@Popovich16]

2024 nobody is paying $250 for books

[@Lynista]

Second!