I'M CALLING IT | BEST TOLKIEN EDITION | THE SILMARILLION Illustrated Slipcase Deluxe Edition (2022)

Just published .... 'The Silmarillion' by J.R.R. Tolkien, Edited by Christopher Tolkien has received the Illustrated Slipcase Deluxe Edition treatment, which includes illustrations, paintings and designs by Tolkien himself.
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[@ELdASenSei]

A lot of love and care has been put into this edition! I love it!

[@brewingbooks]

It does show how much care was given to this, yes 😃

[@SequencesOfSounds]

Absolutely stunning edition! As someone newly delving into Tolkien, your channel is a blessing

[@bryancaulfield2066]

It's simply beautiful. I preordered it after watching your videos actually, I would say not only is the most attractive single book I've seen, it also improves last years deluxe LOTR edition as the gold leaf/ red/black for the ring fits more now with the blue and silver for the Simiral's ,its perfect.

[@brewingbooks]

It's an absolutely gorgeous item. Admittedly, it's quite pricey but the quality and look are second to none 😃

[@jabsy5094]

Sorry, but I'm going to say the 2021 Ted Nasmith Illustrated Deluxe Edition is by far the best Silmarillion ever made. It moved away from the stale all-blue look that's always been used with Silmarillion releases. It has an amazing front cover with Nasmith's art front and center , and an amazing slipcase showcasing the war of the Elves. I've never seen an edition like it in the Silmarillion's entire publishing history, and I feel we wont get something like it again for many decades to come. Also comes packed with some of the greatest art made for the franchise.

[@TjPhysicist]

i can't wait for mine. I knew it was gonna be good, but damn - those color paintings are just wow.

[@brewingbooks]

They really are 😃

[@kaibear2078]

It's even prettier than I thought it'd be, and Tolkien's original drawings are pretty enticing. The only thing holding me back is that if I bought this... then I'd end up wanting the LOTR version and the (expected) future Hobbit version. So I'm not spending AU$200, I'd be spending more like $600... and that's assuming they don't give unfinished tales the same treatment. Great video as always James, and thankyou for sharing these with us so we can keep making informed purchases.

[@nickdavidelijah]

hey there, not sure if you went ahead and bought it but it's on sale for 160 at booktopia and also bookdepository. not a huge difference but might help if you gona buy all 3 :)

[@kaibear2078]

@@nickdavidelijah thanks Nico, I'll have a look

[@nickdavidelijah]

@@kaibear2078 no worries :)

[@wannesverhoeven1825]

You know, sometimes I am able to resist one of the editions coming out, and quite rightly proud of myself. But then some idiot whose youtubed opinion I greatly respect reviews the book I wanted and actually calls it "by far my favourite edition of my incredible Tolkien collection". Ordered. Best start thinking about which meals to skip this month.

[@cliffordduhh45]

Exciting!

[@mikayelabazyan]

I went for the standard edition, as always. It is to arrive in a week or so, so I am waiting for it (im)patiently. This deluxe edition indeed looks absolutely mind-blowing!

[@brewingbooks]

Hope you enjoy it - it looks superb too! I'll be releasing a review of the standard edition soon.

[@chloe-historyandgames]

got mine release day - you’ll love it - the green edges and elvish script pairs perfectly with LOTR standard hardback with its red edges

[@teresaharris-travelbybooks5564]

I got mine; from Blackwells; last week. I've always loved The Silmarillion so I had to have this edition.

[@stephenchalmers71]

I bought this edition and had to send it back due to a production flaw, but I was actually quite relieved to be rid of it. I was not impressed at all. The extra booklet included did pretty much nothing but get in the way and the maps are far too big to be stored in the book as shipped because they will eventually damage the binding. The book itself could be great, but the shoddy production on the copy I got is pretty inexcusable at this price point. I ended up finding a new 30th Anniversary slipcase edition in shrink wrap for $30 less than this edition and I’m glad I did. It’s much more in line with what I want in a deluxe slipcase edition. It doesn’t have Tolkien’s illustrations like this edition, but I already have enough of that stuff in other Tolkien art books anyway. It’s cool to see his illustrations, but I don’t necessarily need them in an edition of the Silmarillion. I’ve already got Nasmith’s illustrations in my 2004 Illustrated edition and those are much better than anything Tolkien ever did. I’d probably buy a good standard edition with Tolkien’s illustrations, but the lime green color on the page ends of the standard edition of this is absolutely hideous so I’ll have to wait and see if a better edition containing those is ever released.

[@christophera3330]

Thanks for sharing!

[@TheCountryboy1207]

The blue would go good next to the red lord of the rings. If we get a green hobbit deluxe illustrated edition I’m sold! Great review video!

[@natertott75]

My copy is in shipment now, I can't wait for it to get here!

[@brewingbooks]

Best of luck!

[@Rain-Dirt]

It does look absolutely stunning. Far nicer than my Harper-Collins 2007 Edition.

[@brewingbooks]

It’s an absolutely gorgeous edition 🙂

[@cliffordduhh45]

I thought it had the lime green page edges, but that must be the standard edition. Well, now I have no reasons to say no! Would definitely be an upgrade from my 2001 Mariner paperback edition.

[@brewingbooks]

Indeed, those silver-edged pages look great 😃

[@paulharvey5505]

Totally agree with you on this edition. I have one of these as well. Drop caps and the silver page edging out this one over the top for me. I’m hoping they release an edition of the Hobbit in this format as well

[@brewingbooks]

I’m pretty sure The Hobbit is next yep 🙂

[@entropytango5348]

I got the 2020 Orange illustrated edition, partially based on your review. it looks amazing but can I justify another edition? Maybe someone might do it as an Xmas present?

[@bryancaulfield2066]

I would buy this, its literally the definitive addition that won't be bettered down the line.

[@brewingbooks]

Let's hope not! Hehehe 😃

[@brewingbooks]

I would say, if you've got the 2020 edition, you've still got a great copy. The content is the same, and the quality is as great as this 2022 edition. What I found a bit on the downside of the 2020 edition was the bright-orange slipcase and cover of the book.

[@paullenser1441]

Truly a stunning edition. Definetly one of the best out there maybe even the best.

[@Casual-Enthusiast]

If I didn't own the folio society edition and the 2020 release I would purchase this in a heartbeat. Will you be making a video on the newly released "fall of númenor"?

[@brewingbooks]

Once my copies of The Fall of Numenor arrive I'll certainly make the videos 😃

[@Casual-Enthusiast]

@@brewingbooks fantastic, I am very interested to hear what you have to say about them 😊

[@SunlightLord-jr8ic]

I want to read this edition when I get around to reading this!

[@everybodygotthat]

I've handled these editions in RL and have never seen a cheap piece of cardboard so heavily over-sold. A serious problem with Tolkien editions in recent years is how 'deluxe' editions are made from the cheapest materials with the laziest QA processes. You can see the cheap rough cardboard on the inner circle of the slipcase when he rotates it into view. If you want a quality edition, buy a used copy of the "collector's" editions from the 60s and 70s, from before publishers discovered they could wrap cheap newsprint in cardboard and call it 'deluxe'.

[@brewingbooks]

I agree with you that the older editions are made out of better quality materials, although I still think today's editions are not as bad as that. I'll grant you, the quality from 15-20 years ago has gone downhill, but they still hold their own. The ridiculously prices, however, do not justify the overall quality true.

You inspired me to buy this book to have as a display piece on my nightstand 👍 love it 👌 Now I am considering getting a 124 year😯 old book in Norwegian, the Snorre Norse King Saga, Heimskringla first print. Silmarillion reminds me of this book. In the early 1900, this first publication in Norway was a defining literaly work for the Norwegian collective nationalistic identity, and the illustrations in the book are used "everywhere" when Scandinavian vikings are talked about.

[@hazbojangles2681]

I have it and it is absolutely stunning!

[@brewingbooks]

Fantastic!

[@nicko9124]

I got the standard version of this edition for $39 usd preorder and I absolutely love it.

[@brewingbooks]

That's great! The standard edition is also a fantastic piece 😃

[@ilnibelungo9071]

I wonder every time why it is not possible to conceive a patch pocket inside the cover where to keep the maps ...

[@brewingbooks]

I know, right? Such a simple thing and not something that will break the bank. The way they’re just tucked inside the book makes it feel a bit unfinished.

[@eddmelter1012]

it is a stunning book. I thought I would have a hard time chosing between this and Ted Nasmith edition as I love his artwork but this is another level altogether.

[@brewingbooks]

It’s a tough decision but I think this has a slight edge over the other .

[@Belemrys]

I am torn between these deluxe editions and folio...which would you recimmend? Leaning towards folio since it has matching hobbit too!

[@brewingbooks]

It’s difficult to assess precisely as both have received some criticism due to their printing quality. If you’d like matching editions with The Hobbit perhaps you may want to wait till September for the release of the new edition of The Hobbit which should be in line with these ‘signature’ editions 😃

[@happymelv]

I am so tempted to getting this deluxe edition Silmarillion and LotR! ...but I find them to be so SO more expensive 🥺

[@tallulahbeaverhausen4382]

I'm with you on that one. I was looking for a beautiful edition of the LOTR last week in order to finally read it in English and saw the red, black and gold edition mentioned here at... 300€ ! Way too much ! Instead, I bought the box set illustrated by Alan Lee that also contains The Hobbit and I don't regret it : superb quality for half the price !

[@brewingbooks]

They really are unfortunately ...

[@brewingbooks]

That's great to hear! €300 is way too much, I agree. But it's wonderful to know you got the Alan Lee box set. That is something quite special 😃

[@charliemaddock3459]

Hey James , In the end both My deluxe slipcases editions have aririved and both equally as epic as each other !! I laminated all four maps that came with them my favourite being Christopher’s colour edit of the map of beleriand! Your recommendations were great 👍 I had no printing issues or page colour differences! My gold guilting however was a little thick on about 4 pages at the scouring of the shire . I put the maps on my walls hahah 😅

[@brewingbooks]

That’s great to hear! Thanks for the update 🙂

[@ID-Entitet]

I appreciate your showcase videos so much! I really get a feel for the books. Could you please make a video or share some pictures of this and the LotR illustrated slipcase deluxe edition from 2021 side by side? I'd really want to see how they look together, since they are of a matching design.

[@brewingbooks]

Thanks! Will plan something as you suggested 👍

[@davidseleznova3199]

@@brewingbooks Please do.

[@MrThephonypope]

Thanks for the detailed reviews! This edition indeed looks pretty fantastic to me. Have you been reading this edition yet? You mentioned the spine lettering has been holding up so curious how much handling it's been getting

[@brewingbooks]

You're welcome! I have been utilising this recently - perhaps not as regularly as the paperback but, yes, so far no issues with the spine lettering.

[@MrThephonypope]

@@brewingbooks Thanks again, I've ended up ordering it, found a good sale so easier to swallow the potential defect for this otherwise gorgeous edition

[@w3rodriguez]

What a beautiful edition.

[@SirSethery]

I do wonder how many more of these they'll do. If they announce a (maybe green?) similar edition for The Hobbit, it may persuade me to pick up this and the LoTR special edition.

[@TjPhysicist]

they just did, releasing in september this year.

[@SirSethery]

@@TjPhysicist Dang, now I gotta see if I can put my money where my mouth is

[@ecthelion1735]

I got the standard version of this as I was unable to find the deluxe anywhere, including Amazon.

[@brewingbooks]

Standard edition is still a fantastic piece 😃

[@ecthelion1735]

@@brewingbooks Yes it is. I am thoroughly impressed with everything about it.

[@tahlia__nerds_out]

I got mine last week; I'm interested in seeing if you think the same about it as I do.

[@bbag1550]

Folio society limited edition LOTR from a year or so back blows this out of the water, but it is also ridiculously priced

[@roel.vinckens]

I want it.

[@brewingbooks]

It’s there for the having 😅

[@Milky63]

Does the silver text on the spine fades after a while ? This is such a beautiful edition and I’d love to get it but I’ve seen a few reviews mentioning this problem. I intend to read the book, and not just let it rest on the shelf.

[@brewingbooks]

Many have found that issue - I personally have yet to experience this (though hopefully I don't!)

[@chloe-historyandgames]

i got the regular hardback edition to match the regular LOTR hardback - where that has the gorgeous red edges and the ring chant, the silmarillion version i got has greeny yellow edges and gorgeous elvish text, i’m very happy and don’t regret not buying the deluxe - although like greedy smaug i might just buy it further down the track to add to my growing hoard of treasures!

[@AyaDieMondLicht]

Which year's version was that, can you please clarify me? Thanks!

[@chloe-historyandgames]

@@AyaDieMondLicht it came out at the same time as the one in the video :)

[@RedFuryBooks]

Gorgeous!

[@rolland890]

One of the biggest turn offs for me with the illustrated deluxe editions isn't just the price tag but how saturated the colors are - they look almost 'too' flashy for me, whereas the standard illustrated editions just look perfect, especially with the script on the pages too, I am a fan of that. In respect to the old deluxe editions, I love how much more simple they are, however not a huge fan of the grey color, but at least the colors were so much more... I don't know, respectable?

[@brewingbooks]

I actually don't mind the colours in this edition tbh. The 2020 deluxe slipcase however ... that's a different story. That particular edition was great, except for the incredibly jarring bright-orange colour all over the slipcase and much of the cover. I don't know why the went for such a colour - but I found it really stands out (not in a nice way) next to the other books.

[@Shatter149]

this was literally made to pair with the 2021 lotr deluxe edition.

[@brewingbooks]

Absolutely

[@emmaphilo4049]

I got the regular one and I like it very very much

[@SizarieldoR]

How many times can you read it before it starts to take damage?

[@brewingbooks]

It all depends on how one handles a book. Something like this, a hefty hardback is not ideal for reading as compared to a paperback - but my version is still as good as new despite substantial handling 👍

[@charliemaddock3459]

You mentioned previously in the review of the deluxe slipcase lord of the rings edition that ther were some discrepancies. I would like to know if there have been any issues like that with this edition of the Silmarillion?

[@brewingbooks]

So far I haven’t found anything in particular.

[@charliemaddock3459]

@@brewingbooks Thanks, I will order one.

[@soup_doctor]

I have this and I love it, but it's mostly sitting on my shelf. Afraid the silver text will rub off the spine...

[@MattOts]

£82 (Amazon UK) though 😱😱😱

[@tallulahbeaverhausen4382]

If you buy it on amazon, you'll get a damaged book. If you ever buy it, get it from your local bookshop ! ;)

[@MattOts]

@@tallulahbeaverhausen4382 That is true

[@bryancaulfield2066]

I know! it'l be 150 in know time

[@BingoBongoBingerz]

Got this for £77 in ebay. I had no issues with this edition, or the Lord of the rings deluxe edition. I wonder if they plan on doing a hobbit edition like this. From what I've been told the LoTRs edition had some misprints and pages missing. Not for me. Those who aren't happy with the price (£125) . I believe the price has reduced in most online retailers except for Waterstones. Who are a rip off anyway. I won't get another high end edition of this book again.

[@brewingbooks]

Glad to hear you got a good copy yourself 👍

[@BingoBongoBingerz]

@@brewingbooks Thank you. Growing up watching the Lord of the Rings films. I have never read any of Tolkien's books. Then July last year I bought the hobbit, and the Lord of the Rings. After reading both book with enjoyment I felt devastated. The reason for that is, I am in my 30s now and couldn't believe what I have missed after all this time. So soon after I started buying the deluxe books for collecting, and a paper back versions for daily reading. I'm currently now just reading the silmarillion. It's basically Tolkiens Bible in my opinion. I cannot wait to read Beren and Lúthien.

[@brewingbooks]

@@BingoBongoBingerz That’s great to hear. No matter how early or late one is introduced to Tolkien, it’s still an amazing journey to experience 🙂

[@BingoBongoBingerz]

@@brewingbooks Absolutely. I am certainly getting a lot of enjoyment so far. Got a lot of catching up to do before I can start memorising and talking about names, places etc, in detail like the rest of you Tolkien fans. Thank you for your time.

[@ChrisMGio]

Has the silver foil printing rubbed off yet?

[@brewingbooks]

So far so good 🤞

[@SparrowReS]

Great video! Will you review The Fall of Númenor as well? I would love to see where you would place it in the read order.

[@brewingbooks]

That's the plan! Video coming soon :)

[@SparrowReS]

@@brewingbooks Thanks! I'm looking forward to it. :)

[@mukultodi]

Do you think deluxe edition is a good investment ? Do you think will it appreciate in price in coming years and do you suggest any other edition of LOTR

[@brewingbooks]

It’s a good investment in terms of collecting. But as far as appreciating goes, I don’t feel it’s really the main advantage. There’s a large number of deluxe publications out there so for re-selling purposes, it’s not really ideal.

[@tomsleeckx409]

Beautiful book! Really stunning. Out of personal opinion I do still prefer the traditional deluxe editions as they are not to flashy in design and have a simple but elegant style. But this is made to stand out so I like, but wil not get it. Having two editions is enough for me 😅 Does it have gilded page edges? Honestly it does feel like a cash grab from the publishers as they have put out so many editions of the same books in a short period. I'm still waiting to see complete new releases like deluxe editions of 'Letter by J.R.R. Tolkien', The Lay of Aotrou and Itroun' or 'Finn & Hengest, etc.

[@user-ik4kh9lt6d]

I bought The Silmarllion Illustrated edition by Ted Nasmith last year. It is absolutely fantastic. Now that I see this deluxe edition however, I am completely conflicted whether I should take the plunge again.

[@brewingbooks]

It’s great you’re f joying Nasmith’s edition. Unless it’s a real must, you need not go for this too.

[@user-ik4kh9lt6d]

@@brewingbooks I took the plunge! I bought it three days ago and am SO glad I did! This edition is absolutely breathtaking and produces a far more immersive reading experience!

[@brewingbooks]

@@user-ik4kh9lt6d that’s fantastic! Glad you’re enjoying the book 😃

[@lux-vacui]

As gorgeous as it looks i think for its price it should have been a bit bigger, considering that this is an illustrated edition. Do you know if perhaps it contains more illustrations than the standard illustrated edition which came out this month too?

[@teresaharris-travelbybooks5564]

It is bigger than it looks in his video. It's a better than average sized book. The original Silmarillion is not as large a book as the LOTR.

[@francoiscolin6692]

The only real downside ou these recent super deluxe editions is the poor quality of the golden or silver letters! It fades soooooooooo easily . A simple bump? It could fade. A simple minus scracth? It will fade. That's very bad for suc h a pricy item.

[@brewingbooks]

Agreed - although so far mine haven’t yet experienced this fading issue. Though I’m expecting it to happen someday. Pity, because The Silmarillion deluxe is a true beauty in my opinion.

[@MrThephonypope]

​@@brewingbooksThanks for the updates on your copy, my edition is in the mail and when I heard about this issue I was thinking of returning immediately. If the issue can be mitigated or avoided with care it might not be so bad. Have you read your copy yet or just keeping it on the shelf mostly?

[@akacitizen6776]

hopefully this edition will set the record straight for new fans of the show that will not be named.

[@brewingbooks]

Haha! True 😄

[@akirahojo2]

So between this blue slipcase edition and the orange deluxe edition from last year, are the main differences Nasmith vs Tolkien illustration and the size of the pages? What about the paper thickness and print quality?

[@DiZ_490]

If it's anything like the standard edition the pages are a good thickness. Feels like a good quality printing.

[@jorgehuerta97]

It's a pretty beautiful deluxe edition but sadly its expensive order it to my country x.x

[@brewingbooks]

Unfortunately, I have to agree. Some of these deluxe editions (case in point this one) are ridiculously expensive.

[@jorgehuerta97]

@@brewingbooks Yeah! Haha 😅 But fortunately I already have the deluxe edition with slipcase from Harper Collins and it's gorgeous 😊

[@kurjan1]

I have read comments that this book has been printed and bound in China and has many issues such as the gold embossing on the spine flaking off, pages miss-aligned and pixelated pictures. Can any of this be confirmed..? I would like to buy it but very hesitant.

[@Casual-Enthusiast]

As with all Tolkien Harper Collins releases they come in 3 prints. British, Italian and Chinese. Usually the first 4-8000 ish prints are British and Italian. After that mostly Chinese. I have had a few Chinese prints and sadly they are horribly inferior and exhibit similar issues you brought up. If you're lucky you will get a British/Italian print, and the longer you wait the more likelyhood of a Chinese copy.

[@brewingbooks]

Mine is indeed printed in Italy.

[@Trotter_Tolkien]

These books are printed and bound in Italy by Rotolito S.p.A. This book has silver embossing not gold.

[@teresaharris-travelbybooks5564]

Mine was printed and bound in Italy. I purchased it from Blackwells

[@divitgaming6959]

Damn I would love to get a hardbound silmarillion

[@brewingbooks]

I feel it's really worth investing in a hardback edition of this book (it doesn't have too be so lavish as this, even a regular hardback would be great 😃)

[@Officialhelpkenet]

As with the Lord of the Rings illustrated edition, I don't really like how unfinished the illustrations feel. Unlike the Hobbit, which Tolkien intended to illustrate and which are actually finished, these unfinished ones don't really do it for me as a complete work of entertainment. Though it definitely has value for someone who is interested in Tolkien's works more on an academic and biographic level.

[@treyowen9213]

The Holy Bible of Middle-Earth

[@markussjobergh2605]

Incredible but a bit pricey for me :/

[@chrais78]

This edition looks great although I can't find it on Amazon, B&N, or even HarperCollins' own website. Where did you get this? Asking for your US audience.

[@deoradh]

Mine came from Waterstones, personally. Still waiting in the US-side postal service center with my preorder of Numenor.

[@klefthoofrobert787]

Mine is still on the way, got the deluxe edition too, and the Fall of Numenor deluxe as well, i live in Romania so it's still during shipping :) but will be here soon enough.

[@adamlw7181]

I'm so going to get this. Do you think they will do the hobbit or the unfinished tales etc?

[@brewingbooks]

The Hobbit edition of this will be released in September, and I wouldn’t be surprised they’re lining up UT next or something else along these same line 😅

[@adamlw7181]

that's good news. Thank you!@@brewingbooks