Tolkien's History of Middle-earth Volume 1 2023 Boxset Review

[@Amedautrui]

I have something to tell you regarding the boldpale full page font shifts and the letter-visibility degradation in words (same places over dozen of years) in HOME. These are the issues I discussed with David Brawn and other HC members in 2020 and 2021. I noticed issues with dozens of pages in 3-volume deluxe edition of HOME (the very 1st print) and started asking questions on their quality control. 1. The boldpale full page font shifts topic: -the POD editions are printed digitally rather than by conventional wet ink -some of the differences may be a result of the source material used when these omnibuses were first created in 2002. The font variations occur if a correction has been made to the text at some point in the past - for example Christopher Tolkien made corrections to the series after Volume 12 was completed. This would have entailed pasting new text on to a printed copy of the book and offsetting that page for the next reprint, resulting in the replacement text having a slightly finer weight than the old text. This is a legacy of pre-digital typesetting methods and the fact that these editions have been compiled from archive materials. -these omnibuses contain material that is between nearly 25 and 40 years old, but is presented in the best way possible to make them available to as many people as possible. HC is working (info from 2020) on new ebooks that will ultimately replace the printed editions and solve a lot of the issues that readers are concerned about, and will probably become the version of choice for most Tolkien readers and researchers. 2. The letter-visibility degradation in words (same places over dozen of years) [torn-like or almost vanished letters in the words] I noticed that there were uncountable number of almost vanished letters. I’ve checked photos of others in this newest deluxe 3-volume edition versus 7-8 previous editions for the last 15-20 years and found that letters in words in the same places were degrading more and more over years. Finally HC understood and explained that it’s because of a non-digital print process and these “physical plates with letters” should be cleaned with some blades to remove particles that may prevent getting full letter imprint. It’s not a response quote, but the idea of explanation in general. I was told it’s a printer duty. Looks like such clean procedure never happened or was done with lack of quality. Now if we take a look at prints after 2021 you’ll see that these degraded letters did not return to normal full imprint. HC only promised that some time later (when full HOME text is finally converted into digital) they’d switch to fully digital print, thus the print problem should evaporate one day.

[@TalkingTolkien]

Wow thanks for the insight - good to know the reason behind the degradation. Seems a shame they couldn’t switch to digital in time for this set.

[@jimbuckets]

The quality of the printed text is a concern but this may be the only chance for me to get the entire collection. Thanks for the review. I’ll be keeping the default covers as they are because I like the art work much more than the original.

[@Trotter_Tolkien]

The books are glued and not sewn. If you look at the top of the book, you can see the gatherings of the book are glued together. I think we should do a video on The Tolkien Collector's Guide channel showing how to tell if a book is sewn or glued, or sewn and glued. For the price point, I expected these to be glued and they are, but modern gluing methods hopefully still give a lot of strength to the spine, so it should not split and the pages fall out.

[@ericcasagrande]

Interesting, because here in Canada this boxed set by Harper-Collins was set to be first-released on or about January 5th, 2024, and then I think it changed to February 4th, 2024, and now the release date is set for February 27, 2024, and it is still on pre-order.

[@FinrodFelagund5]

Same in the U.S.

[@BradlehDadleh]

So glad to see you post again!

[@PhileasFog-cs2bz]

Thanks. It's always a pleasure to watch your reviews.

[@shanefarrell9241]

I'm delighted with mine. I had a full set of POD books which also had some variation in text density but not an issue for reading. The binding is far more flexible than POD and I could not be happier having sold my POD to buy these. Mine arrived in perfect condition as did my LOTR and Chronology and Reader's Guide. The first two from Ebay sellers and the last from HC direct. I find Ebay sellers pack more carefully than HC or Amazon. Excellent review as always.

[@TheYzeman]

I just got this set a few days ago. I have the same defect on the spine of the Book of Lost Tales Part One. I'm glad I found this video because I almost returned it thinking maybe just mine was defective. Overall though I'm really happy with this set. One thing I don't understand though is why I don't have a UPC barcode on the back of the dust jackets of each book like you do. I saw this in another video also. There are no barcodes on the back of the books for the set I received. I think it's weird.

[@GedDonohoe]

Is this channel stick active?. I hope so, it's a very good place to watch someone's appreciation of Tolkien.

[@ByzCathGAA]

I have the Harper-Collins three volume box set of the History of Middle Earth. While this is incredibly tempting to purchase (it would look fantastic next to my illustrated copies of the Silmarillion, Hobbit, and Lord of the Rings, Unfinished Tales etc…), the lack of quality concerns me.

[@-johnny-deep-]

Glued bindings = epic fail. Why the hell does the Tolkien estate keep issuing these crappy hardbacks? Do most Tolkien fans and collectors really not care about the binding? Of course, the crappiness of this set also surely means there will probably be a "deluxe" edition of this first set, hopefully with true Smith Sewn bindings, along with future deluxe versions of the other 3 boxed sets to come over during the rest of 2024. I'm really getting quite sick and tired of these greedy money grab editions.

[@tomasmacpro5391]

Me to why tf they did not put a better quality paper with sewn binding!

[@Junkkeri]

I have to agree, I am baffled with how common it is to see glued pages, and some times even in "hard covers". I believe it simply comes down to the cost, glue is much faster and cheaper. And if it breaks, you have to buy a whole new book. I just whish this would not happen to Tolkiens books, but alas.

[@-johnny-deep-]

@@Junkkeri On the other hand, I can buy a very nice Bible with a Smyth sewn binding for under $20. If over half a dozen Bible publishers can do it, why can't William Morrow and Harper Collins? Is it all really just a cynical attempt to maximize profit margins, customers be damned? There is large cohort of devoted Tolkien fans out there who would gladly pay a few more bucks to cover the cost of a sewn binding, let alone high quality paper and typesetting.

[@mikayelabazyan]

Thank you for the review. My copy of the box is on its way to me. Hope it arrives safely. Cheers!

[@tomasmacpro5391]

Love your reviews keep realising videos 🔥

[@DistantMyst]

Hey, i think i speak for a lot of people when I ask you, please continue the frodo series. It is so amazing to watch and id love to see more!

[@Sam-e4w9w]

Great to see you back with more content, would you be interested in doing ranking videos such as your fave characters fave books etc

[@tr5676]

I love John Howe’s art. Very excited to pick up this entire set

[@dieseIboy]

Brilliant reviews as always. I never miss them. Happy Christmas❤

[@mr.underhill7072]

Missing your videos, are you going to make any more ?

[@66morningview]

Thanks for this video, I am interested in getting hold of good hardcopies of the Histories of Middle Earth. As others have said this may be the best opportunity I am going to get. Two questions/ideas for videos I would be interested in: 1. Do you cover your books in anything? They look shiny on the shelf, I would interested to see a demo of the process. 2. Non-Tolkien, but I would really like a tour of your history collection, I see a lot of the Yale English Monarchs series there. Thanks

[@wpsam52]

Great review. Thanks for doing it.

[@korbendallas3783]

Thank you!

[@TheAUTcheker]

always love seeing you upload, but im really missing your awesome LOTRO Story Videos, do you ever plan on continuing them?

[@TalkingTolkien]

I’d like to continue and I know people enjoy them. They just take so long to make and I’m very “time poor” at the moment. Never say never!

[@HunchbackJack]

I must admit, a big draw for me with this set was to have the dust jackets for the Silmarillion and unfinished tales that match the traditional HOME jackets. I will likely remove those volumes from the box, and display them with my older HOME set.

[@willmaughan4404]

Looking for some advice please, which I’m hoping some of the more experienced Tolkien fans here may be able to provide me with. I have the hardcover illustrated editions of The Hobbit and LOTR (2020 editions). I’ve recently been debating purchasing The Silmarillion Illustrated Edition (2021) and Unfinished Tales Illustrated Edition (2020). I can find them both online for about £25 each but have just recently learned of this new box set, which includes these two as well as The Book of Lost Tales 1 & 2. With the exception of the dust jacket and the re-formatting to match the indexes, is there any difference between these editions and the 2020/2021 illustrated versions? I understand the Book of Lost Tales Illustrated Editions will not be released for individual purchase, outside of this box set, so I’m just looking to gather what information I can before I make a purchase. Any help which can be provided is most appreciated, thanks.

[@iamrubenmes]

Hello friend, pity to see you have waiting five months for this. The Sil and UT in illustrated hardcover editions are of premium quality, thick paper, amazing art works, ribbon and luxurious feel. They are majestic and beautiful. The Sil and UT included in this boxed set (as is the rest of the 4 boxes of books) lesser in quality: thinner paper, no ribbon, no internal artwork. However you have the benefit of these versions matching the Index of HoMe, which is important for cross-referencing and scholarly study. The Alan Lee illustrated versions are simply amazing, and will match your LoTR box. The new 4 boxes of HoMe will also match it, in terms of size and Tolkien logo, but John Howe's art is very different in style, and I find that somewhat jarring, personally.

[@mr.underhill7072]

Another nice video. My Book of Lost Tales spine is also offset a bit, and dodgy text in book 2. Poor quality control on these

[@matthewrademeyer1641]

Thank you

[@overlord580]

Do you have a plan for new The Lord of the Rings Hardcover - Special Edition video? Thanks.

[@JakeP7391]

I’m trying to get a collection of Tolkien’s works in hardcover. Would you say this collection is a reasonable follow up to the 2020 The Hobbit & The Lord of the Rings Boxed Set: Illustrated edition by HarperCollins? Thinking if they go together well on the shelf

[@TalkingTolkien]

Yes they definitely go well together. The box is thinner than the 2020 set but that’s the only difference.

[@JakeP7391]

@@TalkingTolkien thank you!

[@iamrubenmes]

​@@TalkingTolkienthis is exactly my pursuit. How do you say the quality compares with the regular Harper Collins illustrated hardbacks series that is available? I hear they are not on the same level. Will they get an upgrade or will this be it? And what would say is wisdom in acquiring the HoMe set? I'm currently torn between the deluxe trio, the HC paperbacks and this triple box set.

[@JakeP7391]

@@iamrubenmes i just ordered my copy of the LOTR Hobbit set will let you know what I find! Host probably also has insight

[@iamrubenmes]

​@@JakeP7391Hello Jake, thanks for your message. I own that set actually, and adore the quality, binding, feel, ribbon, lay-out and art. I want my HoMe set to match that in elegance, aesthetic and feel. I am excited to hear you went for it!! I am looking forward to your findings! All the best, Ruben

[@recoveredconservative]

Love the Hobbit and LOTR boxed set illustrated by Alan Lee, and I've been wondering if I should put the books in mylar covers? Or is that not necessary for boxed sets? Same question for my three volume History of Middle Earth?

[@TalkingTolkien]

I put the Hobbit and LOTR books in covers, but the new History of Middle-earth box is a bit tight so I haven’t put covers on those ones.

[@recoveredconservative]

@@TalkingTolkien Thanks!

[@jose280714]

4:42 ouuuuchhhh!!!

[@samuelleask1132]

Gotta say, your new background with the bookshelves is *awesome!*

[@ZF-zs5cq]

What are all the books on the shelf that match this collection!

[@antejelic5992]

In your opinion would you rather choose The History of Middle Earth three book set by HMH or these new ones?

[@TalkingTolkien]

I’m not sure what HMH is but I would definitely go for these sets rather than the massive books which are impractical to read.

[@antejelic5992]

@TalkingTolkien those are the ones that were published in 2005 if i recall correctly. Im more interested in quality than practicality😅

[@Aarvaagen]

Perhaps the most beautiful editions of these books ever done by HarperCollins-quite close to it, at least-which is why it is such an incredible shame that they are glued. I would have purchased the box and the earlier _The Lord of the Rings_ and _The Hobbit_ set in a heartbeat if that were not the case. Again, it is really a shame.

[@AAy2k]

Is it worth buying the set if one already has it in paperback (with its admittedly microscopic font size)?

[@ianfrye7900]

Mine just came in today! Just wanted to point out that the spine on my copy of Book of Lost Tales Part One appears to be a bit more in line than yours. I wonder if something happened with yours specifically. Anyway, nice video as usual. Cheers!

[@PleaseNThankYou]

I'm going to have to come out of retirement to buy these.

[@JohnDry-y8i]

The first edition of The Book of Lost Tales Vol. II does not have a photograph page at all.

[@lv7312]

The box set looks almost identical to the one that has the hobbit and lotr illustrated versions, but these aren;t illustrated editions. Such a shame, would have bought the set but I want the illustrated versions, guess I'll have to get each one separate...

[@classyname42]

lol you posit that maybe the box could have been better if it was the same as the prior boxes from the same series, but i haven't met anyone who received theirs unbroken from the mail. Mine included.

[@Relics_of_Arda]

Very cool! Hopefully it goes down in price soon. 😬

[@slorunner7086]

Seriously £100 RRP for glued binding? Disgrace as Alan Lee illustrated set of four books is much better quality, sewn binding and better quality paper for the same money. Fortunately you can get this one for 50% off if you look around a bit and if you really want them.

[@JackChristmas]

This box set is a bit of a baffling prospect to me, because by including these new, non-illustrated versions of The Silmarillion and Unfinished Tales, it essentially forces you to choose between getting the illustrated versions of those books and getting individual hardbacks of HoMe (or else you have to double dip). Seeing the John Howe cover art on hardback is very nice (and the reversible covers are a cool touch too), but for the price I'm not seeing enough of a reason to trade up my 3 volume HoMe set. If 3 more box sets are planned in this series and they all contain 4 books, does that mean the final one will have Nature of Middle-earth? If so, I wonder if there'll be any value added over the previous edition beyond new cover art.

[@iamrubenmes]

Exactly

[@quentandil]

Excessive prize for glued books. Also a shame you cannot buy them separated. The main focus of the first two volumes was to restore the first edition pagination, but you are suppoused to buy the whole set.

[@skyblailock7248]

So are these companions to The Hobbit & The Lord of the Rings Illustrated Editions?

[@PleaseNThankYou]

At 13:35 - I have two copies of the 1984 editions of LT2 from Houghton Mifflin. Both are vastly different! I'll refer to them as book (A) and book (B). Both are 1984. Both are black w/ red covers. ((At this point, a set of columns could be used if I weren't typing this on my tiny phone)) Book (A) is larger and thicker than book (B) while both have same cover font, (A) is a slightly larger font. The font on the spine on the book proper, is different. Specifically, (A) has 'J.R.R. Tolkien' spelled out, while (B) has just 'Tolkien'. Also, (A) has the publisher logo as 'HMCO' while (B) has 'Houghton Mifflin'. Now, about the Tinuvial plates, one page, front and back, placed between page 26 and 27 in both editions is very poorly printed in (B), not legible at all, really; it's much darker in (A), though the rest of the text is no darker nor larger from book to book. Seems only these two plates were darkened in (A). I don't know how to tell which one came first except the publishers page in (A) is very long with a bunch of publisher Blahblahblah, and book (B), the smaller, has a shorter publishing note. I don't know the proper way to describe it, so sorry. And while my larger edition, (A), has better printed plates of Tinuvial (even though both editions have the same sized images, and the same darkness on text), I believe that (B) is the older of the two. I'm curious as to why your edition had no plates at all. ❤ poor thing. Would you like one of mine? Just kidding, I'm sure yours is so much better collector wise than mine. I wish I could have given this in column form for you. I reread it multiple times to make sure I did not conflate the two. You are probably my first youtube channel I visited on the subject. I had no idea that there were videos until... well, if you can see me in your stats, that's when I found Tolkien on the internet.

[@TalkingTolkien]

Thanks for the detailed response - that’s very peculiar that they are so different despite being published so closely together. I wonder if it’s to do with the change from HMCO to Houghton Mifflin in the US? I’ve got an Allen & Unwin 1st edition but it’s secured in a tea chest that’s currently supporting a miniature nativity recreation so I’ll have to wait until Christmas before I can check whether that has the image!

[@classyname42]

oh frick! they don't have bookmark ribbons! 😭😭😭

[@carlatate7678]

Glued binding is a deal breaker. Absolutely awful choice.

[@-johnny-deep-]

Totally agree. Complete money grab. What crap.

[@someinteresting]

"A bit disappointing" seems to be the leading characteristic of the edition. I'll pass.

[@-johnny-deep-]

Glued bindings = "a lot disappointing"!

[@someinteresting]

@@-johnny-deep- A new edition of the by now iconic black covers with a new painting for The Silmarillion and The Unfinished Tales to keep them in line with the rest would’ve been great.

[@RafaelaSantos-bz2tb]

Can you please do a complete reading order? 🥹🥹🥹