Tolkien's History of Middle-earth Hardback Comparison (Collected Editions)

[@joshuamark1646]

I have got the 2017 deluxe edition box set. It is expensive and heavy but I have no regrets buying it. The design is incredible. I also managed to get the deluxe edition of The Fall or Gondolin for only £10!

[@KillNamniaR]

How much you bought it

[@mytandasouder4485]

Aww that makes me so happy for you, but a little jelly lol 😆

[@michealbohmer2871]

@@KillNamniaR I purchased a copy for AU$250 on Amazon last week. Most other places I looked at (Booktopia, World of Books, eBay, Catch etc) had them ranging in price from AU$350 to AU$480! They haven't arrived yet, so I don't know what they are like. I mean, they're brand new so I assume they'll be like the ones in this video.

[@cesar_rojasbravo]

I personally prefer the 12 black HC paperbacks. Easy to read, good quality and look very beautiful on the shelf.

[@RealmofGothArts]

I concure. The art work on those are beautiful

[@ЯрославПетров-е6т]

They are good looking, but very hard to open enough to read. When you open them a lot, they start to brake. I have full set, 13 paperbacks, but when I took in my hands one book of the 3-volume set, I decided to buy another two at the same moment. Another quality. Absolutely) P.S one of my 13 paperbacks is an old one that was printed in 2002. (Others modern, 2015) and it's very good at opening without breaking. Another clue?

[@jennyschroeder1717]

This was helpful. Amazon doesn’t show any detail

[@ericcasagrande]

As long as their are Tolkien fans, there will be new printings of something. Thanks for sharing!

[@samuelleask1132]

There’s a truth 😁

[@phantomevil3025]

I bought this collection today. This was perfect to see what I had ordered. thanks

[@Agg95Boss]

Where you buy it? Thanks!

[@samueluddin9931]

Does it have the index

[@imregero]

Hello there. Thank you for the great video. I know it's been quite some time since you made this video, but if you still have this set, would you be willing to sell it? I'm looking for the first printing. Thanks!

[@allofuspilgrims]

Two questions, please: 1. Has there been any alteration to the texts across the editions, starting from the original 12 volumes through to paperback editions and to the 3-volume boxed sets? 2. The paperback edition has volume 13 (indexes etc.). Is this included in any hardback edition as well?

[@mitjabrunec100]

As to your question nr. 2, yes, the indexes are in the final part of each of the three coloured/separate volumes. E.g., in The History of Middle-Earth Part Two (green cover) that I currently have in my hands, there is Index I (To Part One The End of the Third Age) and Index II (To Part Two The Notion Club Papers and Part Three The Drowning of Anadune). I assume the same applies to the boxed set. That is, if that's the index you're referring to (or is the one in Volume 13, paper back edition, a different collection of indexes?).

[@allofuspilgrims]

@@mitjabrunec100 Yes, same applies to boxed set. I understand this is only the matter of different materials used for the cover of the books and the box. The texts are identical. Volume 13 is a collection of all twelve indexes. Within the past two months I bought many Tolkien books, the three-volume The History of Middle-earth included, as well as Index (paperback edition). As to my Question 1, there have not been any alteration, even the pagination preserved: Books 1-5 in Volume I, Books 6-9 in Volume II, and Books 10-12 in Volume III (I bought "Index" solely for using it as a standalone source of information rather than referring every time to the backs pages of those huge volumes :-) Thank you!

[@mitjabrunec100]

@@allofuspilgrims Well, thank YOU! I was also kind of curious whether the texts were identical or not and if there were any alterations, but that answers it. :) I've also bought a few Tolkien books, History of Middle-Earth Part II being one of them (since it's easier for me to buy one each month or so, rather than the whole set at once). :P

[@master_the_mind]

At 7:05 you show your collection of books. Would you happen to know the ISBN# of the 3 individual slipcovered books to the left, The Hobbit, The LOTR, The Similarian... I have been looking for those and no luck... I thank you in advance. I absolutely love your channel...

[@TalkingTolkien]

Hi Joe, they are the HarperCollins Deluxe Editions, I believe these ISBNs are correct: Hobbit: 9780007118359 LOTR: 9780007182367 Silmarillion: 9780007264896 Thanks for your support!

[@master_the_mind]

@@TalkingTolkien Thank you kind Sir...

[@paulayers1111]

I wonder why the Index volume wasn’t included in this set

[@bramkleinlugtebeld1661]

this is a great review

[@diego_villena]

How’s the Clays holding up a year later? Also, does this edition have the collected Index (aka book 13) in some form?

[@Blencathra1]

There isn't an index that I know of. There is just an index at the end of each "book". However, the paperback index (book 13) can be used with the deluxe hardback version.

[@michaeljdauben]

I was thinking about buying the boxed set, but I read a lot of negative reviews of the books, so I didn't get them. There's a new set of the whole series of the HoME books coming out starting next year (2024). I've pre-ordered the first four book release, and hopefully, they will be a quality release.

[@antejelic5992]

Did they arrive, what is your opinion on them now?

[@JanPBtest]

Looks like the de luxe edition has no bookmarks?

[@MuratOzerJP]

Hello thank you for making this video. I'm considering purchasing this deluxe set but I'd like to get your advice first, do you recommend it to buy for reading or is it better to buy particularly for collectors to keep it in the bookshelf. I'm a bit worried since each of them has about 5000 pages looks like not convenient for reading.

[@TalkingTolkien]

Hi thanks for the comment. I would not buy this as a reading book, it's pretty heavy and not easy to hold! I'd recommend the paperbacks or 2nd hand individual hardbacks if you want a book that is practical.

[@MuratOzerJP]

@@TalkingTolkien thanks a lot!

[@taylorg8509]

I dont care if its uncomfortable, you read it with your collectors edition with pride !!!!!

[@ShahrzadS-em9ew]

Is there a difference in text between the recent version published in 2020 and older versions?

[@HunchbackJack]

Thanks very much for comparing the two sets. I have the 2005 set, and have all the "deluxe" slipcased volumes, and was looking for a video to determine whether the 2017 set is considered part of the "deluxe" series. From what you've shown here, it looks like it is intended to be. However, I must admit that given the similarities with the 2005 edition, I doubt I'll get the 2017 edition, even to "complete" my deluxe set. (I have hardcover editions of the original 12 volumes - mostly later printings - in any case, so I probably have enough copies of the HoM-E. :) )

[@insurrbution]

quick question - in the later part of the video, I saw the '05 set have gold ribbon markers. Do the 2017 editions have those as well?

[@TalkingTolkien]

Yes they do - you can just about see it at the top of the book at 5:12 in the video

[@Pedrammotahari]

They are silk

[@Tw0tson]

plz tell me u are working on those more in-depth videos! good stuff keep it up!

[@TalkingTolkien]

Thanks for the comment - yes I have loads of stuff planned, including a couple of half-finished videos but the perfectionist in me means it takes forever to do them. I hope it will be worth the wait!

[@Tw0tson]

no worries! take your time, we all know tolkien did!

[@TheInitiation]

My store carries two different versions of the boxed set: Harper Collins from 2017 and Houghton Mifflin from 2020. The Harper-C version costs 207,3 € while the Houghton-M version is for 148,3 €. Do you know if there are any major differences between these two versions? Or should I just go for the Houghton-M in this case since it's considerably cheaper?

[@lsdeann_3293]

One is English (HC), the other American (HM)!!

[@shayreno1461]

Do you NEED part 13 index?? as it's bugging me that it's not included in the three volume set which is the one I want to buy.

[@samueluddin9931]

@@sr.chantilly7152so it’s divided into three?

[@Yuuzhanvongg]

Does part 3 have the history of Middle-Earth Index ?

[@stektirade]

Are the pages really thin?

[@matilda0hofling]

Ahh! I cant deside Which one I like the best. The internet bookstore I buy from have both versions.

[@Slask7]

is the index (13th volume) fundamental or not?

[@TalkingTolkien]

Not unless you really want to use it heavily for reference. The indexes at the back of each individual volume should be fine for most peope.

[@horrudu4081]

Great video. Might i ask if the binding are the same in the two editions? Is it a glued binding or a sewn binding?

[@ComradeAtomic]

Both are sewn on

[@john-henric]

Would you recommend to buy the paperbacks or the hard cover edition? Are all 12 paperback books in the hard cover version or is there a difference in terms of content?

[@TalkingTolkien]

Content is exactly the same. It comes down to which version you prefer really. You can probably pick up most of the hardbacks secondhand for a cheaper price than buying the paperbacks.

[@cesar_rojasbravo]

All 12 paperbacks (plus the index) look absolutely beautiful together!

[@cyberlivion8363]

@@cesar_rojasbravo Yes and as far as I saw the paperback are the only ones with a beautiful artwork in the front. I really hope I won’t regret buying 6 of them in one swop since paperbacks are sort of seen as the less quality versions.

[@cesar_rojasbravo]

@@cyberlivion8363 i have all the 13 paperbacks and I definitely don’t regret it. They look great, are of good quality and the artwork is beautiful. I don’t mind what other people think, I much prefer the paperbacks for this collection 😀. I’m sure you won’t regret it either.

[@cyberlivion8363]

@@cesar_rojasbravo That’s great! I read a little from the Lays of Beleriand and was blown away by the power of Tolkien’s words, as I always have. Can’t wait to read it all.

[@H-HWJvN]

Great video. Honest question: how long this "India paper" lasts? It doesn't look hard wearing.

[@JanPBtest]

I'd say very long. I have a couple of Roman Missals from the 1930s and there is no sign degradation.

[@H-HWJvN]

@@JanPBtest thank you very much!

[@thehunter7422]

That golden description page that came with it was that on the side of the giant book case or is on the inside of it . That golden page you were reading off of at the beginning . I'm deciding whether to get it on Ebay or Amazon amd don't know which version to get . Also I don't know if you're version is different to others cause I think there was another version that gold along side the sides of the pages where you see on the side of the book . Don't know if those were rarer or if your version is or not . Which is why I'm nervous on spending this much money and don't know if I'm getting scammed . Especially when most of these orders are coming from England to Canada . Edit : never mind apparently there's a limited editon version that only had like a 1000 copies made that I was thinking about . It had a different spine for each book . And black slip cases for all 3 books . Looks really awesome . That's the one that has gold along side the pages where see the pages on the up and down and rights side of the book . Basically where you see the edge of the pages . Its looks so good . But I'm not looking to pay nearly a 1000 dollars for it lol. I'm thinking of getting the Deluxe version . Only problem is I can't tell if it's fully in great condition and hopefully doesn't pull off a scam . One on Amazon which is more pricey is about 280 Canadian Dollars . Ebay has it for like 230 to 240 Canadian dollars . Hopefully I might get the one on ebay at the end of February .

[@giuseppepugliese6966]

Hi :) If I buy it now, do you think it will be in first edition? Thanks

[@TalkingTolkien]

Not if you buy it new I'm afraid, no.

[@sebastianbarandiaran3846]

Well, I just placed my order today, now I wait.

[@alpertroncp2198]

I hate dust jackets, but it's a crime to buy dust-jacketed books and throw away the jacket. So, and it might be vanity, I spent a bit more and bought that deluxe set.

[@Amedautrui]

Hi! May you check one thing about the deluxe edition? I have the one with 1st print where all the three volumes are Clays (GB) and they all have black font color shifts from normal black font to grayish which is very undeluxe. When you flip through your 2nd volume (which is the only Clays in your set) I have noticed the same font color shifts, but I would like to see if your LEGO ones (1st and 3rd vol) have the same issues with black to grayish black font color shifts. May you check it, please. I guess LEGO printed volumes should not have this issue.

[@richa6046]

..

[@richa6046]

Im sorry i dont know ps hello fellow lotr fan

[@dv96_dk]

So the black ones and the ones in color are the same?

[@TalkingTolkien]

Yes content is exactly the same, only difference is the actual covers.

[@danarredondo5761]

I've got a question. Are the stories within these volumes already published? What I mean is, are the stories present in "The Silmarillion" and or in "Unfinished Tales" or in any other work by the Tolkien Estate?

[@someonesomething2201]

As far as I know, these are basically the stuff that didn't make it to the Silmarillion.

[@adamwhitehead7289]

Not as such. The History of Middle-earth is predominantly made up of earlier drafts, abandoned versions and original musings on material that was later published in its "completed" form as The Hobbit, The Lord of the Rings and The Silmarillion. For example, the first five books consist of Tolkien's drafting of The Silmarillion from 1917 (when it was known as The Book of Lost Tales) until the 1930s. There are very early versions of, say, the Tuor and Gondolin story, or Beren and Luthien, but in a more primitive form with different names and ideas (the Noldor were originally called "Gnomes", for example, and only changed by Tolkien due to the garden gnome explosion of the 1920s made the name quite unbearable to him!). The next four books then cover the writing of Lord of the Rings, and reveal that Frodo was originally called Bingo Baggins (!) and that Aragorn was originally a mysterious Hobbit from beyond the Shire called Trotter. The last three books then deal with Tolkien's attempt to rewrite and re-order The Silmarillion after Lord of the Rings was published, and also with ancillary material. Tolkien also actually flirted with the idea of writing a direct sequel to The Lord of the Rings in the 1950s and began writing a book called The New Shadow, but abandoned it after a few pages. Those pages can be found in this collection as well. The History is really of interest to hardcore Tolkien scholars and enthusiasts, particularly those who had issues with how Christopher Tolkien edited The Silmarillion and wanted to see the original raw material for themselves. For the proper, "canonical" Middle-earth story, you only need The Hobbit, The Lord of the Rings, The Silmarillion and Unfinished Tales.

[@danarredondo5761]

@@adamwhitehead7289 Thank you for the in-depth review. This will help me with my future purchases.

[@danarredondo5761]

@@someonesomething2201 Thank you for that insight into those volumes.

[@raymitchell3224]

Where can i order at? I seen some on Amazon

[@TalkingTolkien]

Good question - I've put Amazon links in the description, which seems the cheapest place the get them new. There's not much difference price-wise between them, so it comes down to what edition you prefer really.

[@raymitchell3224]

@@TalkingTolkien Thank you for the quick response. That link helped me out a lot I believe I found the same one but on the US Amazon site www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/0008259844/ref=ox_sc_act_image_1?smid=A1JKVWH22E85VP&psc=1

[@DarthIbis]

I just ordered this set and looking forward to its arrival. I can't tell from looking at any of it, but can you say if the "index" is included as part of these three volumes?

[@TalkingTolkien]

It's not unfortunately. As far as I am aware, the only ways to get the Index are the paperback or HarperCollins print on demand hardback.

[@DarthIbis]

Well, that sucks. This new print would have been a great opportunity to include it, perhaps in Volume III, since they seemed to have the room for it there. The print on-demand version page was difficult to locate, but I found it. I'm curious if the dimensions and printing material of that hardback version are similar to these others deluxe-type editions, or if they're more like the mass-market paperbacks. I'm tempted to be industrious, pick up a copy of the index, and re-bind it so it looks like the others and would match the collection. I guess the follow-up question is, "Is it worth it to pick up a copy of the index, or is it somewhat superfluous if you have the entire collection in this format?

[@Pinguino-Hobbit]

I've buying the separate edition, because I'm only interested on "History of the Lord of the Rings", and I'm so funny to have all four parts in one volume.

[@isaacbosworth5617]

So do the books contain the lotr and the hobbit

[@TalkingTolkien]

No The Hobbit wasn't included as Christopher Tolkien didn't believe it to be part of the Middle-earth legendarium. John D. Rateliff covered the History of the Hobbit in two books releases in 2007. But the History of Middle-earth covers all of LoTR and The Silmarillion.

[@isaacbosworth5617]

Talking Tolkien thanks a lot dude

[@imover9999]

@@isaacbosworth5617 And I'm fairly sure the actual story of Lord of the Rings is not contained within these volumes. These are purely lore and history as far as I know. I don't own them, but be wary buying these if you want the "main story." They're still wonderful to own if you're a big fan and want to know more though.

[@JYCrazy1]

The deluxe edition from 2017 is no longer available anywhere 🙁 Hopefully it’s a temporary blip (due to coronavirus?), I hope it’s not out of print!

[@Pedrammotahari]

They are back on amazon

[@JYCrazy1]

DARK LORD SAURON I ended up getting the older versions in the end. Same content and protected by dust jackets!

[@JohnStopman]

*+1* ❤👍

[@Labios_Rotos]

I'm not very familiar with Tolkien's writings so please forgive me for my ignorance but would you mind clarifying why The Lord of the Rings books (Fellowship of the Ring, The Two Towers and The Return of the King) as well as The Hobbit and The Silmarillion are not included in these books? They're supposed to be the complete history, no?

[@TalkingTolkien]

Yeah it is a bit confusing. These books contain the history of Tolkien's writing of Lord of the Rings, and the Silmarillion, as in drafts and notes. They don't contain those actual stories themselves.

[@Labios_Rotos]

@@TalkingTolkien Oh ok... So its 12 volumes of commentary alone? No actual stories? What are the names/books of the stories then?

[@TalkingTolkien]

It's commentary around unpublished stories and poems that Tolkien wrote... and much more! This link explains it far better that I can: dimitrafimi.com/2017/03/25/the-history-of-middle-earth-exploring-tolkiens-entire-legendarium/