www.tolkien.co.uk is back again, hardly any difference from before, but the FAQ has changed indicating that the books are not numbered.

Does seem odd that a whole site has to be taken down for a couple of weeks to change a couple of pictures and a couple of lines of text.

Harper Collins rang me back and said that they were only ever going to be signed editions, not numbered as stated

They acknowledged that the web site was incorrect and apologised for the 'mistake' in the FAQ. They also gave the impression that this issue caused them to take the site down.

They also said that I could have a full refund if I returned the book, but there was nothing else that they could do.

It sold for £150

I have rung today, asked why they ignored my email, no response. Did not seem to know what was happening, the web site has technical difficulties apparently!!!!, asked them to send me a signed and numbered edition, they said they will ring me tomorrow, we will see.

I personally don't think that this is genuine for the reasons that Deagol mentioned.

Tolkien signatures are a minefield, lots of very convincing fakes exist, as an example if you look at this copy of the Lord of the Rings, the note looks very convincing, but I have the exact same copy of that note and it is very hard to tell that it is not a genuine signature.

You could and try and sell your book as a 'signed' book but the lack of provenance would put off any serious bidders. I think you should keep it, with the belief that it may be signed by Tolkien, but you will never know for certain.

Beren, another regular, on this board posted an article on his website about signatures and it is well worth reading if you have not already seen it.

http://www.tolkienlibrary.com/press/fascimilesignatures.htm