2014 now! First this fall, then next fall, now 2 years. I preordered on Book Depository - I don't want them to have my money for 2 years before I have anything in my hands.

I will keep slumming it on Ebay - haven't seen any come up yet and you're right about sellers not being clear. I'm not stuck on a particular impression - I just want the dust jacket I referenced (as seen below)

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  engelse hobbit 92.jpg (36.99 KB)

I'm having trouble finding the 1997 HC Illustrated Hobbit Hardback (ISBN 026110330X) that matches the Alan Lee 3-vol LOTR and Nasmith illustrated Silmarillion and Complete Guide to Middle Earth (Foster). I have the almost-matching volume that is commonly sold now that features an updated dust jacket from 2009 (http://www.hobbithunter.nl/gallery2/v ... glish+Hobbit+114.jpg.html). But I'm looking for the dust jacket with the close-up of the dragon on the cover (no gold border across the top and bottom) and the HC logo on the spine in red and blue rather than white (http://www.hobbithunter.nl/gallery2/v ... ngelse+hobbit+92.jpg.html). Any suggestions on how to get my hands on one?

Thanks laurel. I just now saw your post, but as it turns out I was the winning bidder on that. I won it for a bit less than HC sells them (not to mention HC won't ship it to me) so I'm hoping it will arrive early next week. Shipping from the UK to the US sure ain't cheap though!

I'm still waiting to hear from HC - their customer service certainly isn't too hasty. If they won't ship to me, are there individuals or bookstores in the UK that might ship the item to me (either I could order it to them or they could order it) for a small fee (on top of the shipping costs). Obviously, I would want it to be secure on both sides and not get scammed.

Beren - I sent you an inquiry on your website and am still waiting to hear back...