Calligraphic_collectables comissioned 39 illustrated copies from Bill Sanderson: 25 standard copies; 10 slipcased copies; and 4 deluxe copies. (eBayer bigfootcomic bought 7 standard & 3 slipcased copies from Calligraphic_collectables.)

All the standard & slipcased copies have the same illustration in them, with '5th May' and Sanderson's signature. The deluxe editions are illustrated differently; not sure if all four are individually unique tho', since this is the first time I've seen one. The deluxe's (obviously) where not sketched on the 5th; however the rest probably were (or thereabouts).

Almost all were pre-sold. Calligraphic_collectables has only sold some standard copies to date on eBay I think (no slipcased copies). Presumably this is the only deluxe one likely to be sold, unless any of the owners move them on very quickly.

The seller (to my knowledge) was in pretty early with his order by phone. He was certainly talking about the deluxe on the Monday (the 18th), before I'd heard anything; so no surprise he has such a low number. '250' is just typo...

BH

I haven't opened mine from bubblewrap yet ( ), but it looks like it's #71 (from the label on the box) -and I ordered at about 3:20 in the afternoon. Go figure...

BH

Also, there's no limit (or at least not 2) on orders. I know of someone who ordered 4...

BH

I don't think there's a great deal at issue here. However HarperCollins overall handling seems pretty bizarre.

The original message (which we all speculated was probably just to gauge interest) stated "Thank you for your pre-order of The Legend of Sigurd and Gudrún by J. R. R. Tolkien". Yes, as Deagol states, they didn't have any payment details; but is does state "pre-order", in a time when we all order via Amazon using "pre-orders".

The email on the 19th did, as has been pointed out, state that HarperCollins would be in contact. So not to be contacted seems strange. Also, I really expected it all to be done online using WorldPay as with CoH.

However, unlike everyone else apparently, I was contacted on Wednesday morning by phone. On Tuesday night, in response to the email, I gave a works number and my mobile. However (as I found out when I got home) I was contacted pretty early on my home number. I suppose I must have given it when I originally registered my interest.

Either way, like Deagol, I just phoned myself to place my order; fearing that an email had probably been sent in any case while I was at work (and unable to access personal email). As it turns out, there was no online request to pay; and for others, no phonecall.

I ordered mine about 3 o'clock. No receipt number; no email to confirm payment. If anything is odd, no receipt for a £250 purchase is.

One can't help but think that all this should really be much simpler...

BH

Without trying to overstate my enthusiasm for this book, I'd recommend this highly to anyone interested in the textual history of The Silmarillion. Familiarity with HoMe is required. But, it really is a landmark study I feel. Doug pulls no punches in his criticism. For me personally it was a very enjoyable read.

That said, the price, is rather on the high side. I got it on pre-order from Amazon.com for $39; but I gather it's quite a bit more than that now. Pieter is giving away signed Doug Kane bookplate/stickers for those who do buy a copy (or already have a copy).

Buy it!

BH