I just got back to the real world today and my copy was waiting for me in the office. It has the same typo as others have noted (which is to be expected as it would have come from the same batch, given that I ordered on the first day).

Overall, I think the quality is really quite impressive for a POD (bar the glaring typo).

The boards look fine and the DJ also looks good, my only comment would be that the dot-density is a little lower than a traditionally printed DJ, so close up inspection reveals the printing technique slightly. The spine is very square, as per the last few volumes of the original printings of HoME (edit: on comparision, more so than the originals. Care is needed to ensure the DJ doesn't get pulled tight against the hard edge of the spine or it will get an annoying crease. I have covered mine with a brodart, protector which should help a bit in this regard).

For the Index at least, I think they have done a pretty good job (edit: especially given how few of these will really be sold). For the other 12 volumes (bar the last two or three which are expensive), I would always try and just acquire them second hand, rather than spend 40 pounds a-piece for the PODs, though.

I'd be interested to hear a review from someone who has purchased a volume containing colour plates.

Edit: Probably also worth mentioning that the gold lines, logo and writing are not "metallic", as per the original.


Stu

I noticed that Tom Shippey's "J.R.R. Tolkien Author of the Century" has been issued as a print-on-demand paperback on the 7th May 2010. I am surprised that they did not reissue the hardback version.

http://www.tolkien.co.uk/titles/58197 ... tom-shippey-9780261104013

Got my index today- same typo error as previously mentioned.
Pleased wiht looks overall
Has anyone raised error with Harper Collins at all?

ignore last post - just seen jeremys comments previously!
Sorry must get some more black coffee in me pre typing !

Got my copy today with no ISBN and the wrong font used for HarperCollins and the date , according to David Brawn at HC, they have stopped sending out Print-on-Demand books until the issue is resolved, looks like the printers sent them out to early before proof copies were sent to HC.

David is sending me another copy after an email of complaint, which is just as well, because my copy was bound upside down.