When I said "sub-50", I actually meant less than 50 as the total price, not 50 less than this auction price. I'd might push to 56, though :)

A bit crazy, yes. Although I only have two HoME sets because I had 10of the 12 1sts by collecting them when they came out. The other set I slowly picked up over a few years. Not quite sure why I did, but it means I can keep my (essentially perfect) "A" set nicely humidity controlled and in darkness for when I am old and crusty :)

Yeh, you keep making excuses!

BH

I agree with Remy. It doesn't come as any surprise this book went for the value it did and I wouldn't have been suprised if it went for £300. Remember in an auction someone else was bidding £155 so that makes at least two people who wanted this book and as Remy says that is just on one auction on eBay for 9 days.
I paid £100 for my 1969 Lotr - does that make £149 expensive ? No of course not because khamul was happy to pay that amount at the time although others would say (maybe non Tolkien collectors) that even £100 is crazy.
I do believe that the Market will determine the value at any one given time which us what has happened here.
Personally I don't think we will see another copy for some time ago and if we do it will go for more. Time will tell I guess but if any of you guys want to sell your copy for £56 or £106 please let me know.

To be honest, I wouldn't sell my copy even for £300. The only reason that I wouldn't pay "big-ish bucks" for a copy these days is because I already have one and it would be impossible to find a better copy than I already have.

Like I say, I don't really think *any* book prices really make rational sense. One just has to decide how much one wants something and pay or not pay accordingly. No one is forcing any one to hand over any money. Personally I looked for this book for years and would have paid significantly more than I did in order to secure that first copy. I just got lucky, I think.

Stu

Agree stu and think u did get lucky, maybe the same as I did with my 69 Lotr. People will pay what they see as fit and it is relative to the supply and demand factors and most importantly the desire of the individual.

What is most upsetting is that you will not sell yours! Good for you I say.