Going back to the original book in question - 'Homecoming" is actually in the title of the book, yes? Not just printed somewhere, but the actual title? I don't have a copy handy, someone would have to check the copyright page.

It does appear on the spine and front cover where the title would be.

If so I see this as more significant than "printed somewhere on the front or back cover".

Hmm - significant enough to warrant a £159.00 pricetag? (or, £99.00 - I see the price has come down.)

But going back to the original question - on his facebook entry the vendor originally wrote that as far as he was aware, this was the first time Beorhtnoth had been published. He then changed it to

"Other than Professor Tolkien recording- The Homecoming of Beorhtnoth, we are not aware of this story in printed form except in this set. "

Then he changed it to "I should clarify, I meant as mention on the cover of the book, not just in it."

All of which sounded like back-pedalling to me. On the other hand, I've just taken down my copy, and I see this - the book is called 'Tree and Leaf. Smith of Wootton Major. The Homecoming of Beorhtnoth.'

The interesting thing is that on the copyright page we see:

'Tree and Leaf. first published 1964...

Smith of Wootton Major. first published 1967...

The Homecoming of Beorhtnoth. first published bt George Allen and Unwin 1975.

Interesting. No mention of its publication in 1953; nor in 'The Tolkien Reader'.