Yes that was my plan also. Not collecting all US editions, but only grabbing a few that look really nice.

Thanks for the US Editions site, exactly what I was looking for.

I went over your list:

* LotR 1981 Silver Anniversary Edition - On the fence

* LotR Collectors Edition 1974 - Really like this one

* First Annotated Edition 1988 - IF this is the Hobbit it looks good, there isn't anything comparable in the UK is there?

* Hobbit Collectors Edition 1973 - Very nice

* Hobbit 50th Anniversary Collectors Edition 1987 - Very nice

* Hobbit Eclipse Books 1989, 1990, 1990 - This is interesting a graphic novel of the Hobbit; didn't know they existed. Have to get this too.

* Easton Press Editions - I don't know about Easton Press, don't think their designs are very interesting. Seen these on ebay a lot.

This one I really want but I can't imagine I'll ever buy a book that's so expensive. And it's a rebinding:

Hobbit 1st American Ed

Actually Doug's Annotated Hobbit is the only UK edition, I have, that I want in a US edition at present --since it was published there first. I see copies, but they're never in the condition I want. Easton Press? --not sure. I have a EP Silmarillion, obviously...

BH

Unfortunately for my sins, I also collect all US Editions (and variations).

For Easton Press:

Currently only the "Classics" (Hobbit, LOTR, Silmarillion 5 book set) is available from them, though they bring back the other editions occasionally when demand warrants. They are priced at $69 each ($345 for the set of five) including free shipping to the USA.

http://www.eastonpressbooks.com/leather/product.asp?code=0193

They only ship to the USA, so if any of you international TCG folk are interested, please contact me and we can work out an order with me in the middle - just need you to cover CC or PayPal fees and shipping.

I usually see these listed (and selling) on eBay for around $100 each, but if you keep your eyes out you can get most of them for $50 or so.

I have had most of these at one point or another, but have not held on to any copies. They are a reasonable binding and good quality materials, but since there is no limitation (they just keep making more and more with no printing indications) they will never become "scarce" - I figure if I want a nice set, I will still be able to get one ten years from now for the same price, so I use my space for other books.

For a complete list of Easton Press Tolkien books:
http://www.tolkienguide.com/modules/w ... dex.php?page=Easton+Press