For all you collectors on a budget (or just feeling lucky) there are a few contests being run by Heren Istarion where you can win new books provided by Houghton Mifflin.

The first giveaway is for a set of four new books - The Children of Húrin, Tales From the Perilous Realm, and the two volume History of the Hobbit. Everyone who purchases one of the Heren Istarion 2009 Tolkien Calendars will be entered into this drawing.

If you are not inclined to purchase the calendar, you can also enter two other drawings by just submitting an answer to one or both of the following questions:

1) Why Tolkien? Explain what it is about Tolkien's work that continually draws you to it, either to read LOTR several times a year, to scholarship, to collectibles, to costumes, to gaming, or even the films, try to cite your first encounter with Tolkien and why you connected with it.

2) Does Tolkien's work inspire you? Some have claimed Tolkien as an 'intellectual hero' or literary influence on their own artistic ventures--has Tolkien inspired your own artistic ventures, education or career in someway? Please elaborate.

For full details on the giveaways, rules, and submission guidelines, make sure you visit the Heren Istarion website!