I am fairly certain that they took it out of print when the illustrated boxed set was released. It is marked as "Out of Stock" on the official website now too.
The difference is in the intent of the publisher (who can change their mind at any time). Have they ordered more copies from the printers and they just don't have them yet? That's "out of stock". Have they released a new version of the boxed set, and have no current plans to re-print more copies of the older styled boxed set? That's "out of print". Can they change their mind next month and order more copies of the older style? Yes, and that would make that particular set "in print" again.
I have no inside knowledge here. But based on past examples, once they release a new styled boxed set, the older one is never reprinted, thus my original reply saying "I am fairly certain that they took it out of print".
Ah that makes - I guess the context of retailers vs publishers slightly affects the terminology.
Be curious to know if they'll be doing another print run.
A few other parting things:
- A week or two ago, each of the individual books appeared to be quite well-stocked, though not the actual boxed set - I can understand collectors pursuing a particular edition, though I'd like to mention that as an alternate, the 1-book edition (black dustjacket with the Ring-and-Eye Logo) is still available. That contains the same 'features' as the boxed set: red ink used in a few spots in the first few chapters, fold-out maps, and the plate section from when they're in Moria. Just wanted to mention that in case you're only after "The Lord of the Rings in hardback, period" though I can understand pursuing a particular copy!
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