These are my HOME volumes, all firsts, with the POD Index at the end.

With the changes in publishers and publishers logos there is little uniformity on the bottom of the spines. But there is consistency in the general design, feel and size of the books. The POD Index looks good in my view and matches the originals well. I'm impressed with its quality.

However, if you are looking for a good quality reading set it's hard to recommend these over the slipcased three volume omnibus set. The three volume set is a lot cheaper than the POD set. But then again, the POD set has the advantage in the volumes being easier to handle and read.

Quicksilver wrote:

However, if you are looking for a good quality reading set it's hard to recommend these over the slipcased three volume omnibus set. The three volume set is a lot cheaper than the POD set. But then again, the POD set has the advantage in the volumes being easier to handle and read.

They do all look handsome lined up together, Ya I do second you on that about the POD volumes being of better quality than the 1st prints, esp vol 9-12 those volumes have tended not to age well in terms of paper and binding.

For reading copies I recommend the PB Howe volumes.
https://www.tolkienguide.com/store/#ukandushomebooks

That's right. The first 4, published by George Allen and Unwin, were the best quality. These featured strong bindings which opened flat, good quality paper and coloured top edges.