I'm optimistic they might have the cloth-bound "second series" format since the recent clamshell LOTRs have that look, but expecting the paper-bound look is mostly likely.
I think there would be a strong desire within HC to complete the original 2004- deluxe set. I'd eat my hat if they didn't follow this format. That said, I don't have a hat, so this is an easy gamble for me!
The US/William Morrow editions of Bovadium and the Alan Lee illustrated deluxe Hobbit are both pre-orderable now on harpercollins.com (from HarperCollins; until recently their pages just linked to Amazon etc.).
I've ordered several WM books direct from HarperCollins and have been unimpressed with their packing, although only one has arrived damaged.
The US/William Morrow editions of Bovadium and the Alan Lee illustrated deluxe Hobbit are both pre-orderable now on harpercollins.com (from HarperCollins; until recently their pages just linked to Amazon etc.).
I've ordered several WM books direct from HarperCollins and have been unimpressed with their packing, although only one has arrived damaged.
After getting burned with Letters, I did not take the risk of getting an inferior product this time and ordered the HarperCollins edition of Bovadium (which I was pleased with), but I'll be interested to see if the WM edition will actually be identical to the HC versions (other than the logo change) or will be without a book ribbon the way Letters was.
The US/William Morrow editions of Bovadium and the Alan Lee illustrated deluxe Hobbit are both pre-orderable now on harpercollins.com (from HarperCollins; until recently their pages just linked to Amazon etc.).
I've ordered several WM books direct from HarperCollins and have been unimpressed with their packing, although only one has arrived damaged.
After getting burned with Letters, I did not take the risk of getting an inferior product this time and ordered the HarperCollins edition of Bovadium (which I was pleased with), but I'll be interested to see if the WM edition will actually be identical to the HC versions (other than the logo change) or will be without a book ribbon the way Letters was.
I'll be getting a WM review copy on or shortly before US release, so I'll post some images when I have it in hand.
After getting burned with Letters, I did not take the risk of getting an inferior product this time and ordered the HarperCollins edition of Bovadium (which I was pleased with), but I'll be interested to see if the WM edition will actually be identical to the HC versions (other than the logo change) or will be without a book ribbon the way Letters was.
I try to support their US publishing efforts with my wallet, but am also waiting on ordering Bovadium for the same reason you described.
The inconsistency is odd. The US/WM Fall of Númenor for example is a really nice trade hardcover, but then they follow that effort up with Letters.
Edited by Emilien on 2025-11-5 4:01:03 PM UTC Edited by Trotter on 2025-11-5 4:12:23 PM UTC Edited by Trotter on 2025-11-5 4:14:04 PM UTC Edited by Trotter on 2025-11-5 4:14:51 PM UTC
2025-11-5 4:00:43 PM UTC
Harpercollins just uploaded new mock-ups for the upcoming deluxe editions of The Letters of J. R. R. Tolkien: Revised and Expanded edition and J. R. R. Tolkien: A Biography
Harpercollins just uploaded new mock-ups for the upcoming deluxe editions of The Letters of J. R. R. Tolkien: Revised and Expanded edition and J. R. R. Tolkien: A Biography
I have no interest personally in Biography but man that letters colour is lovely! and it would just be wrong if a Scribe did not order a deluxe letters
Both of these are available for pre-order for HC on the 14th November 2025, I'd suggest waiting for a 50% off sale after that date if you are in the UK and want to order.
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