Books and other printed materials >> The Lord of the Rings: 70th Anniversary Deluxe (signed limited edition)
Regarding the defects, I think everyone's mileage varies. If I find any more issues, I'd probably consider complaining but for now, I'm content.
A few comments after watching the Three Amigos' unboxing...
I can totally understand the fact that experienced collectors might not be bothered buying this set at this price point if they already have a deluxe set of LotR, and especially if they already have an illustrated edition that has been signed by Alan Lee unless they're a completionist who wants to have a copy of every single edition (or two copies if they're Trotter!
).
From my perspective, as a new/tentative collector who doesn't (or, rather, didn't until today) yet own any deluxe or signed editions, it ticks both those boxes, and will form a cornerstone of my little collection.
FWIW, it looks good on the shelf!
Tall Hobbit I agree with your assessment of the price.
PS: Trotter The top-down unboxing camera's frame felt very cramped. You should consider putting it on an adjustable arm so you can raise it up and lower it down!
A few comments after watching the Three Amigos' unboxing...
I can totally understand the fact that experienced collectors might not be bothered buying this set at this price point if they already have a deluxe set of LotR, and especially if they already have an illustrated edition that has been signed by Alan Lee unless they're a completionist who wants to have a copy of every single edition (or two copies if they're Trotter!
). From my perspective, as a new/tentative collector who doesn't (or, rather, didn't until today) yet own any deluxe or signed editions, it ticks both those boxes, and will form a cornerstone of my little collection.
FWIW, it looks good on the shelf!
Tall Hobbit I agree with your assessment of the price.
PS: Trotter The top-down unboxing camera's frame felt very cramped. You should consider putting it on an adjustable arm so you can raise it up and lower it down!
Strider wrote:
I can totally understand the fact that experienced collectors might not be bothered buying this set at this price point if they already have a deluxe set of LotR, and especially if they already have an illustrated edition that has been signed by Alan Lee unless they're a completionist who wants to have a copy of every single edition (or two copies if they're Trotter!
From my perspective, as a new/tentative collector who doesn't (or, rather, didn't until today) yet own any deluxe or signed editions, it ticks both those boxes, and will form a cornerstone of my little collection.
Exactly. I think the emerging consensus for this signed limited edition include something similar to these three points:
- not really all that different from the set from last year (with the expection of a small number of new illustrations and a unique box).
- arguably too expensive for what you get in terms of the physical books (especially if you are a veteran collector who owns at least one signed limited edition from before and the set from last year).
- the only signed limited condition available as new from the publisher right now (and thereby anywhere from quite attractive to very attractive to collectors who do not have at least one signed limited edition from before, who are concerned that they may not be able to get a new such edition in the future or may feel uncomfortable scouring the second-hand market).
I think the main selling points for this edition (on my view) gravitates towards the idea that it is a signed limited edition that is interesting if you do not already have one or interesting to completionist collectors. Although the clamshell box looks interesting, I would be surprised if it was a descisive factor for that many who bought the product.
Right now, I highly doubt that I will regret this purchase. Yes, it was very expensive (it is on the order of 1-2 months rent payment if you live in a smaller city in my country), but it is a signed limited edition. I did not have one before and I am worried I may not get another chance at it. I think this also differs from just getting any other non-limited edition that Alan Lee signed at an event from, say, Ebay, as the signature on this one is easier to verify as authentic as it is "supposed" to be there and no non-signed editions of this product are being sold to my knowledge. I personally also have no idea how to identify a legitimate Alan Lee signature from a fake one on any other random Alan Lee illustrated edition, so I feel very safe with this edition. I might write about my thoughts and feelings after I get my copy and/or a few months later when everything has sunken in.
Had it not been limited and signed, I would not even have considered getting it because of the high price and similarity to the edition from last year, so I completely understand where the skepticism comes from.
Now, if this edition turns out to be very, very slow to sell out and they drop the price considerably, will I attempt to buy a second copy? Possibly (if allowed), but it would only be to have for myself or give away as a present. I would not be all that comfortable trying to flip it for money (and that would not make sense if it is still available from the publisher). I would be, however, very surprised if the price drops to this point.
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