Joselillo3 wrote:

Gilded sides don't in any way increase the longevity of books -- they are a cosmetic choice.

Pls correct me if im wrong but as far as i know, "proper" gilding protects paper from contact with dust. In time, dust will absorb humidity. In time, the humidity will pass to the paper.

Nothing of that will happen if the books are in a case, of course. But gilding per-se has had a use historically (unless im wrong)

Yep, but makes zero difference for a slipcased book or one where you periodically dust the tops of the books. These books won’t in any way be protected by having gilt. Too much humidity will trash the two sets equally.

The late Stu wrote:

Joselillo3 wrote:

Gilded sides don't in any way increase the longevity of books -- they are a cosmetic choice.

Pls correct me if im wrong but as far as i know, "proper" gilding protects paper from contact with dust. In time, dust will absorb humidity. In time, the humidity will pass to the paper.

Nothing of that will happen if the books are in a case, of course. But gilding per-se has had a use historically (unless im wrong)

Yep, but makes zero difference for a slipcased book or one where you periodically dust the tops of the books. These books won’t in any way be protected by having gilt. Too much humidity will trash the two sets equally.

Yes, if you store your books properly, control the climate, and dust them once a year or so stained edges don’t matter. All a design choice really.

Strider wrote:

I suppose if one wanted to be controversial, one could point out that these books are nearly identical to those in the The Hobbit & the Lord of the Rings Illustrated by Alan Lee Box Set, except they're printed on nicer paper, with some nice new design elements, with nicer binding, in a nicer box, with some nice extras (e.g. the maps and art cards), and nicely signed by the illustrator. 🤷‍♂️

Don't forget the extra plates in the new and deluxe editions from 2024 and 2025. In addition to the cards, there are two new illustrations in FOTR, two in TT, and three in ROTK. I know at least the "Scouring of the Shire" illustration is completely new in the 2024-2025 versions.

However, your point is taken and has certainly been referenced less directly in several threads. As far as text layout and number of pages of text, these two ARE identical. For reading, I actually prefer the slightly thinner and whiter paper that comes with the 2020 HC illustrated edition (and the 2025 WM version). However, the extra design elements in the 2024-2025 versions certainly make both of them "deluxe" versions. The 2020 HC and 2025 WM sets are incredibly high quality "standard" or "trade?" versions.

EmilK wrote:

For those who are a bit curious on how customs and package deliverires are handled in Sweden for more expensive items like this signed limited set (as we got some insights from the UK from the unboxing video), the usual procedure is [...]

I got that Shop app that HarperCollins recommends to use for tracking, and my package has arrived in Noord-Holland in Amsterdam and done through customs. It says on the tracking that custom duties payment have been recieved. Not sure who paid that (I did not). Probably the transport company that will then be offloaded to me once it reaches the Swedish customs. It left that location around 10 pm on Nov 14.

I have to admit that I am quite excited. I am most curious about if the book has problematic defects or not, how it smells, how the paper feel, getting to look at the old and new art and what number I got (which does not really matter at the end of the day, but fun thing to discover).

Urulókë wrote:

Thormin wrote:

How come I don't see many comments, or the good lads at tolkienguide youtube opening, highlighting that the quality is improved on paper and print, and silver gilded pages on all sides for longevity? And ofc the lack of fake leather. Seems to me the sentiment here is that these are the same books/different packaging. But really, they aren't truly the same, are they? It's just the same design, which makes it feel like we get the same books in a new packaging? If I'm mistaken, then feel free to enlighten me; I am new to deluxe books😄

We do mention in the unboxing video that we are fairly certain (given just minutes of time to compare, during that live unboxing) that the page block is identical - same printer, same paper, same ink. The boards are different, and the sprayed edges of course, but materially these are likely the same quality. If Trotter takes more time to investigate and compare and comes to a different conclusion, I am sure he will say something.

Well, then, if this truly is just the same thing, then what are the best editions to buy, apart from folio society? In terms of materials and finish😄

Thormin wrote:

Urulókë wrote:

Thormin wrote:

How come I don't see many comments, or the good lads at tolkienguide youtube opening, highlighting that the quality is improved on paper and print, and silver gilded pages on all sides for longevity? And ofc the lack of fake leather. Seems to me the sentiment here is that these are the same books/different packaging. But really, they aren't truly the same, are they? It's just the same design, which makes it feel like we get the same books in a new packaging? If I'm mistaken, then feel free to enlighten me; I am new to deluxe books😄

We do mention in the unboxing video that we are fairly certain (given just minutes of time to compare, during that live unboxing) that the page block is identical - same printer, same paper, same ink. The boards are different, and the sprayed edges of course, but materially these are likely the same quality. If Trotter takes more time to investigate and compare and comes to a different conclusion, I am sure he will say something.

Well, then, if this truly is just the same thing, then what are the best editions to buy, apart from folio society? In terms of materials and finish😄

If we exclude the box, just a matter of personal preference between the faux leather quarterbound and full cloth.

One might argue that the full cloth is more durable (no edge to fray, less questionmarks on longevity of the plasticisers).

I’d personally still argue for the 1992 trade as being better than either. Less images, but way better printing. For me, less done well is better than more done roughly, when it comes to plates.

At the end of the day, all personal choice.

I got the delivery email indicating that it will be delivered to my door before 18 CET today. Unfortunately, I will be away until 23:45, so I hope they put it at the closest proxy delegate for me to pick up tomorrow. 😅

The late Stu wrote:

Thormin wrote:

Urulókë wrote:

Thormin wrote:

How come I don't see many comments, or the good lads at tolkienguide youtube opening, highlighting that the quality is improved on paper and print, and silver gilded pages on all sides for longevity? And ofc the lack of fake leather. Seems to me the sentiment here is that these are the same books/different packaging. But really, they aren't truly the same, are they? It's just the same design, which makes it feel like we get the same books in a new packaging? If I'm mistaken, then feel free to enlighten me; I am new to deluxe books😄

We do mention in the unboxing video that we are fairly certain (given just minutes of time to compare, during that live unboxing) that the page block is identical - same printer, same paper, same ink. The boards are different, and the sprayed edges of course, but materially these are likely the same quality. If Trotter takes more time to investigate and compare and comes to a different conclusion, I am sure he will say something.

Well, then, if this truly is just the same thing, then what are the best editions to buy, apart from folio society? In terms of materials and finish😄

If we exclude the box, just a matter of personal preference between the faux leather quarterbound and full cloth.

One might argue that the full cloth is more durable (no edge to fray, less questionmarks on longevity of the plasticisers).

I’d personally still argue for the 1992 trade as being better than either. Less images, but way better printing. For me, less done well is better than more done roughly, when it comes to plates.

At the end of the day, all personal choice.

Exactly! One thing that annoys me (as someone to whom this set also feels very overpriced) is how some have talked this set down and belittled. I know the internet is a rough place, but if I had purchased this set, I would be a bit annoyed at some of the online discourse. I won't get it but I wouldn't want anyone to regret their purchase because of some of the criticism here.

The late Stu wrote:

Thormin wrote:

Urulókë wrote:

Thormin wrote:

How come I don't see many comments, or the good lads at tolkienguide youtube opening, highlighting that the quality is improved on paper and print, and silver gilded pages on all sides for longevity? And ofc the lack of fake leather. Seems to me the sentiment here is that these are the same books/different packaging. But really, they aren't truly the same, are they? It's just the same design, which makes it feel like we get the same books in a new packaging? If I'm mistaken, then feel free to enlighten me; I am new to deluxe books😄

We do mention in the unboxing video that we are fairly certain (given just minutes of time to compare, during that live unboxing) that the page block is identical - same printer, same paper, same ink. The boards are different, and the sprayed edges of course, but materially these are likely the same quality. If Trotter takes more time to investigate and compare and comes to a different conclusion, I am sure he will say something.

Well, then, if this truly is just the same thing, then what are the best editions to buy, apart from folio society? In terms of materials and finish😄

If we exclude the box, just a matter of personal preference between the faux leather quarterbound and full cloth.

One might argue that the full cloth is more durable (no edge to fray, less questionmarks on longevity of the plasticisers).

I’d personally still argue for the 1992 trade as being better than either. Less images, but way better printing. For me, less done well is better than more done roughly, when it comes to plates.

At the end of the day, all personal choice.

The lack of faux leather is a big point for me. Not because I consider it less premium than real leather, mind you, but precisely due to the longevity issue you pointed out: fake leather is essentialy plastic, and once/if the plasticizers are lost, it'll start to crack.

Besides that, to quote Marge Simpson: "I just think they're neat!". I mean, it's a limited edition, signed by Alan Lee (who apparently signs books all the time in the UK, but, well, I don't live in the UK), a nice design (the size on the folio edition makes me wary of damaging the slipcase and the leather spine, and it also looks a little gaudy with burgundy and blue) and a nice solander box (a little gimmicky, but I do like a good gimmick). All and all, it's a nice opportunity to get your hands on a special edition, methinks.

The package has now arrived at my local proxy delegate and is ready for pickup. Sadly, I am playing chess tonight, so I won’t get home before they close. This means that I need to wait until 06:00 tomorrow at the earliest to pick it up. 😢