I have I think the full set of HarperCollins "deluxe" releases from 2004-present, agree they are in general tight spines. The only one that lays reasonably flat is the deluxe 50th anniversary LOTR (9780007182367).

rosshm16 wrote:

I have I think the full set of HarperCollins "deluxe" releases from 2004-present, agree they are in general tight spines. The only one that lays reasonably flat is the deluxe 50th anniversary LOTR (9780007182367).

rosshm16 That 50th Anniversary is still being sold. As a new collector, is that 50th deluxe LOTR a winner? It's not particularly cheap and much later printings (16th impression on Blackwell's, IIRC), but is it a copy worthy of a collection starting in 2025?

It’s a very readable edition as far as “deluxe” editions go. Mine is a later printing (RR Donnelley) and has a bulge down the spine that annoys me.

No illustrations.

A video I made

Tolkien Unfinished Tales illustrated (HarperCollins) comparison of 5th and 6th impressions

The 5th impression (Dubai) commonly sold in high street bookstores has a really stiff binding which makes it impossible for the pages to stay open. The 6th printing (India) by comparison has a super flexible binding which allows the pages to lay flat. The paper quality also appears to be better on the 6th impression.