Seller doesn't know what a "clamshell" case is either.

My problem with these prices is the idea that something being uncommon should make it valuable. I mean, really, what is special about these 1991 boxed sets? The book jackets themselves are really quite nice (but those can still be had at a sane price). I was happy to collect my set at the price I paid, but otherwise, I just don't see how anyone would want something like this at this kind of price. The most expensive book I have ever bought (the Nasmith/CT signed deluxe Sil) only cost me fractionally more - and I thought that was absurd. I mean, my jacketed '46 Hobbit cost me less. My unjacketed '42 Children's Book Club Hobbit cost a LOT less.

Stu wrote:

My problem with these prices is the idea that something being uncommon should make it valuable. I mean, really, what is special about these 1991 boxed sets? The book jackets themselves are really quite nice (but those can still be had at a sane price). I was happy to collect my set at the price I paid, but otherwise, I just don't see how anyone would want something like this at this kind of price. The most expensive book I have ever bought (the Nasmith/CT signed deluxe Sil) only cost me fractionally more - and I thought that was absurd. I mean, my jacketed '46 Hobbit cost me less. My unjacketed '42 Children's Book Club Hobbit cost a LOT less.

I was about to write something similar. To my beginner's eyes, it doesn't look so special. Sure, it looks nice, but I'd much rather spend $50-100 on another book, Tolkien or not. But $500+? I hope I never bid against this person!

My concern, honestly, is that these just aren't very good books. I'm reasonably confident in the long life of most GA&U editions. Most. But early HC editions can become quite brittle in the binding. I can almost hear some of them falling apart a little bit more, every time I open them. The price is almost comical. I really worry someone thinks this is worth £500+. It looks a bit careless even; like throwing money around. But, maybe it's a experienced collector & this is just one of these sets they've never been able to get hold of...

It's in great shape, I have a 1st and Last and it's in better condition than either.

Interesting printing error on this one.