Tolkien Collectible Book Sets Are Up For Preorder – Myths, Legends, Tales Of Middle-earth

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Enthusiasts of J.R.R. Tolkien’s works will have two stunning hardcover book box sets to choose from, starting June 10 with the release of the Tolkien Myths and Legends Box Set. This collection includes lesser-known pieces and translations of classic English literature, adding depth to any Tolkien fan’s library.

On August 19, a new edition of The Great Tales of Middle-earth will be released, featuring the last three prose novels set in Tolkien’s beloved fantasy realm. These exquisite hardcover box sets are the fifth and sixth installments in a series that began with The History of Middle-earth, published as a four-part collection by William Morrow last year. Both sets boast beautiful cover art and display cases, making them perfect additions to any Tolkien enthusiast’s collection.

The History of Middle-earth Hardcover Box Sets (2024)

  • The History of Middle-earth Hardcover Box Set 1 (4 Books) — $63.37 ($125)
  • The History of Middle-earth Hardcover Box Set 2 (3 Books) — $57.18 ($100)
  • The History of Middle-earth Hardcover Box Set 3 (4 Books) — $73.60 ($125)
  • The History of Middle-earth Hardcover Box Set 4 (4 Books) — $68 ($125)
  • The Complete History of Middle-earth Hardcover Box Set (3 Books) — $138 ($250)
  • The History of Middle-earth Paperback Box Set (5 Books) — $28 ($50)

Over a period spanning 14 years, from 1983 to 1996, J.R.R. Tolkien published The History of Middle-earth in parts. Throughout this time, while crafting his fantasy universe, he diligently jotted down notes, developing the rich history of Middle-earth across three different eras and over 6,500 years. One might say that the author’s unwavering commitment to creating the setting for two iconic fantasy novels made Middle-earth the most authentic character that Tolkien conjured up. His mythopoeic writings culminated in what is generally known as Tolkien’s legendarium.

After J.R.R. Tolkien’s passing in 1973, his extensive lore about Middle-earth was yet to be published. Over the ensuing years, his son and literary representative, Christopher Tolkien, undertook a challenging task: editing, expanding, and compiling the mythos into books suitable for publication. This compilation eventually grew into a 12-volume set named “The History of Middle-earth”.

Although The Silmarillion is currently found in recent editions as the first book in new box sets, it was initially published separately in 1977. Had J.R.R. Tolkien had his way, The Silmarillion would have been published after The Hobbit. However, when his publisher declined the manuscript, he shifted focus to the tale that eventually became The Lord of the Rings.

Over time, he consistently revised and added to The Silmarillion. Early sketches and side stories written during manuscript revisions were vital elements in his legendarium. As a result, The History of Middle-earth, in part, highlights Tolkien’s evolution as a world creator. This is why The Silmarillion serves as the initial volume in The History of Middle-earth. To fully appreciate the extensive character exploration set in Middle-earth, it’s advisable to delve into the interconnected myths found within The Silmarillion.

As a devoted fan, I’m thrilled to share that in preparation for the 2024 hardcover box set releases, publisher William Morrow has thoughtfully restructured J.R.R. Tolkien’s “The History of Middle-earth” into a comprehensive collection of 15 individual books, complete with an indispensable Index. This series is no small feat, spanning an impressive 5,328 pages across its 15 volumes. If you’re as excited as I am, you’ll be pleased to know that you can grab all four box sets from Amazon for just $262 (originally $475), saving you a substantial $200!

Take a look at the four Middle-earth box sets from 2024 as shown below. Instead of the 15-book compilation, you might consider the heavy three-volume hardcover set that was released in 2020. With a total of 5,440 pages – approximately 1,800 pages per book – The Complete History of Middle-earth Box Set is an understated yet brilliantly designed trio of hardcovers available for $138 (originally priced at $250). To get a taste of the series, there’s also a five-book paperback box set for just $28 (was previously $50).

More J.R.R. Tolkien Book Box Sets

William Morrow’s new hardcover box sets with reversible covers aren’t the only impressive Tolkien collections worth exploring. Over the years, The Lord of the Rings has seen numerous box set releases, such as a top-quality premium edition last fall. Notably, The Lord of the Rings: Deluxe Illustrated Box Set is a remastered version of the beloved 1992 set featuring Alan Lee’s illustrations. Boasting over 50 new drawings and paintings, silver-stamped covers, and hybrid cloth-leather bindings, these editions are truly visually stunning. The foil-stamped clothboard display case contains all three parts of The Lord of the Rings, along with three exclusive art cards and two foldout maps by Christopher Tolkien.

The lavishly illustrated box set of Lord of the Rings debuted at a staggering $325, however, Amazon presently offers it for $146, which represents a significant reduction of 55%, or $179.

Apart from The Deluxe Illustrated Box Set, there were other Lord of the Rings collectibles launched last year. Specifically, William Morrow published more affordable Collector’s Editions of The Fellowship of the Ring, The Two Towers, The Return of the King, The Hobbit, and The Silmarillion. Later, these three parts of Lord of the Rings were gathered in a single attractive Collector’s Edition Box Set. Each book in this hardcover Collector’s Edition series features stained edges, foil-stamped cover art, a ribbon bookmark, and maps as endpapers. You can purchase any of these five Collector’s Editions individually for approximately $20 or less each.

  • The Lord of the Rings: Deluxe Illustrated Hardcover Box Set (3 Books) — $146 ($325)
  • The Lord of the Rings Collector’s Edition Box Set — $49.45 ($105)
  • The Collected Poems of J.R.R. Tolkien: 3-Volume Box Set — $68.70 ($125)
  • The Hobbit & Lord of the Rings: Illustrated Hardcover Box Set (3 Books) — $87
  • LOTR + The Hobbit Leatherette Pocket Set (4 Books) — $35 ($60)
  • Lord of the Rings Trade Paperback Box Set (3 Books) — $25.78 ($48)
  • LOTR + The Hobbit Trade Paperback Box Set (4 Books) — $38 ($70)
  • LOTR + The Hobbit Mass Market Paperback Box Set (4 Books) — $16.58 ($36)
  • Tolkien Fantasy Tales Paperback Box Set (5 Books) — $27 ($36)
  • The Tolkien Treasury Hardcover Box Set (4 Books) — $38.50
  • Tolkien Myths and Legends Hardcover Box Set (4 Books) — $125 | Releases June 10
  • The Great Tales of Middle-earth Hardcover Box Set (2025) (3 Books) — $125 | Releases August 19
  • The Great Tales of Middle-earth Hardcover Box Set (2018) (3 Books) — $50 ($100)
  • 2024 Tolkien Collector’s Editions
    • The Lord of the Rings Collector’s Edition Box Set — $49.45 ($105)
    • The Fellow of the Ring Collector’s Edition — $22.50 ($35)
    • The Two Towers Collector’s Edition — $18 ($35)
    • The Return of the King Collector’s Edition — $21.47 ($35)
    • The Hobbit Collector’s Edition — $15.06 ($35)
    • The Silmarillion Collector’s Edition — $20.42 ($35)

The Lord of the Rings, The Hobbit, The Silmarillion – Illustrated by Tolkien

It’s important to note that while they aren’t box sets, the Tolkien Illustrated Editions are certainly worth mentioning when discussing collectible versions of Tolkien’s epic works. These exquisite hardcover books contain drawings, sketches, and paintings created by Tolkien as he crafted Middle-earth with his words. Each book boasts a foil-stamped cover, pages edged with elvish script, a ribbon bookmark, and two removable maps for easy navigation.

Premium Limited Edition Illustrated Copies of J.R.R. Tolkien’s works, including The Silmarillion, The Hobbit, and The Lord of the Rings, come with cloth-covered hardcovers featuring a quarter leather binding, slipcases made from fabric, an art card, and an accompanying illustrated booklet.

  • Tolkien Illustrated Edition Series
  • The Silmarillion (Tolkien Illustrated Edition) — $32 ($75)
  • The Hobbit (Tolkien Illustrated Edition) — $41 ($75)
  • The Lord of the Rings (Tolkien Illustrated Edition) — $47.49 ($90)
  • Tolkien Illustrated Deluxe Special Editions
  • The Silmarillion: Tolkien Illustrated Deluxe Special Edition — $93.46 ($195)
  • The Hobbit: Tolkien Illustrated Deluxe Special Edition — $126.39 ($195)
  • The Lord of the Rings: Tolkien Illustrated Deluxe Special Edition — $118.89 ($250)

More Tolkien Book Deals

Below you’ll find offers featuring various editions of The Lord of the Rings, The Hobbit, The Silmarillion, and other titles. Notably, The Silmarillion Collector’s Edition, released in 2021, makes a great match with the grand Illustrated Box Set of The Lord of the Rings. This luxurious, leather-bound edition sports a foil stamp, comes with a custom slipcase and accompanying artwork, and includes a set of two full-color posters.

  • The Lord of the Rings 50th Anniversary Edition (Paperback) — $18 ($35)
  • The Lord of the Rings: 50th Anniversary Edition (Hardcover) — $23 ($38)
  • The Lord of the Rings Deluxe Edition (Leatherette Omnibus) — $25 ($40)
  • The Hobbit (Hardcover) — $12 ($20)
  • The Hobbit: Illustrated Edition (Hardcover) — $19 ($40)
  • The Hobbit: Facsimile Gift Edition (Hardcover) — $55
  • The Silmarillion (Paperback) — $11.49 ($18)
  • The Silmarillion (Hardcover) — $17.43 ($30)
  • The Silmarillion Special Edition (Hardcover) — $89.64 ($106) | Limited to 4,000 copies
  • The Children of Hurin (Paperback) — $10.70 ($19)
  • The Children of Hurin (Hardcover) — $14 ($35)
  • Beren and Lúthien (Paperback) — $13.69 ($19)
  • Beren and Lúthien (Hardcover) — $22.50 ($35)
  • The Fall of Gondolin (Paperback) — $11.69 ($19)
  • The Fall of Gondolin (Hardcover) — $14.41 ($35)
  • The Fall of Númenor (Paperback) — $12 ($22)
  • The Fall of Númenor (Hardcover) — $23 ($40)
  • Pictures by J.R.R. Tolkien — $19 ($35)
  • Unfinished Tales Illustrated Edition — $24 ($38)

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2025-05-24 05:40