I love your videos. While I especially enjoy the videos when you're happy with the book in question, the honest disappointment you express here is SO HELPFUL. Thank you for calling out Harper Collins for their quality control issues and informing reader like us. It is one of many reasons this is a wonderful channel.
Thank you for the honest review! They charge enough for the deluxe editions, so the books should be in absolute tiptop shape. Still waiting for mine to arrive. Btw James, something I'd enjoy: videos from you about upcoming books by or about Tolkien and their different editions, which one you'll order and/or recommend, what sets them apart, etc etc. But will enjoy any video you put out so do what you want and thank you for the effort 😊
I've been aware of the terrible quality control on the latest few Deluxe editions (including the latest Silmarillion release). It keeps surprising me how terrible things like this end up being for a big company and such expensive products
It is happening with every single release. And we are seeing the same kinds of issues again and again, with no sign Rotolito or HarperCollins care at all.
@@brewingbooks I feel like they realised how much we cared about his literary discography and how we would pay decent money for a nice book. This all feels like rushing quality control which is a real shame since a good, pristine deluxe collection is such a great thing to experience
I hope not all ones ive order except for this are deluxe, I just got the hardcover history of the hobbit from amazon only issue is the spine is damaged so they are sending a free replacement and donate other to charity, I open the hobbit deluxe and thats perfect a tiny scuff on page but thats fine
I just got the standard edition. I have to say I was equally disappointed by the paper quality - it has that cheap paperback book smell to it. However, no issues with printing, and the Ted Nasmith illustrated dust jacket wrapping around such a beast of a book is just gorgeous.
I have just started collecting the “Deluxe” versions of Tolkiens works. Your reviews have helped me to determine which are the editions are best to consider. Your opinions matter to me so your obvious disappointment in this edition matters. Thanks again for sharing your collection and new editions as you find time to make them.
Sorry to see the deterioration in quality continue. Even without the cover issues, the paper looks terrible. Anyway, I did not know this book existed. Can you please do a quick comparison of the content between this and the annotated Hobbit? It feels like it's a bit redundant
Man that's unfortunate sorry to see that James! I was contemplating getting this when I heard about it, but i do have the 2 volume set from 2007 of the history of the hobbit and decided against this one, I have been hearing that Harper Collins quality is on the decline as of late, disappointing indeed. I really hope the next copy is better!
I've never ordered any deluxe editions before, but I'll be on the lookout for stuff like this now. Hope they made it right for you and got you a better copy.
I agree. As soon as I saw all these fancy editions coming out I was like "No thank you. I have a perfectly good edition already. " Books are meant to be read and not placed on a shelf just to look pretty.
@@captivatednightshade1432 At the very least, the quality should be worth the money they are charging. I'd be so angry if I paid a bunch of money and it was a piece of trash. I'm hoping this was a one off printing error and not something they're doing with all of them. That's even worse!
I bought the standard hardback direct from HarperCollins and after they sent me three different ones, all damaged, I said just cancel the order. To be fair they did so and said I could keep the ones sent and refunded my payment. All were packed poorly and the majority of damage was done as the book was slid into the flimsy card mailer. I agree the paper quality is poor. Shame it's not like the LOTR companion by Hammond and Scull, a completely different quality. I have hard of Russian paper pulp supply chain issues. Perhaps this is a factor in the paper quality. Great review as always.
@@shanefarrell9241 I pine for the early days when Amazon only sold books and they shrink-wrapped all books ordered to an oversize piece of stiff cardboard fitted to a box with lots of air space all around that protected the books from shipping damage. These days, you're lucky if you get a token "air bag" thrown in as an afterthought.
Yesterday I received my Unfinished tales hardcover illustrated edition in the mail , unfortunately my dust jacket is ruined on corners and whoever packaged it left their dirty finger prints on the page ends .. not as disappointing as your deluxe hobbit !! Ide send it back mate !!
@@brewingbooks oh wow, I’ve been looking for this for ages and found nothing but just searched 19th sept and there it is, thanks! I’m in UK so it should be out here too
Someone on UA-cam showed that there was going to be a deluxe ed with leather slipcase and even showed a picture of it but I haven’t been able to find it anywhere. But it looks like there will be one. It was green leather bound and looked really nice. If I find it, I’ll come back and update this post.
Mine arrived and other than a couple of very minor print defects didn't have any production faults (though that it where the positive story ends). Boy, is that paper absolutely shocking for a deluxe. The original one volume trade edition has heavier (but thinner), better paper. The paper on this *smells* of cheap mass-market paperback. I'm pretty sure HarperCollins is gaslighting us at this point.
@@brewingbooks Unfortunately I spoke too soon, and when I inspected it more closely there were many pages in the 700 -800 range with numerous black ink spots (largest being 7mm across, albeit in the margin) with several obliterating letters. It appeared the printing problem was all in one of the signatures and the rest appeared clear. Returned and I won't replace unless a reprint at some point is better quality. It would be nice if Rotolito could simply get their printers to work, but they seem to have almost continuous issues with them. And I guess the bigger the book the more likely any given copy will include at least one signature that came off a printer that was malfunctioning.
I just received my copy and it arrived with no issues. The slip case is pretty tight but I can live with that. It’s a nice addition to my collection. My collectors Hobbit edition is still on preorder. Cheers
Well, I’m glad your copy had no issue 😃 The tight slipcase is something a few of my deluxe editions suffer from. But I agree, it’s not a major problem as long as the book slips in and out without damage 👍
@@jameswhite1450 I ended up settling for a partial refund and kept the book. It was too much hassle to send it back and have it replaced unfortunately …
Could you by any chance make a read order video for Tolkiens books but whit the books you use to read from, im very torn between buying deluxe books but they seem so big and not easy to read from, thank you in advance.
I am on my 16th exchange of the Lord of The Rings deluxe because of quality issues and I’m waiting for more stock in one of my three local stores to exchange it again. I hate that harpercollins just does not seem to care. I’m so disappointed. I just wish someone could get through to them to pressure them into buckling down on solving the problem or getting rid of rotolito.
Yikes - 16 exchanges?! I'm surprised they (whoever they are) are allowing you to do that. I've been reluctant to splurge on ANY high-end book editions because all publishers seem to be cutting corners lately!
Sorry James. I know as a collector how frustrating it is to receive a poor quality collectors piece. I hope they make it right for you with a better copy. On another note, I wish they would release more books signed by illustrators. Perhaps more Alan Lee?
So does this mean that this will be the last slipcased edition from this publisher that you'll get; since that they've been so terrible lately? That's why I stick with the standard edition tier
That is very disappointing sir. This is why I only collect Easton press leather bound editions. Never have I been disappointed with any of Easton press volumes and I have about 30 different titles. Look into those as they are around $80-$100 on average. Some editions can be quite spendy though......
Sorry that your book wasn't what you were expecting. ☹️ I hope you can get a better copy when you send it. By the way, did you preorder Tolkien's "The battle of Maldon: together with The Homecoming of Beorhtnoth" I can’t wait for my copy to come in.❤❤
Received my deluxe edition today. In better shape than yours, thankfully! Started reading it already, good stuff so,far. Will hopefully make me appreciate The Hobbit a bit more, which is the book by Tolkien I enjoy the least (although it's an excellent children's book). Anyway, hope you see my other comment about your views on upcoming Tokkien books 😊
@@brewingbooks Thank you! I had gotten the idea that the one volume edition had lost some of the content, but could not find any such info now. Maybe I got it mixed up with the Brief History of the Hobbit or something like that! I appeciate all your content, it really helps me understand newer tolkien editions!
I took a gamble on this when it became available at a third of the RRP. My copy has the same cheap paper, but thankfully none of the printing issues that you and others have reported. Definitely the weakest of the deluxe editions.
Yeah, that sucks. I'd return it for a refund and wait for a reprinting. "Time (and the market) cheapens all book publishing efforts." I might even ask how long it will be until physical books go the way of vinyl records due to the increasing use and utility of digital "printing"? On the other hand, perhaps this exact edition will fetch a mint in 30 years solely *because* of all those mistakes and cut corners!
Sounds like a very interesting book though I haven't heard of the author and wonder about his connection to the Tolkien estate that he has access to this material. Bummer about the poor qualities of the book itself! Anyway, thanks for another informative video.
I bought the Lord of the Rings Deluxe edition with the white cover. I wanted the display of the pages to be visible. I opened the book, and it was printed entirely 100% UPSIDE DOWN. The quality control of these books is really going downhill!!
This is just unacceptable. I have the standard edition of the LOTR Illustrated by the Author and the Deluxe Edition, and I can honestly say that the standard edition, which is much cheaper, is far better! I don’t understand why. It doesn’t make any sense at all to me.
Another garbage deluxe edition from Rotolito/HarperCollins. Slightly worse then I expected, though my expectations were incredibly low. The cheap paperback paper is even worse than I ever could have expected they would try and shoehorn into a deluxe.
@@brewingbooks I really think HarperCollins should hold off the deluxe editions if they can't source adequate materials and print/bind them properly. They are destroying any reputation they have left by releasing a parade of expensive low-quality deluxe editions. It is very disappointing that they just don't seem able or willing to produce a good product. They have always been hit and miss, but it is pretty much miss after miss at this point. My last four deluxe editions have been defective (and substandard even ignoring the defects). I didn't even bother replacing the recent Silmarillion as it was clear they were all going to have the same issues. With the LoTR I accepted the second though it had various faults (but at least no folded pages). FoN had a split folded page and the next copy (one of the signed ones) had a "gilt" splat on the front board. When every book arrives faulty, you know it isn't just bad luck. They should have waited to produce this one until they could do a better job of it, given it is an important work.
Hi there, it actually contains unpublished drafts from the novel, and it’s more of a study. So if it’s not something you’re particularly after, I would suggest skipping this book altogether.
![[LOTR] The Complete History of Arda and Middle-earth](/img/n.gif)
I love your videos. While I especially enjoy the videos when you're happy with the book in question, the honest disappointment you express here is SO HELPFUL. Thank you for calling out Harper Collins for their quality control issues and informing reader like us. It is one of many reasons this is a wonderful channel.
Thanks 🙂
Thank you for the honest review! They charge enough for the deluxe editions, so the books should be in absolute tiptop shape. Still waiting for mine to arrive.
Btw James, something I'd enjoy: videos from you about upcoming books by or about Tolkien and their different editions, which one you'll order and/or recommend, what sets them apart, etc etc. But will enjoy any video you put out so do what you want and thank you for the effort 😊
I've been aware of the terrible quality control on the latest few Deluxe editions (including the latest Silmarillion release). It keeps surprising me how terrible things like this end up being for a big company and such expensive products
It is happening with every single release. And we are seeing the same kinds of issues again and again, with no sign Rotolito or HarperCollins care at all.
That’s very unfortunate …
I’d be interested to know why there’s this marked difference in quality over the last few years especially …
@@brewingbooks I feel like they realised how much we cared about his literary discography and how we would pay decent money for a nice book. This all feels like rushing quality control which is a real shame since a good, pristine deluxe collection is such a great thing to experience
I hope not all ones ive order except for this are deluxe, I just got the hardcover history of the hobbit from amazon only issue is the spine is damaged so they are sending a free replacement and donate other to charity, I open the hobbit deluxe and thats perfect a tiny scuff on page but thats fine
About gold misprints, you can say "It's a reference to the Lonely Mountain" 😅
I just got the standard edition. I have to say I was equally disappointed by the paper quality - it has that cheap paperback book smell to it. However, no issues with printing, and the Ted Nasmith illustrated dust jacket wrapping around such a beast of a book is just gorgeous.
Does it have the white thick paper or yellow? I'm wondering if I should purchase one
I have just started collecting the “Deluxe” versions of Tolkiens works. Your reviews have helped me to determine which are the editions are best to consider. Your opinions matter to me so your obvious disappointment in this edition matters. Thanks again for sharing your collection and new editions as you find time to make them.
Oh wow! Thank you so much 😁
Sorry to see the deterioration in quality continue. Even without the cover issues, the paper looks terrible. Anyway, I did not know this book existed. Can you please do a quick comparison of the content between this and the annotated Hobbit? It feels like it's a bit redundant
Man that's unfortunate sorry to see that James! I was contemplating getting this when I heard about it, but i do have the 2 volume set from 2007 of the history of the hobbit and decided against this one, I have been hearing that Harper Collins quality is on the decline as of late, disappointing indeed. I really hope the next copy is better!
I've never ordered any deluxe editions before, but I'll be on the lookout for stuff like this now. Hope they made it right for you and got you a better copy.
At this point, all these zillion editions are just cash grabs. I'm turned off by it all.
I agree. As soon as I saw all these fancy editions coming out I was like "No thank you. I have a perfectly good edition already. " Books are meant to be read and not placed on a shelf just to look pretty.
@@captivatednightshade1432 At the very least, the quality should be worth the money they are charging. I'd be so angry if I paid a bunch of money and it was a piece of trash. I'm hoping this was a one off printing error and not something they're doing with all of them. That's even worse!
I think the extra content is very nice, but I definitely wish it was available in more affordable editions and not just in these exclusive ones.
I bought the standard hardback direct from HarperCollins and after they sent me three different ones, all damaged, I said just cancel the order. To be fair they did so and said I could keep the ones sent and refunded my payment. All were packed poorly and the majority of damage was done as the book was slid into the flimsy card mailer. I agree the paper quality is poor. Shame it's not like the LOTR companion by Hammond and Scull, a completely different quality. I have hard of Russian paper pulp supply chain issues. Perhaps this is a factor in the paper quality.
Great review as always.
@@shanefarrell9241 I pine for the early days when Amazon only sold books and they shrink-wrapped all books ordered to an oversize piece of stiff cardboard fitted to a box with lots of air space all around that protected the books from shipping damage. These days, you're lucky if you get a token "air bag" thrown in as an afterthought.
Yesterday I received my Unfinished tales hardcover illustrated edition in the mail , unfortunately my dust jacket is ruined on corners and whoever packaged it left their dirty finger prints on the page ends .. not as disappointing as your deluxe hobbit !! Ide send it back mate !!
Sorry to hear that! As for this copy of History of Hobbit, yes it’s being returned shortly 👍
I’m hoping they release an illustrated deluxe edition of The Hobbit to go alongside the LOTR and Silmarillion version.
Same. That would be awesome!
Actually there is a planned September 19 release of exactly just that. At least in the US so far.
@@brewingbooks oh wow, I’ve been looking for this for ages and found nothing but just searched 19th sept and there it is, thanks! I’m in UK so it should be out here too
@@brewingbooks I can only find the standard illustrated version. Do you know if there’s going to be a deluxe version with the slipcase?
Someone on UA-cam showed that there was going to be a deluxe ed with leather slipcase and even showed a picture of it but I haven’t been able to find it anywhere. But it looks like there will be one. It was green leather bound and looked really nice. If I find it, I’ll come back and update this post.
Mine arrived and other than a couple of very minor print defects didn't have any production faults (though that it where the positive story ends). Boy, is that paper absolutely shocking for a deluxe. The original one volume trade edition has heavier (but thinner), better paper. The paper on this *smells* of cheap mass-market paperback. I'm pretty sure HarperCollins is gaslighting us at this point.
Glad to hear yours had no major issues, but yes the paper is horrible 🙁
@@brewingbooks Unfortunately I spoke too soon, and when I inspected it more closely there were many pages in the 700 -800 range with numerous black ink spots (largest being 7mm across, albeit in the margin) with several obliterating letters. It appeared the printing problem was all in one of the signatures and the rest appeared clear. Returned and I won't replace unless a reprint at some point is better quality. It would be nice if Rotolito could simply get their printers to work, but they seem to have almost continuous issues with them. And I guess the bigger the book the more likely any given copy will include at least one signature that came off a printer that was malfunctioning.
I'm more disappointed with the paper they chose.
It looks like recycled paper.
I just received my copy and it arrived with no issues. The slip case is pretty tight but I can live with that. It’s a nice addition to my collection.
My collectors Hobbit edition is still on preorder.
Cheers
Well, I’m glad your copy had no issue 😃 The tight slipcase is something a few of my deluxe editions suffer from. But I agree, it’s not a major problem as long as the book slips in and out without damage 👍
@@brewingbooks did you replace your copy? I find the book feels light. It's not a bad book but its not what i would call a collectors edition. imho.
@@jameswhite1450 I ended up settling for a partial refund and kept the book. It was too much hassle to send it back and have it replaced unfortunately …
@@brewingbooks I can imagine. I read that they are changing printers, I don’t know that for a fact, just something I heard.
@@jameswhite1450 “Changing printers”? 🤔To quote Gandalf from the first Hobbit film … “I think that would be wise” 🧙♂️
James, I just got mine. Luckily, mine does not appear to have the issues yours had. I hope you can return it for a better one.
That’s fantastic! Glad to issues with your copy 🙂
Could you by any chance make a read order video for Tolkiens books but whit the books you use to read from, im very torn between buying deluxe books but they seem so big and not easy to read from, thank you in advance.
thanks for sharing
James, You need to send this book back for a replacement, very disappointed that it was sent out in this state.
Indeed … I’m hoping to get in touch with the publishers shortly. Let’s hope for the best 👍
I am on my 16th exchange of the Lord of The Rings deluxe because of quality issues and I’m waiting for more stock in one of my three local stores to exchange it again. I hate that harpercollins just does not seem to care. I’m so disappointed. I just wish someone could get through to them to pressure them into buckling down on solving the problem or getting rid of rotolito.
Yikes - 16 exchanges?! I'm surprised they (whoever they are) are allowing you to do that. I've been reluctant to splurge on ANY high-end book editions because all publishers seem to be cutting corners lately!
.....maybe don't try and get it? Like...at this point a bad product is a bad product.
16th? I would've given them the finger and moved on long ago.
Sorry James. I know as a collector how frustrating it is to receive a poor quality collectors piece. I hope they make it right for you with a better copy. On another note, I wish they would release more books signed by illustrators. Perhaps more Alan Lee?
Pretty much any new release with Alan Lee content can be found signed at the time of release. He is a prolific signer!
He is indeed 😄
Many thanks 🙂
I have a preorder of this book that’s not due out till May 30th. I’m hoping I don’t run into your issues.
Best of luck!
What a bummer.
Have you been able to return it for another one?
Ah well what a shame! Nonetheless, good video. Didn't know that book existed.
well, that's disappointing... I think I'll be waiting for the paperback edition instead.
That’s the best option. Or perhaps the standard hardback
So does this mean that this will be the last slipcased edition from this publisher that you'll get; since that they've been so terrible lately?
That's why I stick with the standard edition tier
I don’t think it will be the last slipcase edition I get but the decline in quality is a worrisome thing to be honest …
That is very disappointing sir. This is why I only collect Easton press leather bound editions. Never have I been disappointed with any of Easton press volumes and I have about 30 different titles. Look into those as they are around $80-$100 on average. Some editions can be quite spendy though......
I’ll certainly be checking out some Easton editions next. Thanks!
Sorry that your book wasn't what you were expecting. ☹️ I hope you can get a better copy when you send it.
By the way, did you preorder Tolkien's "The battle of Maldon: together with The Homecoming of Beorhtnoth" I can’t wait for my copy to come in.❤❤
The standard hardback edition is much better value if anyone is looking to get this edition.
Thanks for the heads-up 🙂
Received my deluxe edition today. In better shape than yours, thankfully! Started reading it already, good stuff so,far. Will hopefully make me appreciate The Hobbit a bit more, which is the book by Tolkien I enjoy the least (although it's an excellent children's book).
Anyway, hope you see my other comment about your views on upcoming Tokkien books 😊
That’s great to hear you did not have any issues with your copy 👍
Does any one know if there is any difference in the material for the original two volume edition in compairison to the one volume edition?
In essence it is the same - except for the single volume difference 👍
@@brewingbooks Thank you! I had gotten the idea that the one volume edition had lost some of the content, but could not find any such info now. Maybe I got it mixed up with the Brief History of the Hobbit or something like that!
I appeciate all your content, it really helps me understand newer tolkien editions!
@@horrudu4081It is the other way around. One volume release has more content than old two volume release.
I took a gamble on this when it became available at a third of the RRP. My copy has the same cheap paper, but thankfully none of the printing issues that you and others have reported. Definitely the weakest of the deluxe editions.
Well that’s good news! I’m glad you haven’t found any issues. Enjoy! 😃
You could return and change
I could, but it’s something that shouldn’t really happen. Especially at that price 😅
Yeah, that sucks. I'd return it for a refund and wait for a reprinting. "Time (and the market) cheapens all book publishing efforts." I might even ask how long it will be until physical books go the way of vinyl records due to the increasing use and utility of digital "printing"?
On the other hand, perhaps this exact edition will fetch a mint in 30 years solely *because* of all those mistakes and cut corners!
Mmm who knows…. I guess Time will tell 😕
Sounds like a very interesting book though I haven't heard of the author and wonder about his connection to the Tolkien estate that he has access to this material.
Bummer about the poor qualities of the book itself!
Anyway, thanks for another informative video.
The book itself is very good. John Rateliff was selected by Christopher Tolkien for the task. This edition is just a reprint.
As Stu commented, Rateliff is a Tolkien scholar with great expertise in the field. It’s a shame they reprinted his book in this way.
No greater honour than to be asked by Christopher Tolkien himself for the task 👍
Well that's rather sad.
I bought the Lord of the Rings Deluxe edition with the white cover. I wanted the display of the pages to be visible. I opened the book, and it was printed entirely 100% UPSIDE DOWN. The quality control of these books is really going downhill!!
Oh! Did you manage to return it in exchange for a (hopefully) better copy?
This is just unacceptable. I have the standard edition of the LOTR Illustrated by the Author and the Deluxe Edition, and I can honestly say that the standard edition, which is much cheaper, is far better!
I don’t understand why. It doesn’t make any sense at all to me.
It’s becoming a mystery tbh … the low quality production is starting to become quite apparent in recent releases.
Yikes, that’s terribly disappointing
Wow that is straight trash. Thanks for pointing this out.
I’d say this particular copy had this issue but it won’t necessarily mean that all copies will have these same problems 🙂
Another garbage deluxe edition from Rotolito/HarperCollins. Slightly worse then I expected, though my expectations were incredibly low. The cheap paperback paper is even worse than I ever could have expected they would try and shoehorn into a deluxe.
Even worse? Wow that’s a shame …
@@brewingbooks I really think HarperCollins should hold off the deluxe editions if they can't source adequate materials and print/bind them properly. They are destroying any reputation they have left by releasing a parade of expensive low-quality deluxe editions. It is very disappointing that they just don't seem able or willing to produce a good product. They have always been hit and miss, but it is pretty much miss after miss at this point. My last four deluxe editions have been defective (and substandard even ignoring the defects). I didn't even bother replacing the recent Silmarillion as it was clear they were all going to have the same issues. With the LoTR I accepted the second though it had various faults (but at least no folded pages). FoN had a split folded page and the next copy (one of the signed ones) had a "gilt" splat on the front board. When every book arrives faulty, you know it isn't just bad luck.
They should have waited to produce this one until they could do a better job of it, given it is an important work.
Not what I wanted to hear...still waiting on mine to arrive. Crossing my fingers.
Let us know how it turns out.
Agreed 👍
Best of luck!
Does it actually have the story of the hobbit in this book? Hell no
Hi there, it actually contains unpublished drafts from the novel, and it’s more of a study. So if it’s not something you’re particularly after, I would suggest skipping this book altogether.