The next question is, what is you favorite release of the Silmarillion? We need a showcase of your Tolkien collection!

Looks like an illustrated version of the Hobbit has been announced for the end of the year. No word on the leather deluxe version, but there’s no way they’re not doing it.

Awesome review! I definitely need one of those copies!

With regarding the Deluxe ,quarter leather bound the Silmarillion, I would urge caution when handling the spine of the book , as both my original copy and the copy direct from Harper Collins , both had the silver printing rubbing off the spine .

Great video. I bought the premium edition from my local bookstore, but 3 weeks ago I ordered the deluxe version online as well (for 60 euro less than in any other store so I could not resist). Got a used book from Amazon instead of a new one (delivery took 2 weeks despide claim that it was in stock), had to send it back, waiting now for a replacement. Same happend with my LotR Deluxe, got a damaged warehouse book with first delivery, replacement was in great condition though. Really don't like buying books from amazon, packaging is always horrible as well, but since the price difference is that much my alternative would be to not buy the deluxe version at all...

Great comparison video, especially to last years LOTR versions. Thanks!!!!

Thanks for the reviews! Are these editions still holding up for you, specifically the lettering on the spine and the fibres on the cloth cover coming loose\separating? Was a little nervous to purchase when I was planning on reading this copy.

Yes you are correct, the hobbit edition will be green and released on 14 September 2023. Amazon UK has the information, at the moment it’s not available at Tolkien bookstore only Amazon UK for now.

Craig, I greatly enjoyed your presentation- you’ve certainly set the standard for excellence in what a physical book review should contain. Without knowing it even existed I randomly stumbled across the lesser premium edition of The Silmarillion and was impressive s enough with its heft and quality of construction that I bought it immediately. My original Silmarillion hardback is from the 1970s (I was just a kid back then) and that edition feels light and pulpy compared to this new edition, which I am eager to dive into for the joy of both the tale and the physical aspects of the book. Keep up the good work.

Thanks indeed for this Silmarillion review 👌

Great presentation.

Thanks for this Craig! I didn’t realize there was an ultra premium LOTR. I bought the premium one. Now I’m torn. 😂

In my Tolkien Library, I currently FOUR different editions of The Silmarillion - the original 1977 hardcover (First Edition), the 1998 edition illustrated by Ted Nasmith, the 2021 slipcovered Deluxe Edition also illustrated by Ted Nasmith (with additional illustrations), and the 2022 Illustrated by the Author Deluxe Edition that you show in the video. Like you, I'm also eagerly waiting to see if they give The Hobbit the same treatment (they'd better - just shut up and take my money). I'm also hoping they do the binding and slipcover in green. Not only to match the color scheme of the Extended Edition DVDs, but also because the front door of Bag End is painted green. Similarly, I have multiple editions of The Hobbit (4) and LoTR (5). It's a disease.

New subscriber great review! How do I sign up for the book giveaway?

Which one holds out better for continuous reading?

These editions are no longer $40 and $135. The deluxe edition is now $65 brand new, and the collector’s edition is $195 brand new from my findings.

As a viewer of both The Legendarium and Gerald Undone, I sometimes wonder if they are the same person. Similar appearance, voice, demeanor, and deep knowledge-albeit in very different areas.

What is the name of the set at the end of the video, may I ask?

As we see by now, The Hobbit will be green and if you arrange them by first publication the three will match the DVDs.

Silmilarities

Wow

Binding same as all other UK Tolkien hardcovers I have. Just relax binding. Bookmark ribbon is the same, does not feel cheap. Separate book for Deluxe is fine, fits in slipcase fine. I disagree with many of your comments. I've owned both for weeks now, and read through both, looking through all illustrations.

Lol I accidentally bought both of them haha

They won't do the hobbit because the catch with these is new illustrations by the author where in the hobbit the author already had his illustrations in the hobbit