Wayne G. Hammond and Christina Scull (eds), The Lord of the Rings: A Reader's Companion, pp. xxxix, xl An extraordinary work -- pure excitement." -- New York Times Book ReviewOne Ring to rule them all, One Ring to find them, One Ring to bring them all and in the darkness bind them J.R.R. Tolkien (1892-1973), beloved throughout the world as the creator of The Hobbit, The Lord of the Rings, and The Silmarillion, was a professor of Anglo-Saxon at Oxford, a fellow of Pembroke College, and a fellow of Merton College until his retirement in 1959. His chief interest was in the linguistic aspects of the early English written tradition, but while he studied classic works of the past, he was creating a set of his own.

By the way I would also like to buy the books "The Hobbit" and "The Silmarillion" of similar design. Can you recommend the following one listed below?This new edition is housed in a special transparent slipcase and includes a brand new setting that features the definitive 50th anniversary text, which together with Alan’s beautiful paintings provides the reader with the ultimate edition with which to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the work’s first publication. The Lord of the Rings 60th Anniversary edition illustrated by Alan Lee David Brawn, the publishing director of Harper Collins, says "Alan has scanned all the original paintings. The reproductions in all earlier editions have been sourced from transparencies of the paintings, but now Alan has scanned them all, we have been able to reproduce the original colours and wring every last detail out of the pictures. I think some people will be surprised at how much extra detail can now be seen." J.R.R. Tolkien’s complete artwork for The Hobbit, presented for the first time in celebration of the 75th anniversary

This special 50th anniversary edition includes three volumes of The Lord of the Rings ( The Fellowship of the Ring, The Two Towers, and The Return of the King), along with an extensive new index—a must-own tome for old and new Tolkien readers alike . Now another big factor is whether to get hardcovers of the three books or go for a 3-in-1 edition. I know LOTR was intended to be seen as one work/book (I know, there's debate) but I'm trying to think practically. While it might be even more impressive to have them all in one, nice volume, that could also prove unweildly or uncomfortable for reading and bringing places, and I know my sister travels with books on her person all the time when she's reading one. So I believe I've narrowed down a good selection of options, but if you could give some advice on which one is best, other options I hadn't considered, etc, it would be very much appreciated! While I am willing to 'shell out' please also consider that I would not like to get anything criminally expensive, and value should be factored as well! For many, it is a book like no other, to be read and reread, discussed and treasured." Los Angeles Times This special 50th anniversary edition includes three volumes of The Lord of the Rings (The Fellowship of the Ring, The Two Towers, and The Return of the King), along with an extensive new index—a must-own tome for old and new Tolkien readers alike.In addition I also read that when comparing the books people are talking mostly of the first copies printed. Can anyone let me know what the quality is between the two editions available today?