[EE]

Hi there all of you nice forumists. (and the rest of you (; )

As I have read my original LOTR paperbacks to dust, I am in desperate need of getting hold of the BEST and most beautifully illustrated edition of the Lord of the Rings trilogy. I would presume that Alan Lee is the illustrator who does Tolkien best, however, I might be wrong... (it has happened, on occasion (; )

I would very much appreciate any good tips on what edition to buy!

Thanks,
EE

[StoneBurner]

Robert Jordan does a great cover of Lord of the Rings http://www.sffworld.com/ubb/smile.gif

[Hobbit]

There are so many!

Are we looking at HB or paperback here?

Alan Lee has the honour of being chosen by the Tolkien family to illustrate both the Hobbit and LotR in their anniversary editions. Though I do like his work, I prefer Ted Naismith's work overall I think, who illustrated the Silmarillion anniversary edition.

There are some UK copies just released in PB - black and very understated.

You could always go for the series that uses Tolkien original drawings on their covers, though there are no other real paintings inside once you get past those.

If you want a book with lots of pictures IMHO go for the Alan Lee book. It's heavy though, and you might find the pictures in your head are better. I did feel that some of the pictures did not match what I thought of as I read the book.

Hobbit

[SusF]

The version of hardbacks I have are the second edition hardbacks with Tolkein's art on the cover and fold up maps in the back. There are no more pictures than that.

I prefer NOT to have illustrations, because I like to "see" it for myself. Tolkein is such a descriptive writer that it's a pleasure to imagine his settings.

Susan

[jbcohen]

Never much cared for Lord of the Rings much, but might give it another try if I can find a volume with all four in one book rather than piece-meal. Where can I find all four in one volume?

[Rob B]

There are only 3 books in LOTR, unless you mean to include The Hobbit. There are a few boxed sets containg all four books (3 LOTR and 1 Hobbit) available at amazon.com & amazon.co.uk

[Cygnus]

There is a gorgeous red, leather-bound (I think) hardback that contains all of the LOTR.. as others have said, that doesn't include The Hobbit. I got this for christmas a few years ago, and it's one of my most treasured books.

[Sojourn]

StoneBurner: LOL! Hah, good one there. Couldn't agree more. http://www.sffworld.com/ubb/wink.gif

[Elan Morin Tedronai]

Robert Jordan does a great cover of Lord of the Rings

I didn't know that Robert Jordan can draw!

[Mithfânion]

the green hardcover with the Grey Pilgrim on the cover will be the one you're looking for. Trust me. It even smells great http://www.sffworld.com/ubb/wink.gif