The History of Middle-earth (Boxed Set 1): The Silmarillion, Unfinished Tales, The Book of Lost Tales, Part One & Part Two: Book 1

Although I have a complete set of first editions which I bought when they were originally published, I'm a bit of a collector so I wanted to get these.This set is a no-brainer if you don't have the firsts. Previously you could only buy the HofME in cheap paperback or three huge fat hardback volumes which are unwieldy and have a bit of a text book feel to them. This set is attractively designed with John Howe cover art on the jackets and box. The box is a bit tight - although I have just received the second box set in the series and it's less tight, so perhaps Harper Collins have taken note.If you have been collecting the current series of Harper Collins Tolkien hardbacks these match and are in the same format and design. They will look great on your bookcase. But the quality is not as good as those volumes - the paper is of standard stock and the bindings are glued. There are no interior illustrations. It's not that the quality is poor as some have suggested - they are just standard hardbacks of the type usually put out by British publishers. However, they are still superior to any other set of the HofME currently available. Unless you want to shell out £1200 plus for a set of firsts, these are definitely the versions to buyTurning to the work itself, is it necessary for the Tolkien admirer to read these books? They are very different to the "finished works" such as the Hobbit, Lord of The Rings and The Silmarillion. The History of Middle-earth is a remarkable feat of literary archeology, in which Christopher Tolkien traces the evolution of his fathers writings in exhaustive detail, replete with footnotes and commentary. Reading them is a unique experience - I know of no other writer whose creative process can be followed in such detail. Many readers will undoubtedly find this tiring and reading the complete set is quite a feat (it took me six months). However, there are many nuggets of gold in here - individual pieces which could stand on their own as great tales in the Tolkien legendarium, even though some of the details might not square with Tolkiens finally published vision (which is debatable in the case of The Silmarillion). These books can be read cover to cover, thereby unfolding the development of Tolkien's vision over time, or occasionally dipped into to extract the best tales and narratives. Either way, the enthusiastic Tolkien reader should not miss them.

Beautiful set, great quality. Goes without saying they are worth the read and a lovely set to own if you are a fan

Bought as a gift for my partner, he loves them, beautiful books too, look great on our book wall, fantastic stories too

Bought as a copy to read so as to keep my collectors editions in pristine condition.The quality of these isn’t great. The covers look good, but the printing is poor and the binding is glue rather than stitching.Look good on the bookcase though, and allows me to keep my better quality versions in good shape.

my first set and I will be purchasing the next three. fantastic books and well presented

Can’t wait to read these books. Beautifully packaged with art by recognised Tolkien artist. An investment for any Tolkien fan.

Really like these. Arrived quickly, well wrapped and protected. A wonderful series if you like this sort of thing!

I received these in mint condition with a plastic wrap around the entire box. No scratch or damage whatsoever! Very happy with this purchase!