The Barrow-Downs Discussion Forum - View Single Post

Child of the 7th Age · 04-01-2004, 01:23 PM

There are minor differences between the first edition and the later ones for LotR, but nothing so drastic as what happened in The Hobbit where the scene between Gollum and Bilbo totally changed.

As a librarian who's worked in archives and special collections, I do enjoy collecting interesting editions of some of Tolkien's works (as well as some other writers I enjoy). I think this is a good time to point out that not everything is quite so pricey as the earliest printings of the LotR in pristine condition. I am not as fussy as a "real" collector would be. Some of my books are library copies; others private ones in fair to excellent condition. I don't see this as an inventment: I just love the older books.

Over the years I've picked up a lot of titles in strange places! I've found first editions of HoMe, Easton Press, and the folio series lurking in garage sales, used bookstores, and library sell-offs. Last year, I spent considerable time hunting on e-bay and managed to piece together a set of LotR, first U.S. edition, later printing, for minimal cost. You have to be very patient and pick the right time, but it can be done.

If you look carefully, you can also find early editions of Tolkien's minor works illustrated by Pauline Baynes at a reasonable price: Tom Bombadil, Farmer Giles, etc.. One of my favorite stories is when I nabbed up an old poster of Bilbo's Last Song, published in the U.S. for just $3.00 because no one realized that it was a first edition of the poem. (The one printed by Allen & Unwin in GB actually came out several months later.) Some people I've corresponded with collect softcover books which you can pick up here and there for just a few dollars. They have an amazing collection of different cover illustrations that are fun to look at.
(I've also collected calendars since 1974.)

It takes patience and time, but it can be fun if you like this kind of thing. (Some people do, and others can't stand it!)

If I had a ton of money, I wouldn't buy a pristine first edition LotR. Instead I would buy a first edition Hobbit -- the one before Tolkien did his revisions.

04-01-2004, 01:23 PM	#4
Child of the 7th Age Spirit of the Lonely Star Join Date: Mar 2002 Posts: 5,133	There are minor differences between the first edition and the later ones for LotR, but nothing so drastic as what happened in The Hobbit where the scene between Gollum and Bilbo totally changed. As a librarian who's worked in archives and special collections, I do enjoy collecting interesting editions of some of Tolkien's works (as well as some other writers I enjoy). I think this is a good time to point out that not everything is quite so pricey as the earliest printings of the LotR in pristine condition. I am not as fussy as a "real" collector would be. Some of my books are library copies; others private ones in fair to excellent condition. I don't see this as an inventment: I just love the older books. Over the years I've picked up a lot of titles in strange places! I've found first editions of HoMe, Easton Press, and the folio series lurking in garage sales, used bookstores, and library sell-offs. Last year, I spent considerable time hunting on e-bay and managed to piece together a set of LotR, first U.S. edition, later printing, for minimal cost. You have to be very patient and pick the right time, but it can be done. If you look carefully, you can also find early editions of Tolkien's minor works illustrated by Pauline Baynes at a reasonable price: Tom Bombadil, Farmer Giles, etc.. One of my favorite stories is when I nabbed up an old poster of Bilbo's Last Song, published in the U.S. for just $3.00 because no one realized that it was a first edition of the poem. (The one printed by Allen & Unwin in GB actually came out several months later.) Some people I've corresponded with collect softcover books which you can pick up here and there for just a few dollars. They have an amazing collection of different cover illustrations that are fun to look at. (I've also collected calendars since 1974.) It takes patience and time, but it can be fun if you like this kind of thing. (Some people do, and others can't stand it!) If I had a ton of money, I wouldn't buy a pristine first edition LotR. Instead I would buy a first edition Hobbit -- the one before Tolkien did his revisions. __________________ Multitasking women are never too busy to vote. Last edited by Child of the 7th Age; 04-01-2004 at 01:27 PM.