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Elanor · 03-03-2003, 01:42 PM

My 1955 (Unwin)hardback editions have greyish dustjackets, with the Eye in the centre, surrounded by the Ring inscription, and a ring just above that. Looking closely, it isn't The Ring, as it has a red stone (I wonder why? Or whether the illustrator read the book?) Underneath the dustjacket the books are red fabric.

Those editions are really smelly though (mildew? damp? I don't know, but they smell bad [img]smilies/eek.gif[/img] ) My new paperback set (Harper Collins 1999) are black, with very subtle JRRT designs all over in a glossier black. There are dwarf runes along the top and bottom, and pictures that are actually relevant to the stories. I really like this set.

My copy of The Hobbit (Unwin 1966) has a really nice Tolkien sketch of Smaug flying over Laketown. Incidentally, the price on the back is 60p, what a bargain! [img]smilies/biggrin.gif[/img]

It sounds as if some of you have some great illustrations on your copies. I like the sound of Legolas and Gimli as Merry Men!

03-03-2003, 01:42 PM	#7
Elanor Shade of Carn Dûm Join Date: Mar 2001 Location: my own corner of the Shire Posts: 316	My 1955 (Unwin)hardback editions have greyish dustjackets, with the Eye in the centre, surrounded by the Ring inscription, and a ring just above that. Looking closely, it isn't The Ring, as it has a red stone (I wonder why? Or whether the illustrator read the book?) Underneath the dustjacket the books are red fabric. Those editions are really smelly though (mildew? damp? I don't know, but they smell bad [img]smilies/eek.gif[/img] ) My new paperback set (Harper Collins 1999) are black, with very subtle JRRT designs all over in a glossier black. There are dwarf runes along the top and bottom, and pictures that are actually relevant to the stories. I really like this set. My copy of The Hobbit (Unwin 1966) has a really nice Tolkien sketch of Smaug flying over Laketown. Incidentally, the price on the back is 60p, what a bargain! [img]smilies/biggrin.gif[/img] It sounds as if some of you have some great illustrations on your copies. I like the sound of Legolas and Gimli as Merry Men! __________________ "When I read about the evils of drinking, I gave up reading." Henny Youngman (1906 - )