The Lord of the Rings: 50th Anniversary Deluxe Edition (Hardcover)

Where the US edition shines, however, is in the inclusion of the two large-scale fold out maps, laid in at either end of the book. These are exceptional, but sadly omitted in the UK deluxe edition of this release.

What, the UK edition doesn't have fold out maps? At twice the price? Well, it does, but they are not the large-scale affairs that graced the original releases and which are represented in the US edition in question; the ones HarperCollins have laid in throughout the text of their deluxe edition fold out horizontally only, which is to say they are scaled down. I presume that this design choice is made to tie in with the format of the fold out Thror's Map in the matching deluxe Hobbit, but still, it seems a wasted opportunity.

Indeed, compared with the US edition, it is easy to see what this edition does not have: i.e., leather, big maps, two tone print, and gilding, but a cursory glance at the design and build of HarperCollins' deluxe edition quickly reveals its superior quality. For a start, the boards used for both book and slipcase are thicker and sturdier, and the uncovered slipcase innards are constructed from a closely matched, light grey board. Similar care has been taken in the UK edition's old fashioned presentation: the case has a gently curved front for effortless book removal, and a circular window reveals part of the book's front design, completing it with its own embossed motif. The selection of fine quality coverings cannot be faulted either: the mottled grey paper perfectly complements the textured maroon quarter-binding and matching slipcase (in turn, the grey backing is also used on the deluxe Hobbit, going equally well with green).

Crucially, however, the execution of the design is spot on, something sorely lacking in the US edition: the folds of the covering within the slipcase are deep and symmetrical, which is even more impressive considering the curved front, and the embossing is firmly pressed in, lending depth and texture. Basically, everything you expect from the manufacture of such an expensive book is delivered in the UK edition: from the engineering of the slipcase window, to the squareness of every available edge, care with the details shines through.

Well, clearly the publishers have spent some time thinking about how to add both quality and usability. There are two fold out maps printed in black and red. Not spectacular and in size these cover no more space than if they were printed across two pages. However, because they are fold out they are easier to read and if left "folded out" can be referred to whilst reading text on other pages.

The slip cover works well and is has a sturdy feel. The paper has a quality (non glossy) feel and is much whiter than other versions (especially the paperback) I have seen. Combined with a very crisp font this makes the book easy to read, something I struggle with in some of the cheaper published versions. Somehow when the book is closed after use the pages easily compress back to their original size making the slip case easy to use without the case being oversized.

It would have been easy for the publishers to have fallen into the trap of printing this book in the larger format of some Lord of the Rings books. However, the Lord of the Rings is a long story and these larger formats are very difficult to read due to the weight of the books. This book can actually be used!

Overall the book has an understated feel of quality which will grow on you. However there is no getting away from the premium price. If you are looking for something to give a more immediate impression there are cheaper versions, printed on glossier paper, in larger format and with more illustrations.
This makes this a book for the dedicated Lord of the Rings collector, if you just want a book for everyday use or to read for the first time I would suggest one of the mid-price versions.