Perfect Christmas gifts for Tolkien and The Hobbit fans (01.12.13 by Pieter Collier) - Comments

This year we will get another The Hobbit movie, the second one in a series of three. I'm still not sure if I have to feel excited, worried or should try and avoid it all together. But one thing is certain, many will go and see it and tons and tons will enjoy it. Just like there are many who enjoyed the book as they were young, now many youngsters will be introduced to the fascinating tale of Bilbo Baggins all over again.

I can imagine many of the old and new fans, and especially friends and family of these The Hobbit and Tolkien fans, are now all looking for the perfect gift. So let us have a look and see what is available and throw in some tips. This year of course saw a lot of The Hobbit related books being released and naturally I picked up many of them and some were truly amazing. And even better some can be called the 'perfect Christmas gift for any Tolkien fan'.

Of course next to some of the newer books that came out this year I'll add some classics. A movie fan for example should be given a nice edition of The Hobbit. A Tolkien fan should for example pick up a copy of Letters from Father Christmas. And a die-hard fan will be happy with a copy of Fall of Arthur or the deluxe edition of Unfinished Tales. But enough talk... here is my list of books that make perfect gifts for any Tolkien, The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings fan. There is still some little time left...

1. Middle-earth Envisioned

The first book on my Christmas list takes us on a trip through all The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings art, plays, movies, audio adaptations that were created inspired by the works of J.R.R. Tolkien. Just the size of the book, the quality of the printing and nice reproductions of art is already impressive, but the research done and fascinating text written by Paul Simpson and Brian J. Robb is another extra plus point. You will be amazed from begin to end. It is a long time since I have been so excited about any book. Especially since it is so inspiring to see the vast influence Tolkien has had on so many things and hopefully this book will inspire many to start creating new art, plays, games or will become a resource for those building exhibitions, museums and who knows what else.

It is a big size coffee table book, full of art reproductions and amazing tales. There is something for everyone here. If you love the movie adapatations by Peter Jackson, you get a nice deal of that. If you love Middle-earth inspired art, you will not be dissapointed. If you like the history of the rise of fame of Tolkien, there is something here for you. Just read the interview and hit the order button below! Highly recommended and as said the perfect gift!

2. The Hobbit Illustrated Deluxe Edition

The deluxe version of the newly illustrated edition of The Hobbit looks splendid. With it's amazing nice slipcase and cover design it really makes a stunning Christmas gift. The illustrations by Jemima Catlin are truly nice! Smaug the golden... imagine holding this lovely book in your hands! I can guess this edition to go in reprint rather quickly, since I predict it to become the perfect gift for any person who loves Tolkien. I'm going to order myself some copies and give some away for sure... and spread The Hobbit love! What better then to give away a nice illustrated edition of The Hobbit! And any The Hobbit fan will be extremely happy to receive a copy.

3. The Hobbit Hardcover Illustrated Edition

Almost the same as number 2 on my list, but slightly cheaper... but still very good looking, is the hardcover of the newly illustrated edition of The Hobbit. Jemima Catlin, made 150 illustrations to bring the tale to live. The cover reminds me of the work by Pauline Baynes, especially the right side shows decoration that reminds me of the cover of Farmer Giles of Ham. However, the drawing style is completely different and I believe this is the edition we have been waiting for for such a long time. I'm certain this will be the book that I will be using to read the story to my kids. I hope it will be translated in all possible languages real soon! Still looking for a nice gift? Don't look any further!

4. Tolkien Calendar 2014

The official Tolkien calendar has become an established publishing event, eagerly anticipated by Tolkien fans the world over. Previous Tolkien calendars have become much sought after collector’s items, and in the year of Peter Jackson’s film adaptation of The Hobbit, the publishers have decided to bring an answer to his version by releasing an illustrated edition of the book by Jemina Catlin. As is usual, the release wa ssupported by also putting her art into the official Tolkien Calendar. Since everyone needs a calendar and this year is a exceptional nice one... pick up a few and give them away! It is a Christmas gift that will have a lasting impact, or at least for the next 12 months ;) .

5. The Fall of Arthur Hardcover Edition

Published in May, The Fall of Arthur has been described by the Mail on Sunday as "one of tolkien's finest works" and the New York Times as a "highly compelling retelling of perhaps the most famous and familiar legend in the British tradition", it features "some of the most dazzling alliterative verse of tolkien's career".

The poem is accompanied by three scholarly essays by Christopher Tolkien, one of which draws tantalizing links between The Fall of Arthur and The Silmarillion. It is an amazing book and for the serious Tolkien fan, this is the best you can get. It is not often an unpublished book by the hand of Tolkien is being released. And this time Christopher Tolkien did an exceptional job. I believe this is one of the better books that came out. Even while it has little to do with Middle-earth, you will be stunned and amazed by the essays by Christopher Tolkien, and you get an amazing poem (even while left unfinished) by J.R.R. Tolkien.

6. The Fall of Arthur Deluxe Edition

Deluxe collector’s edition featuring the first edition text and containing a facsimile page of Tolkien’s original manuscript. The book is quarterbound with a gold motif stamped on the front board and is presented in a matching slipcase.

This edition nicely matches the other deluxe editions in the same style and sits nicely next to The Hobbit, The Lord of the Rings, The Silmarillion, The Children of Hurin, Tales from the Perilous Realms and Children of Hurin. However somehow I believe this book is not going to end up being a major best seller like the previous books and has been published for a much smaller and select audience. It is my hope that many will give the book a chance and read it. The poem is just spectacular and the essays by Christopher Tolkien are very informative. And if you own all the other Deluxe editions this one needs to be added to the collection for sure!

7. The Deluxe collector’s edition of Unfinished Tales

This week it finally arrives, The Deluxe collector’s edition of Unfinished Tales. After The Hobbit, The Lord of the Rings, The Silmarillion, The Children of Hurin, Tales of the Perilous Realm, The Legend of Sigurd and Gudrun and The Fall of Arthur it is time to see Unfinished Tales to be added to the seris of Deluxe Slipcase Editions. It is one of my personal favorites. If you enjoyed The Lord of the Rings then you are going to enjoy this book a lot!

Unfinished Tales is a collection of narratives ranging in time from the Elder Days of Middle-earth to the end of the War of the Ring, and provides those who have read The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings with a whole collection of background and new stories. The book concentrates on the realm of Middle-earth and comprises such elements as The Quest of Erebor, Gandalf’s lively account of how it was that he came to send the Dwarves to the celebrated party at bag-end; the emergence of the sea-god Ulmo before the eyes of Tuor on the coast of Beleriand; and an exact description of the military organization of the Riders of Rohan.

Unfinished Tales also contains the only story about the long ages of Númenor before its downfall, and all that is known about such matters as the Five Wizards, the Palantíri and the legend of Amroth. The tales were edited by Christopher Tolkien, who provides a short commentary on each story, helping the reader to fill in the gaps and put each story into the context of the rest of his father’s writings. It is a must have for any Tolkien fan and surely what a nice Christmas gift this is!

8. The Space Trilogy 75th anniversary edition with foreword by J.R.R. Tolkien

Since every list needs a little odd item, I still wish to add this fabulous anniversary edition to the Christmas gift list! Just like Unfinished Tales it seems this book will only be released in the UK, but since shipping costs are so low, don't hesitate to buy this book from Amazon.co.uk. I'm ordering one for my self since I am now convinced it is time to read these books by C.S. Lewis.

HarperCollins has just released a striking one-volume edition to mark the 75th anniversary of Lewis’s classic SF trilogy featuring the adventures of Dr Ransom on Mars, Venus and Earth. 

This special edition includes an exclusive foreword compiled from letters by J.R.R. Tolkien, who inspired Lewis to write the first volume. Looking at the title page the afterword also cites The Letters of J.R.R. Tolkien. 

J.R.R. Tolkien wrote about the first volume: “Exciting, and highly approved.” And now with the exclusive foreword by J.R.R. Tolkien I guess it is time to read this SF trilogy!

9. Original, signed and limited editions of tolkien's books

The Tolkien Library Store always has a large amount of rare and collectible Tolkien books up for sale. The books in the Tolkien Library Store always have a high collectible value and are of the finest on the market. Tolkien books available include both the UK and US editions, original cloth bindings, custom fine bindings, and Signed / Numbered / Limited Editions. 

Rare Tolkien items are also available, including books and letters signed by Tolkien, proof copies and books from Tolkiens personal library. 

Not all items are on display here, so please do not hesitate to make requests about Tolkien books you are trying to find. Whatever you are looking to buy or sell, we will always try to help. 
Please choose the category of books you are interested in:

• Original cloth bindings
• Custom Cloth bindings
• Signed / Numbered / Limited editions
• Rare Tolkien items
• Other Tolkien collectables

10. Middle-earth inspired art

I started of with a book full of Middle-earth inspired art, and I'm ending with some. Why? Because artist also give us something special, not in words but through their pencils and brushes they also tell us stories and takes us on a journey to Middle-earth. I'm a fan of Middle-earth inspired art and art in general. While it is something personal and one person loves this piece more then the other I still believe we have a nice selection available at the moment. Ranging from original paintings to prints, sketches and drawings. Have a look at Middle-earth inspired art at the Tolkienlibrary shop and see some examples here:

• Tolkien art and sketches

#clp0098 - The Children of Hurin, UK Deluxe Edition, With Full Page Drawing by Alan Lee, Signed - € 1600,-
Alan Lee is the world famous Tolkien illustrator who earned an Oscar for his work as a conceptual designer on Peter Jackson's film trilogy of The Lord of the Rings and the chance to acquire an original illustration by him is rare.
> Enquire about this book

#inger-edelfeldt-4 - Gollum held captive by the Elves by Inger Edelfeldt, original art - € 3250,-

Illustration for The Lord of the Rings created by Inger Edelfeldt.

> Enquire about this item

#cor-blok-19 - Boromir demands the Ring by Cor Blok - € 2.500,-

Original art to accompany The Lord of the Rings created by Cor Blok.

> Enquire about this item

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