A magnificent edition of J.R.R. Tolkien`s “The Lord of the Rings,” the Centenary Edition featuring Alan Lee`s illustrations, is currently available at a remarkable value. Originally priced at $325 upon its release last October, this collector`s set is now offered at a significantly reduced price, hovering just above its all-time low. Such favorable offers typically don`t last long, especially considering its price generally ranges between $180-$200.
This Deluxe Illustrated Box Set is truly breathtaking. As a proud owner of this particular “Lord of the Rings” edition—for which I regrettably paid considerably more—I can attest that any devoted Tolkien enthusiast would cherish it in their collection. If you`re seeking an extraordinary gift for a “Lord of the Rings” fan this holiday season, this illustrated box set is an exceptional choice.
Below, you`ll find comprehensive details about “The Lord of the Rings Deluxe Illustrated Box Set.” While product pages on Amazon and Walmart typically feature only one image of the books within their display case, we have included several stunning promotional images from Barnes & Noble`s website for a fuller appreciation.
We`ve also highlighted the upcoming 2025 edition of “The Hobbit” and “The Lord of the Rings Illustrated Box Set,” also graced with Alan Lee`s artwork, alongside other notable collectible editions of Tolkien’s masterpieces and Middle-earth tales. Among these are some excellent finds, including a limited-time offer on the newly released “Great Tales of Middle-earth Box Set.”
The Lord of the Rings Deluxe Illustrated Box Set stands as a reimagined iteration of the exquisite 1992 Centenary Edition. Spanning three hardcover volumes—”The Fellowship of the Ring,” “The Two Towers,” and “The Return of the King”—this set features over 50 fresh pencil sketches and vibrant full-color paintings by the acclaimed Lord of the Rings artist, Alan Lee. With a total of 1,332 pages, it is among the most extensive, if not the most extensive, print editions of LOTR available today.
The top and bottom edges of the pages are dyed dark blue, while the side edges are crafted to evoke the image of billowing smoke from Mount Doom`s eruption. Lee also conceived new artwork for the covers. Each cover presents a framed rectangular drawing at its center. These illustrations are embedded onto a gray cloth board, encircled by an elegant, silver foil-stamped border. Each book is quarter-bound in blue leather, with pages sewn into the spine, and includes an attached ribbon bookmark for convenience.
Silver-foil text adorns the spine and covers, stamped onto each volume. The bespoke display case is constructed from cloth board, embellished with stamped circular emblems designed by Lee. Its rounded front edges facilitate easy removal of the books. Once all three volumes are taken out, the case`s interior reveals a fully illustrated panorama: Lee’s depiction of Mount Doom’s eruption graces every surface within the meticulously crafted slipcase.
Within each book, readers will discover a large art card, designed for removal and separate display. In addition to these three art cards, the set includes a pair of foldout maps of Middle-earth, meticulously drawn by Christopher Tolkien. As the author`s literary executor, Christopher Tolkien edited, expanded, and systematized a vast array of supplementary writings about Middle-earth, including “The Silmarillion” and “Tolkien`s Legendarium,” which formed the bedrock of the expansive 12-part series now known as “The History of Middle-earth.”
William Morrow is also set to release another “Lord of the Rings” box set, illustrated by Alan Lee, on October 14. While not as opulent as the three-volume Deluxe Illustrated Box Set, it includes a significant addition: “The Hobbit,” also illustrated by Lee. This four-volume hardcover collection features the Centenary Edition of “The Lord of the Rings” and the 60th Anniversary Edition of “The Hobbit.”
The dust jackets and display box showcase full artwork by Alan Lee. Aesthetically, the exterior design mirrors the 2024 “History of Middle-earth Box Sets” and the recently launched “Tolkien Myths and Legends” and “The Great Tales of Middle-earth” sets. While this edition foregoes the exclusive paintings and sketches found in the Deluxe Illustrated Box Set, as well as premium features like quarter-bound blue leather, cloth board covers, and the custom case, it offers “The Hobbit” with Lee`s beautiful illustrations as a compelling alternative.
-
The Hobbit & The Lord of the Rings Illustrated Box Set
- 2025 Edition
- 2020 Edition (available from various sellers)
J.R.R. Tolkien 2024-25 Hardcover Box Sets
William Morrow`s ongoing collection of hardcover box sets, complete with decorative slipcases and reversible dust jackets, commenced last year with the release of four sets compiling “The History of Middle-earth.” Although originally a 12-volume series, this new collection expands to 15 books, starting with “The Silmarillion” – an essential read before delving into the comprehensive “History of Middle-earth,” which further exemplifies Tolkien`s unparalleled skill in crafting fantasy worlds. All four “History of Middle-earth” Box Sets have been available with substantial reductions. Additionally, the three-volume, 5,440-page “Complete History of Middle-earth” is also offered at an advantageous price. All five box sets listed below feature hardcover books and accompanying slipcases.
-
The History of Middle-earth Box Set Series (2024)
- Box Set 1 (4 Books)
- Box Set 2 (3 Books)
- Box Set 3 (4 Books)
- Box Set 4 (4 Books)
- The Complete History of Middle-earth Box Set (5,440 Pages)
The most recent Tolkien box set edition is a new hardcover collection of “The Great Tales of Middle-earth,” which encompass the author`s final three novels, published posthumously between 2007 and 2018. Launched on August 19, this new set is currently available at a reduced cost. It`s worth noting that a 2018 hardcover box set edition of “The Great Tales of Middle-earth” also exists. Additionally, you can find value in the “Tolkien Myths and Legends” set, which features two myths penned by Tolkien, along with his personal translations of four epic poems, including “Beowulf.” The three box sets detailed below include hardcover books and decorative slipcases.
- The Great Tales of Middle-earth Box Set (2025) (3 Books)
- The Great Tales of Middle-earth Box Set (2018) (3 Books)
- Tolkien Myths and Legends Box Set (4 Books)
More Tolkien Collector`s Editions & Hardcover Box Sets
We`ve gathered a selection of other notable hardcover box sets and collectible editions from Tolkien`s extensive bibliography. This includes the exquisite “Unfinished Tales: 40th Anniversary Collector`s Edition,” a slipcased, limited edition of “The Silmarillion,” and “Tolkien`s Collected Poems,” released as a three-volume set last autumn.
For those seeking a more affordable “Lord of the Rings” hardcover box set, we suggest the 2024 Collector`s Editions or the vintage set featuring cover art from the 1988 editions. If you opt for the 2024 box set, complementary editions of “The Silmarillion” and “The Hobbit” are also available for separate purchase.
- The Silmarillion: Collector`s Edition (Limited to 4,000 copies)
- Unfinished Tales: 40th Anniversary Collector`s Edition
- The Collected Poems of J.R.R. Tolkien: 3-Book Box Set
- The Lord of the Rings 3-Book Box Set (1988)
-
J.R.R. Tolkien Collector`s Editions (2024)
- The Lord of the Rings Collector`s Edition Box Set
- The Fellowship of the Ring Collector’s Edition
- The Two Towers Collector`s Edition
- The Return of the King Collector’s Edition
- The Hobbit Collector’s Edition
- The Silmarillion Collector’s Edition
Tolkien Illustrated Edition Series
The Tolkien Illustrated Editions of LOTR, “The Hobbit,” and “The Silmarillion” are arguably the most sought-after hardcover renditions of Tolkien`s three seminal works. Their distinctiveness lies in being illustrated by the author himself. Each volume boasts premium features such as sprayed edges adorned with Elvish, Dwarvish, or Tengwar script, gold- and silver-foil accents, stamped cover art, integrated ribbon bookmarks, and two fold-out maps. The Deluxe Special Editions further elevate this with quarter-bound leather spines and cloth board cases, accompanied by custom slipcases and additional collectible inserts.
-
Tolkien Illustrated Edition Series
- The Silmarillion (Tolkien Illustrated Edition)
- The Hobbit (Tolkien Illustrated Edition)
- The Lord of the Rings (Tolkien Illustrated Edition)
-
Tolkien Illustrated Deluxe Special Editions
- The Silmarillion: Tolkien Illustrated Deluxe Special Edition
- The Hobbit: Tolkien Illustrated Deluxe Special Edition
- The Lord of the Rings: Tolkien Illustrated Deluxe Special Edition
For those interested in acquiring collectible editions of Peter Jackson`s acclaimed “Lord of the Rings” film adaptation, all three movies will soon be available as individual 4K Blu-ray releases housed in steelbook cases. “The Fellowship of the Ring” and “The Two Towers” debuted earlier this year, and “The Return of the King” Steelbook Edition is currently open for pre-order.
-
The Lord of the Rings Steelbook Editions (4K Blu-ray)
- The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring Steelbook (4K Blu-ray)
- The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers Steelbook (4K Blu-ray)
- The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King Steelbook (4K Blu-ray)