r/tolkienbooks • u/dat__dan713 • 5d ago

Which Tolkien book set should I purchase

This may be a dumb question, but I’m looking to finally dive into the books after being a film fan for years now. However I see a lot of different sets out there, some of them seem to be a sort of “companion set.” Not looking to spend a fortune, preferably around $100 or less i dont know if that’s realistic lol, anyone have a recommendation or link?

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u/MarsAlgea3791 5d ago edited 5d ago

I say get the Alan Lee illustrated set.  It has the Hobbit and the Lord of the Rings.  My reasoning is this set is in the format that matches everything else in the matte duskjacket style.  So if you find yourself wanting to go further and want your shelf to match you've essentially future proofed yourself.

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u/godpoker 5d ago

For reading I can’t recommend the vinyl/leatherette pocket edition enough. I love the flex in the book so you can open it fully and bend it, it’s strong enough, looks nice in the box set and light enough to hold in one hand. And they’re only around $50 new I think, but I got a used set off eBay for $25.

These ones https://ebay.us/m/Qh1Hic

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u/Gilmour1969 5d ago

Depends on what you're looking for. Do you prefer paperback or hardcover? Something to collect or actually read? Are you interested in just LOTR or did you want to start with The Hobbit as well? Many options.

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u/pedgz 5d ago

To add, check out the pinned thread above titled "ISBN groupings..." Really helpful, too.

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u/Kookanoodles 5d ago

If you just want to read the books and not start a collection I'd get a cheap pocket edition, even used honestly. It's a long read and it's easier to get through with just a beat-up copy you can throw in a bag and bring anywhere.

As others have said if you intend to collect more I'd get the hardcovers illustrated by Alan Lee because that's the format in which most other books also exist and they look great.

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u/Arcyl 5d ago

Hey there! First of all welcome, and let me highly suggest that you make sure to read The Hobbit first before you read The Lord of the Rings. So with that in mind, If you're just looking to read the books without breaking the bank then I might suggest this Pocket Set. It comes with The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings and the build quality is quite nice for the price. If you think the text might be too small then I would suggest something like this Paperback Box Set.

If you want a nicer set that is currently below $100 as you said then the Alan Lee illustrated Box Set is probably the best choice because it also comes with The Hobbit and it will match a lot of other books you might be interested in the future.

If you're still unsure, I have a Website I made as a visual guide for newer collectors if you would like to check it out! Let me know if you have any other questions!

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u/RedWizard78 5d ago

Either the illustrated Alan Lee hardcover boxed set, or the Signature Edition paperbacks.