Good news for Tolkien enthusiasts! After quickly disappearing from shelves earlier this week, The Complete History of Middle-earth: Collector’s Box Set has been restocked on Amazon, and it’s available at a significantly reduced price. This magnificent three-volume set, encompassing 5,440 pages, is currently on offer for just $80.65 (originally $250) as part of Amazon’s Prime Big Deal Days book promotion. This remarkable 68% discount—a savings of nearly $170—marks the lowest price Amazon has offered since William Morrow first released this collector’s edition in 2020. Considering its previous sell-out status this week, you’ll want to act quickly to secure your copy. Like many other deals on J.R.R. Tolkien and Lord of the Rings books this weekend, this incredible price is exclusively available to Amazon Prime members.
As another option, the four distinct hardcover box sets released in 2024, which compile The History of Middle-earth along with The Silmarillion, are being offered with discounts reaching up to 66% off.
$80.65 (was $250) | Restocked on October 4
Originally priced at $250, The Complete History of Middle-earth, released in 2020, is a beautifully designed and constructed boxed set. While each book is substantial, even the second volume, exceeding 2,000 pages, provides a comfortable reading experience. Each book includes a dust jacket and can be stored and displayed within a high-quality, custom-made case featuring J.R.R. Tolkien’s famous emblem.
Drawing from Tolkien’s Legendarium—an extensive compilation of backstories, lore, and notes covering millennia of Middle-earth history—The History of Middle-earth was initially published between 1983 and 1996. Christopher Tolkien, the author’s son and literary executor, meticulously compiled, edited, and supplemented the legendarium, resulting in 12 distinct volumes.
The Complete History of Middle-earth encompasses all 12 volumes arranged in their original publication order:
- Book of Lost Tales, Part I
- Book of Lost Tales, Part II
- The Lays of Beleriand
- The Shaping of Middle-earth
- The Lost Road and Other Writings
- The Return of the Shadow
- The Treason of Isengard
- The War of the Ring
- Sauron Defeated
- Morgoth’s Ring
- The War of the Jewels
- The Peoples of Middle-earth
Spanning 5,440 pages across three volumes, this collection would undoubtedly represent the most sizable books on most fans’ shelves. Each volume was also released individually on the same day as the box set, but, at current prices, purchasing two of them would cost more than the entire box set.
The History of Middle-earth Box Sets (2024)
While The Complete History of Middle-earth provides the most cost-effective route to owning all 12 volumes in physical form, the 2024 box sets warrant serious consideration. These stunning sets are enhanced with vibrant, fully illustrated dust jackets and display cases. If you prefer a more understated look, the reversible dust jackets offer the original artwork with solid-colored backgrounds on the reverse.
All 12 volumes are included as individual books within the four sets. Choosing this option will also grant you access to a few additional books. William Morrow opted to incorporate The Silmarillion as the first book in Box Set 1. The Silmarillion, widely considered Tolkien’s most significant work besides The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit, is often associated with The History of Middle-earth—and for good reason. Early drafts and sections of the 1977 classic are actually found within the 12-volume series. Box Set 1 also features Unfinished Tales, while the final set includes an extensive index.
This past summer, William Morrow continued its decorative Tolkien hardcover box set collection with Tolkien Myths and Legends, a four-book box set available for $53.70 (down from $125), and The Great Tales of Middle-earth, featuring Tolkien’s final three novels, priced at $75 (originally $125).
Prime Big Deal Days: The Lord of the Rings, The Hobbit, and The Silmarillion
Amazon’s pre-Prime Big Deal Days book extravaganza includes a variety of Tolkien books, highlighting numerous collectible editions of The Lord of the Rings, The Hobbit, and The Silmarillion.
The Lord of the Rings Collector’s Editions (2024)
Explore our in-depth coverage of The Lord of the Rings Collector’s Editions.
The Lord of the Rings: Tolkien Illustrated Editions
Read our comprehensive article on the Tolkien Illustrated Special Editions.
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