I've been browsing Lord of the Rings editions, and i have to say illustrated or nothing. Illustrations by Alan Lee for anything that is available are really the gold standard. He is just my favourite Lord of the rings illustrator. And for the fancy collectors editions, i will always go for the illustrated ones are you kidding me. Especially the ones with illustrations by Tolkien (which is literally so cool and they are ao beautiful). Who even buys the collectors edition without, when ones with his illustrations are also available. Could not be me.

And i have been reminded of my greatest pet peeve with the regular lotr editions in german, which do not have the appendices in the box set what is this who would not want the appendices, you have to buy an extra book which you have to put besides your box set. Show a little respect to the appendices??? That is so sad to have it outside of the boxset that's so rude. I don't have the appendices for my current version of those books (i bought the box set second hand) but i wanted the version with them for buying the new and improved translation version and it's not in there?! I am so mad