October 21, 2004, marks the fiftieth anniversary of The Lord of the Rings. It has been called the greatest book of the twentieth century (see author the century by Tom Shippey), an unforgettable adventure story that has captivated nearly one hundred million American readers since it was first published in 1954, and it continues to find new readers every day. This year, Houghton Mifflin celebrates the first U.S. publication of The Fellowship of the Ring.

This is what they have to say: "We're enormously proud to present by far the finest edition we've ever produced," says Clay Harper, Tolkien Projects Director for Houghton Mifflin. "Under the direction of literary executor Christopher Tolkien, the most knowledgeable Tolkien scholars in the world have reviewed the entire textual history of this massive novel with fresh eyes for this edition. They have examined every word and pored over the documentary record before suggesting hundreds of small corrections that have been approved by Christopher in order to achieve the author's desires and ensure perfection. Then our design and manufacturing staffs pulled out all the stops to create a truly beautiful book that is a joy to read and that will be cherished for years to come."

The Lord of the Rings: 50th Anniversary Edition became a spectacular celebratory edition including a fully corrected text, two large-format two-color foldout maps, protective slipcase with inset panels, two-color foil stamping, ribbon placemarker, gilded edges, and Tolkien's hand-colored leaves of the Book of Mazarbul.

When i saw the book arriving this morning a certain thrill came over me. This edition truly is one of the best i have ever seen. It is amazingly beautifull. The black box is decorated with a drawing from Tolkien and at the other side writes 50th Anniversary Edition in Tolkien like letters. Making it ressemble the Deluxe editions collectors are willing to pay big bucks for. When i ripped of the plastic and took out the book the brilliance of this edition came to show truly. All around gilded edges, marvellous maps, finally like Tolkien wanted it 'the hand-colored leave of the Book of Mazarbul. Now i will go and sit some days reading... a fully corrected text! Let's go and find the differences!

This edition sells for $100.00 and has the ISBN 0-618-517665-0.

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