This edition "fiftieth anniversary" is simply splendid! Binding and high quality paper, superb coverage (in velvety paper and non-leather), no kitschy drawings John Howe - Alan Lee, but as illustrations of Tolkien himself: great graphics on the cover, his signature back, a sketch of Barad-dur on the box, a color facsimile of the Book of Mazarbul and maps. And what cards! Very large, black and red as they should have been originally. In short, the ultimate edition for fans of the literary work, a thousand miles from the flood that followed the films.
Why a star less? Because the cards are kept closed by a dot of glue that has left indelible traces of fat and because they are glued to the book in a way that makes it impossible not to tear the corner when the opens for the first time. But that does not diminish the pleasure of owning this superb book.
