With the holiday season coming up, many fans will be looking to stuff their stockings and fill up their wish lists with Tolkien related items. Today we take a look at several online stores and the products they offer.
Who wouldn’t want this cuddly guy sitting next to their computer or collection of Tolkien novels? No one! That’s who! Although Goldenstar told me in no uncertain terms that we would never have something this ugly in our house, I’m sure that she was just kidding around. Who could say “no” to this face?
Tolkien Town is an online store dedicated to all things Tolkien, whether they are related to the movies or the books. They have a wide variety of items for the Tolkien lover including pipes, jewelry, toys, costumes, and even weapons!
If you’re looking for something more traditional for yourself or for the new reader, you can always head over to The Official Tolkien Online Bookstore. This site contains many different versions of the novels, including collector’s editions and audio CD’s (my personal favorite). I will say that this site is a tad on the expensive side, but those in the UK (where the store is based) will be glad to know that they offer free standard delivery to UK locations. The site also boasts to have books available exclusively through their site (their words, not mine).
If neither of these stores strike your fancy, a good resource for news regarding Tolkien related merchandise is the Tolkien Library website, which does a good job of keeping up with Tolkien related products manufactured by different companies as well as book related FAQ’s, Tolkien collecting articles, and interviews with Tolkien-centric artists and authors. They also have their own store which include rare books including original cloth, custom cloth, limited editions and even signed copies. However, if you thought the prices of the Official Bookstore were high, you can rest assured that they are eclipsed by the prices of these items. However, these books are true prizes and intended for the most dedicated of Tolkien’s fans and/or true book collectors.
Of course there are other shopping options such as Amazon or eBay for those who wish to browse a wider selection of items or who are searching for deals, however they do not offer the same concentration of Tolkien related items that these other stores do which make browsing them all the more difficult. However, no matter which option you choose you can be sure that you will be enjoying something based off the Professor’s fantastic works.
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November 9, 2009 at 8:10 pm
Hi Merric,
I noticed that you have commented on the fact that The Official Tolkien Bookstore sells Audio Cd’s. I believe your comment was,”My personal favorte.” That got me to thinking about your Kindle and how your reading is going. Do you find it easy/intuitive to read a book on a kindle? Do you miss the smell of a actual book and the motion of turning pages? (Maybe this question is more for Goldenstar?) I listen to a lot of books on my iPod since i have a long commute (this is also where I listen to ‘A Casual Stroll’) and I do enjoy the format, though I also admit that nothing quite beats a new heavy hard-cover open on your lap. Anyway, the question is about the kindle vs. other ways of reading – how does it stack up?
November 10, 2009 at 3:33 am
Like you I really enjoy having a physical book to read. One of the reasons for our kindles was to try to reduce the huge pile of books we own. We have books everywhere in this house. The office is full, the basement is choked and my side of the bed is packed. We’re big readers.
The kindle allows us to share books with one another as well as being able to carry multiple books in a single device. When I was pregnant with the baby hobbit the best thing was having the “What to Expect” book on my kindle because it was not only because it was typically with me but the kindle also made it searchable so I could quickly look up what the stink was going on if I had a question.
Also the kindle sort of mimics reading a book feel. It doesn’t seem like it would but I really don’t mind reading from the kindle. I hold it similar to a book, I “turn” pages with the buttons. It’s not the same but it’s still pretty satisfying and I don’t really feel like I miss the book in my hands.
I like the kindle quite a bit and while it’s missing the weight you’d feel holding and reading most books, I think it’s a pretty good substitute.
November 10, 2009 at 8:14 am
OK, so here we go.
I would like to say that in all seriousness I hold the printed word (physical books) above all other formats, whether it’s audio, digital, whatever. I don’t think I’d ever become a book collector (I just don’t have the inclination or the dedication), but I definitely appreciate the value of books and admire anyone who does actually collect. However, that being said I find that audio books are much more conducive to my lifestyle. With commutes and a steady work schedule, audio books are usually much more convenient. I used to have a 3 hour drive (round trip) to work at my previous job and so listening to books and podcasts really made the drive easier. I’ve been able to enjoy quite an array of works that way.
With the Kindle I was a bit hesitant at first because a) it’s a large expense and b) it’s a different reading experience. However, I have found that it is again, much more convenient. I have read a number of books on the Kindle, and yet have not filled up any additional space in the house which is a big deal because space is at a premium. I do not find that I miss the feel of the book and because I can sync my last page between my Kindle and the Kindle app on my iPhone, if I want to read outside my home I can pick up where I last left off on my Kindle, and then come home later and pick up where I left off on my iPhone. There are some hiccups at times, but it usually works quite well.
The only type of book that I still can’t bring myself to purchase on the Kindle are anything that needs to be “studied”. For instance, my Microsoft Certification books (which aren’t available in digital format yet, anyway) I still want in printed form due to the way I study using highlighters. I still like the feel of physically highlighting things, but should a color edition of the Kindle come out or if Amazon drops its DRM on my previously purchased books and another vendor comes out with a color e-reader, I might consider giving it a try.
However, between saving physical space, the fact that I can purchase the books instantly, being able to read them on my Kindle, iPhone, and now on a Windows machine; I find the Kindle a great product.