Lord of the Rings has become a best seller again, but not for its original publisher this time, but as the latest project from the Folio Society.
The publisher has “almost sold out” of the 1,000 copies of a new limited edition of the JRR Tolkien classic it has produced, comprising three separate volumes, illustrated plates, supplementary book and slip case to house them. It amounts to 1,504 pages printed in black and burgundy text with separate illustrations of artwork by Alan Lee, an artist synonymous with the stories and characters of Middle Earth.
The printing of both text and illustrations, binding and creating the foil blocked slip case was down to Italian printer Lego. “They are one of our biggest suppliers,” says production director Kate Grimwade. And of the most trusted as it has been impossible to visit the factory in Vincenza for a press pass.
“That has been a bit challenging,” she says. “We have a very close relationship with them and they know our requirements and our account handlers will be on press for us when we can’t be there.”
The publisher in London received running sheets as the project progressed through the printing stage.
The project started in April last year with the typesetting and repro, the latter handled by John Doran at his Colour Police studio in Hoddesdon. This amounted to 53 colour plates that were tipped into place by hand at the finishing stage. Lego needed to bring in casuals to handle this aspect of the work. The typefaces, selected as the most appropriate for the publication, were Dante and Testament as the display face. Where the publication required Runeish script, devised by the author, an illustration was used. It was printed in Munken Pure uncoated paper.
The three volumes were quarter bound in calf leather, with cloth sides and blocked frame for an illustration. Calculating the size of the slip case for the three volumes and the additional illustrations and family tree. “It meant getting the width of the slip case right was a challenge,” says Grimwade.
The fanaticism of fans of the books and films means that the strictly limited edition has almost sold out, despite carrying a £1,000 price tag.
