A new version of Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings is coming this year, and it's especially rare and very unique, so much so that it's sure to become a highly sought-after collector's item.

　　The UK-based publisher The Folio Society has announced a new version of the iconic fantasy work featuring artwork and an introduction by Alan Lee, the Oscar-winning artist behind Peter Jackson's The Lord of the Rings film series. Only 1,000 copies of the three-volume set spanning Fellowship of the Ring, The Two Towers, and Return of the King are being printed. Each book's limitation number--1 to 1000--was written by hand and signed by Lee himself. The set costs £1,000 ($1,300 USD).

　　This new Lord of the Rings set looks very...preciousGallery

　　"Each volume is quarter-bound in burgundy calfskin leather blocked in silver, with an illustrated inset label, silver page tops and a burgundy satin ribbon marker," reads a line from the book's description.

　　In addition to supplying new and exclusive artwork, Lee wrote a new preface for this Lord of the Rings book set. What's more, the set features 53 color illustrations in total within the book and 57 illustrated chapter openers. Check out the images above and video below to learn and see more.

　　"The majestic scale of the landscapes and the atmosphere Lee captures on the page--all in exquisite watercolour and pencil--make him the only choice to illustrate this, the ultimate edition of The Lord of the Rings," The Folio Society said.

　　The Folio Society's website went down due to unprecedented volume, but it's back up now and the book remains available for purchase for the time being, though your mileage may vary.

　　2022 is a big year for The Lord of the Rings, as Amazon's long-awaited TV series arrives on September 2 through Prime Video. Additionally, a new animated movie is set for release in 2024.