[JeffF.]

I do my research with my 1973 Ballantine paperbacks (the set with the original Tolkien art on the covers) because I heavily highlight (with a color code for different types of information no less!) and I write notes in the margins. I've owned different hardback sets but since my wife bought me the single volume beautiful red (fake) leather bound edition with the similar green The Hobbit I've kept only those hardbacks.

In fact I'm on my third set of the 1973 paperbacks, as they wear and tear I buy an identical set from a used book store and meticulously copy my previous highlights and notes on the appropriate pages. I even have a pristeen set unmarked and carefully stored in case I am no longer able to find them.

I do read my beautiful hardbacks but carefully and sparingly. For my purposes (which you can tell from my posts) and interests which are almost wholly the military aspect of LotR these books are fine.