Proud to own! - Rated 
Like the previous review, I was put off buying this set by the negative comments and obvious disapointment from other buyers. Hey guys - what did you expect? This is a boxed set of all seven of the Harry Potter volumes bound in the special edition linen cover. I bought this set as a collectors item and I for one am very glad I did and I'm proud to say I own it.
Not so Special an Edition - Rated 
I wanted a definitive best available collection of Harry Potter books.
I'm disappointed:
It's an overpriced "cash in" collection of previously printed books.
The quality is quite poor with uneven gold paint on the book edges and worn looking covers: not a nice aged effect, just shabby, cheap looking.
It's just a collection of reprints: 20th,15th,10th printed editions etc. put into a box with a ribbon on it.
So the only "Special Edition" part is the box and ribbon.
I would advise people to buy the normal hardback editions at less than half the price and - if you must - buy a box and some ribbon.
Also disappointed in the U.S. - Rated 
I think we have been spoiled by the U.S. Deluxe Editions of the last three books. There is just no comparison, but I did not expect equal quality when I ordered this set. I wanted the U.K. versions and it was a splurge to order the "Special" editions, even if I did pay approximately the same amount for each of these as I did for the U.S. Deluxes. I knew there were no extra illustrations or new dust jackets, and I was okay with that.
I did, however, expect a pristine set and that is not what I received. Two of the books have obviously been handled, opened and creased along the spine for the first few pages. Almost all the books have scrape marks across the "gilt" edges, and there are various signs of less than gentle handling including dented corners of the outer box. I have the strong impression that these are the returns and rejects, repackaged for sale, and that makes me feel that my love of the series has been seriously exploited, especially as it is just too much trouble to return the set.
So why two stars instead of one? I am glad to have the U.K. versions, and the typeface is clean and easy to read. I'm not bothered by the off-white paper and the box looks nice on my shelf, even if it does remind me to think twice next time. Books 6 and 7 are First Editions which is a plus. I am also happy to see that the price has decreased to the pre-order level. The higher price was at least 20% above the cost of the individual books, quite a premium for a box and a ribbon. So, if you really must have this set, and you have to pay for shipping, this is the least expensive way to get all seven.
I see no problem with this item - Rated 
It is exactly as it said it would be. The box itself has details on it that I wasn't expecting, the books are nice and solid - I am more than pleased that I purchased these books.
I bought these books not just because I adore the story, but because I see them as a collectors item, something not to be read or spoilt, these are going pride of place up on a shelf on a wall along with the adult version which I purchased.
I see people complaining about the quality of these, but I think they are everything they said they were, but lets not forget, in years to come these books will more than likely fetch you more money than you paid for them if you keep them in tip top shape if you choose to part with them. These are basically an investment (if anyone is in any doubt a set of these books that were signed by JK Rowling sold on ebay for more than £18,000 - granted these aren't signed but they are still a sound investment).
I just want to point out the first set of the books that I was sent out was damaged and Amazon sent me out a second set no questions asked (well other than why they were being returned) the same day - that is service.
Does exactly what it says on the box - Rated
It's a box-set of the Harry Potter special editions that you can buy seperately. It's a nice enough set, very hefty and the books, obviously, have enchanted millions worldwide. Some of the expectations about the box-set confuse me as to what others thought they would get for their money but it is certainly worth what I paid.
There seems to be some weird obsession that the Americans have with pictures in the books. Perhaps Harry Potter 1-7 (Comic Edition) would appeal more?
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