I used to collect Tolkien books printed by Alllen and Unwin over 15 years ago.
I got to 5 books all printed before the 1960s including the first print in 1937.
After I while, I just lost interest. They are still sitting in my bookcase and will likely be given to my son when he comes of age.
I've been out of collecting for around 10 years since my first child was born.
Recently, I've come back to collecting
1E D&D modules.
For those you who dont know, in the first Hobbit printed in 1937, Bilbo and Gollum part as friends after the riddle game.
Tolkien had to change the story from the first printing, second impression to incorporate his story of The Lord of the Rings.
I would recommend you obtain hard cover books of the stories your really enjoy and will reread over and over.
I have a few hard cover copies of Rothfuss' The Name of the Wind and Wise Man's Fear but I don't think that he will compete the trilogy.
best of luck