How to decide on a collection

I want to start collecting Tolkienn books starting with middle earth and eventually getting other works ( I love farmer Giles and Lead by Niggle) but where do you start or how do you select an edition?

I know I want Hardback, I like classic looks but the Tolkien art covers look great. I know for the set I get I want the LoTR trilogy to be separated into three books and I want an edition that is obtainable new and not something I have to scour the depths of the pits of Moria to find.

What would you all recommend?