50th Anniversary UK Edition

Hi all,

So I've already preordered the US 50th Anniversary Edition and its on
my way to me. My concern is regarding the UK one. I wanted to order it
yesterday (remembering that the original release date was 21st
September, which is today). However, yesterday, when I logged in to
Amazon.co.uk, I found out to my surprise that this book is already out
of stock and that it was released on 11th October. Its availability is
listed as 4-6 weeks. Other online bookshops are also out of stock with
it. Does it mean I lost my chance to get a first printing of it, or
maybe to get the book at all?

Does somebody know whether it's being reprinted, or whether there is a
printing numbering inside the book? The Alan Lee illustrated edition
does not have a printing number inside.

Also, any comparisons between the quality of the British edition to
the US one?

British Edition:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/exec/obidos/ASIN/0007182368/qid=1098381615/ref..._8_xs_a

US Edition:
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/0618517650/qid=109838166...r=8-1/r

Best Regards,

Oren

US Edition: