A SEARCH for Toowoomba's most expensive book has ended in a family-owned, second-hand bookstore tucked away in the city centre.

Stacked on the shelves of Mack Campbell's Bookstore are books of all shapes and sizes and stories covering endless aspects of humanity.

There are dusty, frayed books and mint-condition books that range in price from less than one dollar to, incredibly, $3500.

Store owner Robert Campbell walked straight to the shelf and pulled from it a large, hard-cover novel — it's a family favourite.

The Lord of the Rings, by J.R.R Tolkien.

But this is not your average copy.

It's the “Platinum Centenary” edition that was released in 1992 to celebrate 100 years since the birth of the book's author, and it nearly didn't make it to Australia.

Mr Campbell said Harper Collins announced it would release 500 copies of the edition worldwide in 1992, but none were allocated to be shipped to Australia.

“Myself and a collector from down south got onto Harper Collins and complained bitterly,” Mr Campbell explained.

“After that, Harper Collins flew the plates out to Australia.”

A 200-copy Australian edition was then printed and Mr Campbell said he went on to sell 15 copies over the years.

He has one left.

“It's the Australian edition, it's in mint condition and it hasn't been opened,” Mr Campbell said.

Another rare gem in the Bell Street Mall store is Dante, by H.F Cary, published in 1889 and worth $2000.

Mr Campbell said this copy of Dante was the only one of its kind for sale in the world.