Rating: 
Summary: Simply fantastic- you won't regret it
Review: I suppose the main gripe of disenchanted purchasers of this book is that it mirrors the movies rather than the books. I would argue that Peter Jackson has done a superb job of bringing to life warfare of Middle Earth, and this is exactly that book to let you envision his creations. PJ is himself noted to be a warfare/military history type of buff, and meticulously planned the battle scenes in the movies. Additionally, in some instances, the book doesn't try to cement the movie version over the book version (in the case of Saruman's death). If you know your books well enough, then this movie-version shouldn't really be a problem for you.I purchased the softcover book, which has a fantastic not-so-soft cover, and doesn't pick up fingerprints too much (a must since I expect to be thumbing through this in years to come). Each of the pages is adorned with at least half a dozen beautiful glossy photos, some of which have not even been seen in any of the movies thus far (theatrical and extended versions). These are namely scenes of Gil-Galad and Elendil, which I don't understand why PJ never put into the extended cut of FoTR. I myself love military history, and I believe that PJ and company did the research, and it most certainly is demonstrated in this book. If you've ever wondered how long the ash-spears held by the Fountain Guards at the Tower of Ecthelion are, or cared about the different trolls present at the siege of Minas Tirith, or wanted to behold the staff weapon aiglos of Gil-Galad, then this book IS the one for you.
Rating:
Summary: This is ONLY MOVIE material, not Tolkien's LOTR
Review: I wanted to stress this again, as I see it was written by a few reviewers. This book is based on PJ's movies, NOT Tolkien's books. The "facts" that are included (background, stories, etc) are as per the movies, NOT Tolkien's books. It was confusing to me at first because I did not realise this. Be aware before you buy the book. That said, this book is beautiful! Gorgeous photos, pictures and drawings, and well-written history and explanations regarding PJ's movies. If you are a fan of the movies, this is a must-have book.
Rating: 
Summary: Unenlightening, but Pretty Pictures
Review: I've got to say, seeing all the elegantly crafted weapons and LOTR paraphenalia was downright arousing. Peter Jackson and his team put together a one-of-a-kind piece in his trilogy and this is reflected in Weapons and Warfare. In a lot of ways the films got the essensce of Tolkein, however, but in a few ways they didn't. But hey, overall they did an awesome job, I don't think I could have done better, we can't ask for too much more. In contrast, Mr. Smith clearly didn't do the research necessary for his book. It is obvious from reading through just some of the text that he doesn't quite get it. Everything is given very superficial dusting and thrown onto the page with a little exposition from the author to make it seem authentic and make the author look good. However, it lacks the deep approach that anyone who has given any of Tolkein's writing more than a cursory glance realizes needs to be taken with his books. The only real selling point in this book is the pictures. The writing is sloppy and clearly not researched the way it needs to be. It shows that the author didn't take much of a look at the trilogy, much less the books beyond it. I don't see this book as more than someone else trying to make some money by jumping on Tolkein's bandwagon. If you really want to learn something read more Tolkein, I especially recommend The Silmarillion.
Rating:
Summary: Much more then you may expect.
Review: If you have interest in the beautiful craftmanship of armor and weapons created for the LOTR movies, this is a must own. In fact, this is a must own for any interested in LOTR period. The book is comprised of over 60 short chapters chock full of pictures, illustrations and war maps covering addt'l back story on characters, people, battles and locations. Interested in what really happened in the Last Alliance of Elves and Men? The history of the weapons Sting and Glamdring? Why Weathertop and Amon Hen was built? What Aragon was up to before and after the events of the War of the Ring? I have read the Hobbit and LOTR multiple times, and although this embraces the movies, I learned alot of interesting facts. This book adds more depth, storyline to the movies and will wet your appetite for tolkien's work. Well written, fascinating and informative. My Highest Recommendation.
Rating:
Summary: Excellent in-depth look at LotR weapons
Review: If you like Lord of the Rings and are a weapons fan like me, you just ran out of excuses not to buy this book. I only wish I had bought it sooner, and that's the truth. I think few people can deny that the weapons used in Lord of the Rings are some of the most gorgeous cinema arms ever produced. Whether it be the styled curve of the Elven glaive Aiglos, or the pristine steel straight-edge of Narsil, there's just something about those weapons that makes a person want to grab one and start hacking some uruks! For such arms lovers, this book takes a satisfying look at all the weapons, techniques, styles, and strategies of the combat in Middle-Earth. Beginning in the Second Age with the Noldorian Elves and Númenórian troops, the book follows through to the beginning of the Fourth Age, and covers all manner of races and their styles, armor, and weapons in between. The book also does in-depth profiles of crucial characters and their arms, such as Gil-Galad, Elendil, Isildur, Elrond, Boromir, Faramir, Frodo, Sam, Merry, Pippin, Théoden, Éowyn, Éomer, Gandalf, Legolas and Gimli. Even a yet-unseen profile of the Mouth of Sauron! As well, the book examines locations of several crucial battles and battle plans, including the battle at Gorgoroth, Amon Hen, Moria, Lothlorien, Helm's Deep, The Pelennor Fields, the Siege of Gondor, Morannon, and Amon Sul. Illustrated with hundreds of colorful pictures from the movie and conceptual illustrations (many pictures, especially of the weapons themselves, are new, but the illustrations for the most part can be found in The Art of Return of the King), it's quite worth reading again and again, or keeping it on your coffee table to emphasize for guests how kooky over Lord of the Rings you are. The book's style is that of an actual history book from Middle-Earth itself, by which I mean it uses language such as "artifacts have been unearthed in Mordor", or "eyewitness accounts testify that such-and-such", discussing it as if it were history, not myth. Oftentimes, the author attempts to justify book-to-movie alterations by quoting "conflicting accounts". (The book, of course, focuses on the movie weapons, in case you were in doubt about that) Parents should be advised that this book discusses balrogs, trolls and uruk-hai in detail, including many photos of these grotesque warriors, so if young children are about, it would be advisable to remove this book from their reach. I found it an excellent read, and if you can't find any other reason to purchase this book . . . there's a picture of Legolas inside. ;-)
Rating: 
Summary: Doesn't know what he's talking about.
Review: The book is detailed - no one can deny that. Unfortunately, it's details are made up from either Chris Smith's and/or Peter Jackson's own ideas, since much of what appears in this is never mentioned by Tolkeoin, and frequently contradicts the Lotrd of the Rings. If you like being lied to, go get it.
Rating:
Summary: Simply Amazing!! Outstanding work on LOTR films
Review: This book is a perfect give for your LOTR addict, but hey, LOTRs fans you might not want to wait till someone gives this to you! This is simply worth every penny! Outside of the films, if someone asked me which was THE best LOTR gift to give or receive for LOTR fans, I would hands down recommend this wonderful book. It is just loaded with so much background, answers so many details, that I cannot image doing without this book in my LOTR collection. As one who collects swords and knives, loves fencing and enjoys all sorts of books on weaponry and a hopeless LOTRs addict, this is one gem of a book. It is not thin volume, but a jam-packed book loaded with 100s of photos, maps & artwork and a forward by Christopher Lee. 217 pages of high quality pages covering every aspect of the rings. It starts with the history of the War of the Ring, the last alliance of Elves and Men, covers the Dead Marshes, with chapters on ever main character in all three films, going into the armour and the weapons they used. At the end is a glossary for quick reference. There is not enough praise for this book. It is just likely THE BEST collectors item for the Rings and if you don't have one you are missing a wonderful item for your collection.
Rating:
Summary: Swords, staffs, and scimitars, oh my!!!!!
Review: This book is absolutely astonishing....224 pages of pure LOTR bliss! If you buy nothing else this holiday season, then you MUST get this book! It has all of the good facts about the folks in the three LOTR films...and it even backtracks to give us a little bit of history prior to the legendary War of the Ring. Of course, this is all done from a military/war aspect...which makes it even better! The illustrations are wonderful....the pictures are delightful and pleasing to the eye. The prose is not written for children...but it is not written in such a difficult language that a person with limited reading comprehension may not be able to understand it. I highly suggest you run right out today and get yourself a copy! You'll be glad you did!
Rating: 
Summary: Less Cheese with that Whine
Review: This book is excellent in its detail and approach. As other reviewers have pointed out there are portions that are part of the conception of Peter Jackson's and not part of the LOTR e.g., the appearance of the Elves at the Battle of the Hornburg/Helm's Deep. However, for all the incongruities between the written text and the movie this is a great book for those who love the movie and wish to understand the depth of thought involved in crafts and styling of the films. The design of the films were not random and the book shows in great detail how much deep thought went into each aspect of designing for each race in clothing, theory of historical development and weapons design. One of the flaws of the book, however, is the pixellation of some of the pictures in the book. An example is the section on the Elven bow with a picture with an Elven warrior which was obviously pulled out of the film but not cleaned up in its resolution. Otherwise, the conceit of the book that it is an actual historical document of Middle Earth is done well. For hardcore film fans this is a necessary book for the simple reason that there are photos and scenes that are not seen in the films at all and that includes the extended editions and the documentaries. For Elf freaks. the extra photos of Gil-Galad are a must. The book also provides back story such as, how the world did Merry and Pippin end up with perfect sized battle garments in Rohan and Gondor. Further, the history of Middle Earth were incorporated as much as possible including the appendixes so, for the purists there are levels of accuracy that can satisfy. One thing missing was the mithril shirt and a greater discussion of mithril but this is a minor quibble in what I consider one of the best book tie ins available. There is plenty of original material for the LOTR enthusiast and definitely nice for the collection. Remember, that this is about the movie which happens to incorporate as much of the written text as possible but it is not perfectly accurate and some of it is a conceptualization of what these civilizations would have been which, may not meet what the reader's mind eye may have thought. But then you cannot satisfy everyone. I liked it, and I have read a good chunk of the canon so for the ultra purists -- you have been warned. For the movie freaks this book is for you.
Rating:
Summary: Awesome Book!
Review: This book offers a great overview of all the races and prominent characters from the books (movies). Better yet, you get an in depth look at all the weaponry and armor designed for the movies, how it was designed, the historical development of each weapon (in Middle Earth terms), and a detailed look at how each weapon is deployed by the race that uses it. Lots of detail!
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