Rating: 
Summary: evengollum
Review: I am very much greatly impressed with this book by Mr. John Ronald Reuel Tolkien Phd (1892-1973). THE LORD OF THE RINGS is a book that I consider to be a masterpiece of the twentieth century. Through it, the fantasy-adventure genre reached an unpreceden ted level. "This book is largely concerned with Hobbits" writes Tolkien, in a land of knights, wizards, elves, dwarves, kings and queens. Professor Tolkien has created an entire world. Each group has their own language, heritage, and customs which bri n g them to life. Yet, for all their strangeness, they retain very human qualities and emotions. It is a story of good vs evil influenced by his friend Mr C. S. Lewis, PhD. It is the story of young people maturing; of agrarian vs industrial. It is also a story with strong spiritu al undertones. This undercurrent of religious images within a spiritual journey interests me greatly. There are many characters which hold symbolic representations: Sauron/Satan; Galadriel/virgin Mary; Frodo/Messiah; etc. Further, Professor Tolkien adroitly offers his answers to complex spiritual issues. First, the Ring may represent wealth and its power over us all. The most powerful wizards fear its influence, and only the smallest, seemingly most impotent of the fellowship can be trusted with it. The Ring itself is ammoral. Yet, the wisest understand the danger it has to corrupt their own power. Another theme is the transition from the times of the prophets to the age of the disciples. Yet another is the life of the CHRIST, Jesus lived through the character of Frodo. Especially, as he ascends Mount Doom in its shadowing of Calvary. Finally, for me the most impressive theme that Professor Tolkien offers is in the way of good versus evil. Gollum is a devious and trecherous being with few attr active qualities. Yet, without him, the quest would have failed. "Even Gollum may have something yet to do" is the phrase which succinctly summarises his special role. This fascinating book has strengthened my spiritual commitment by offering an answer for evil. This answer has inspired in me a more patient outlook as I am reminded of the wheat and the tares described in the book of Matthew 13:24-30. Another strength of this book is that one may enjoy it without thinkin g of these weightier matters. Eve n so, for those who choose, Professor Tolkien offers a parable that highlights the differences between people and how those differences can be a strength in a fellowship. Through this I have learned a bit more about toler ance. If you are interested in t he fantasy genre, spiritual matters or enjoyed the movie, this book will interest you. Thank you Chantal. PEACE
Rating:
Summary: Short but to the point
Review: I just finished reading this book (it is actually three books in one), and I am very impressed, to say the least. Perhaps I will add more at a later date, but for now I am still somewhat stunned. For now I will say only that it is by far the best work of fiction that I have ever read, and I doubt I will ever read a better book. It is a very long read, but I already feel the urge to read it again from cover to cover as soon as I possibly can.
Rating: 
Summary: Poorly Bound Book
Review: I purchased this book after seeing the Fellowship of the Ring movie. I read about two chapters into the book and the binding started to fall apart and pages began to come loose. I think this is due to bad binding on the book and the fact that it is so thick so it strains on the binding alot when you are reading it. I would recommend buying a different version of the book or buying the three books seperately.
Rating:
Summary: The best book in the history of not only middlearth!
Review: This is the best book ever made. This is the actual adventure of the fellowsip of the ring in which they set out om a perilous quest to destroy the Ring of power which belongs to sauron the dark lord. Tolkiens words are so amazing that they make you feel like you are actually in middlearth trapped in a cave with monsters, or on top of Mt. Doom fighting for the ring of power and for the world!
Rating:
Summary: Great fantasy classic presented in beautiful edition
Review: Of the many fantasy novels I have read in my time, I still cannot deny the fact that there is no book more wonderful than the Lord of the Rings. It is a timeless classic that I find myself reading again and again.What really sets this book apart from others in the fantasy genre are subtle yet crucial to making this book a classic. First, because of Tolkien's educational background at Oxford, and talent with old, forgotten languages, he created names and languages that really strike a chord in the reader. The elven languages were a stroke of genious, that linguists still continue to ponder over today. Names for people and locations also resonate in our minds in a unique way as if they were really had existed. Those who are familiar with Old or Middle English will particularly understand this point. More ingenious though is the deep meaning behind the books. The Ring of Power, being a symbol of absolute power, corrupts the minds of all it touches. The wise and strong are particularly vulnerable to its dark touch, even if they intend to use it for good (as Boromir had hoped to do). Like many other aspects of the trilogy, Tolkien clearly intended to reveal many aspects of our lives through this book, and he did so masterfully. As for this particular hardback edition, I enjoy it immensely. It truly feels like a tome from a forgotten time, and fits the mood of the story well. For the true Tolkien fan, I would definitely recommend purchasing this edition. May you enjoy many long hours reading it. :)
Rating:
Summary: The Lord of the Rings hardcover collectors' edition
Review: The quality of the construction of this book is befitting to the tale that it tells. I especially appreciate that it contains the appendices that many versions do not. Its only drawback is that it does not include detailed maps of Middle-earth that are found in some of the singular books, only the large overview.
Rating: 
Summary: LOTR and t he Holy Grail
Review: Tolkien's gifts are inspirational for artists. His poems are unique. Perhaps the only comparison is Defenders of the Holy Grail, which has many songs during the Crusader march. This book is lavish. The danger is you let someone else's image become your own.
Rating:
Summary: Best Book Ever Written
Review: Lord of the Rings is probably the best book ever written. It is so imaginative and draws you in to another world - a world of hobbits, a race of little people, dwarves, men, and Tolkien's noble Elves. It is a lot easier having all three books bound together as one. Everyone should read this book if they want their lives changed forever.
Rating:
Summary: Wow, now I know why it became a 3 part movie
Review: I'm a 20 yr old college student and am very picky about what I read. That said, this book has everything you would want in a fantasy book. This was the first ever fantasy genre book I've read and the only other types of fantasy I knew about were King Arther, Merlin etc. I decided to pick it up right after I saw the first "Fellowship of the Ring" movie and have not been disappointed. At first I hesitated to even buy it fearing that it would ruin the rest of the 2 movies for me removing any surprise. I was glad I did read it though since the movie leaves out a lot of details. Go pick it up and don't be intimidated by the number of pages. Also, the first chapter or two are a bit slow and but don't quit, you'll be rewarded afterwards.
Rating:
Summary: good book
Review: this is the best book ever written
|
