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Summary: Perhaps it is Merely Fiction, or Perhaps Not....
Review: I have read this trilogy at least three times since I was a boy. It is a wonderful book for getting through rough spots, since it literally transports you to another world. I used to regard the trilogy as probably the best work of fantasy fiction ever written, but still fiction. Then I read an account where Tolkien claimed that he wrote most of this work "automatically." He claimed that it just flowed to him (he had no idea from where) but that he definately had the feeling that he was recording events that had actually happened. That would explain the inspired nature of the work. Perhaps "Middle Earth" really exists, perhaps it is the middle ground between our dull earth and higher realms....
As for this specific edition, I have wanted it for twenty years and apparently thanks to the popularity of the movie I can finally treat myself to it. This is a story that deserves to be housed between guilt leather covers.
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Summary: My precious
Review: If your buying this collectors edition, then you've already probably read the LOTR previously. However, if I may, let me put forth my own opinion of Tolkien. I started with "The Hobbit" when I was an 11 year old lad and it really inspired me to make reading a serious hobby. Thousands of books later (many of the fantasy genre), this series still holds up as the most original, beautifully written piece of literature ever created by one man. Even the Bible (for those Christians in the reviewing audience) was written by many men and many parts of the Old Testament were blatant copies of stories included in the mythology of more ancient religions. Any Tolkien fan should have a fine, hardbound edition on his bookshelves to read and to pass on to future generations.
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Summary: 'LORD' IS A DESERVING LEGEND!
Review: LORD OF THE RINGS is everything that you've ever heard. It is an amazing journey. An action packed story with wonderful characters. A story packed with hundreds of pages of history, language, and research beyond any other fictional novel that I have ever encountered (only Frank Herbert's Dune novels come close). And truly The Lord of the Rings Saga is the cornerstone of the Fantasy genre.Forewarning, anyone who wishes to read the Lord of the Rings saga should start with The Hobbit. Hobbit is an easy fun story and it will help ground you to the first 100 pages of LOR. LOR is obviously divided into three main books (and the three upcoming movies that have helped gather even more hype around the saga). Part 1 - Fellowship of the Ring is an excellent intro to the entire saga. We learn of the history behind the Ring and its creator Sauron. We learn of Bilbo Baggins acquiring it from the evil Gollum. And, we learn of the gathering of the Fellowship of the Ring. It's a lot to take in, and there are numerous characters to follow...but stay with it and the pay-off will be rewarding. The highlight being the fellowship's battles in the dungeon mines with an army or orcs and the dreaded balrog. Part 2 - The Two Towers is my personal favorite section of the LOR saga. This section divides the adventures of the fellowship into two areas. The hobbits journey to destory the ring and the fellowships battles with the evil wizard Saruman and the armies of evil. The action in this part is incredible and delivered at a breakneck pace. The highlight being Frodo and Sam traveling with the fiendish Gollum and then encountering the monster Shelob. Part 3 - The Return of the King is the conclusion of the saga. All of the storylines connect and the heroes and villains travel their course. I can't mention anything here because at a combined amount of 1,000+ pages...if you make it this far then you should be allowed to enjoy the ride without any spoilers. For any fan of reading and adventure and fans of any age I can praise nothing more highly than J,R.R. Tolkien's Lord of the Rings Saga.
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Summary: Everyone must read these books at least once
Review: Look, it's quite simple. If you haven't read the Lord of the Rings trilogy, something's wrong with you. If you think this is a children's book, you're mistaken. If you think it's just another dime-a-dozen pulp fantasy novel for Dungeons & Dragons geeks, think again. This is a classic of English literature. Tolkien's world is so mind-bogglingly deep, rich, and vast that when you reach the end of the book, you might be startled to find yourself back in the "real" world. Tolkien's genius just sucks you in; his prose is utterly convincing. The characters become a part of you. His portrait of Middle Earth is one of the most vivid and lifelike ever put on paper. The language is sometimes dense, but it's so rewarding that it never feels difficult. The first time I read the books I think I completed each one in a single sitting. This is a book for everyone. It truly is mythic: there are the archetypes of Paradise, destiny and free will, Armageddon, the crusade of good against evil, and Man's place in the cosmos. You'll find yourself reading it time and time again. Invest in the hardcover edition, and pass it on to your grandkids.
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Summary: Read Tolkein Aloud to your Kids
Review: For all parents who have taken your children to the newly released "Lord of the Rings", I challenge you to pick up "The Fellowship of the Ring" and read it aloud to your children. This will work best with kids 10 and older. Read a page or two every night at bedtime. I've read through "The Hobbit" twice to our kids, and have read through "The Lord of the Rings" trilogy once to them. Our boys are all teenagers. We read every night for 20-30 minutes. We've also unplugged our TV and replace this time with reading in our home. Tolkein is an excellent storyteller, with vivid descriptions a cinematographer can only begin to play with. Your child's imagination is so much greater than that of any movie maker. Give them the gift of your time and Tolkein's genius writing: Read Tolkein Aloud to your Kids! For two books filled with other creative ideas for parents such as this one, take a look at "The Family Cloister" and "The Christian Family Toolbox", both written by David Robinson.
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Summary: Horrible!
Review: I probably could have lived with this recording if at least the actor voicing Frodo would have been able to act. But alas, the central character in the work was performed by an actor with no talent--this guy makes your average soap opera actor sound like Oscar material. Stay away from this edition at all costs!
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Summary: Lord of the Rings review
Review: The single greatest book ever, you should own this book, your friends should oun this book. your mother should own this book!
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Summary: A Fantasy Masterpiece
Review: Everytime I read The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings trilogy I get more from it. I have read them 3 times and I am starting on my fourth adventure. I never get tired of going to Middle Earth. Great books to read or give as gifts to older children. 5 thumbs up.
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Summary: Tolkien has created a world for his readers
Review: These are my favorite books in all the world. Nothing I have read has compared to the richness of this story and its settings and characters. J.R.R. Tolkien is a genius who has created not only a stirring, epic story, but a world with histories, legends, songs, and languages that are so complete that they can be learned and spoken. Each and every character, from Frodo the hobbit to Aragorn the heir of kings, is so vivid and real that by the end of the book, you feel as if you have walked along the roads with them throughout their long journey. I strongly recommend reading this book BEFORE you see the movie, so that you can form your own images of the characters and settings. This is a book that has changed my life, and I can't find the words to do it justice. Everyone ought to read these books!
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Summary: It started it ALL!!
Review: This is the series that started it all! Harry Potter? Star Wars? They ALL have their roots in the LOTR. Tolkien's masterpiece is as fresh today as it was almost 50 years ago. The story of hobbits, orcs, elves, and a Ring is a perfect novel for teen-agers, as well as adults. It is a perfect "transition" book for young adults to test the waters of more adult fare. Its themes of absolute power, good vs. evil, and the little guy getting the glory, and I literally do mean "little", is a perfect book for all ages. Enjot the series and enjoy the upcoming films.
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