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Summary: Weak Maps, spelling errors, don't do justice
Review: As someone else mentioned, we all know the Lord of the Rings to be by the far one of the greatest works of writing of the 20th century. It is all a game we play with Tolkien, for he too took it much more seriously then any other Fantasy of Science Fiction writer ever has. He made up languages that existed in relationship to languages and dialects that we have in english, and thus created a nightmare for Translators. He told stories of all sorts of perils of creation, and made sure everything was done right. Thus, when an edition like this comes out, it is truly painful. For one, originally, Tolkien created some of the most beautiful maps of Middle Earth, spending time making sure that all of the proportions were accurate. He didn't just jumble down some lines for the coast line, for example. He spent many hours making sure everything was proportinate and made sense. However, sometime after 1988, Ballantine started to release editions of the triliogy with completely new maps, all signed by some Shelly Shapiro. In either case, these new maps were plauged with problems, from being too cartoony and unproportinate to having names of locations from the original maps done away with. The maps, from the very beginning, have been essential to the LoTR books, and having cheap maps made is annoying beyond belief. It shows a sign of disrespect from the editors. To me, it says, "People won't notice anyway. Lets make a smaller sized book with less detailed maps and save some money." If you truly want to expierience this epic (or history, more accurately) as Tolkien envisioned it (not some editor at Ballantine), spend some extra cash and either get a different edition or buy a good map (there is currently an excellent one made by Christopher Tolkien, which is much larger and detailed). Of course, were the map adequate, this edition still suffers from annoying miscopies and misprints and so on. Don't sell out for cheap editions. You've been warned.
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Summary: The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings Boxed Set
Review: I was introduced to J.R. Tolkien's work when i saw a child watching "The Hobbit" animation bought this set and have already started my third set of the books.Tolkien takes you in his world filled with adventures,magic,myths and tales ,his talent for imagination is outstanding, truly he is the master of fantasy and science fiction.The use of poetry is so captivating and brilliant .A must read for people of all ages.
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Summary: I still remember tolkien's books vividly after 25 years
Review: It has been approximately 25 years since i read the Hobbit and the Lord of the Rings Trilogy as a young boy. I remember each of these books vividly as if i had read them yesterday. Tolkien brings you into his world so completely that the reader loses all concept of time. I can remember reading for 8 hours straight as a kid...not wanting to put these books down and leave Tolkien's world. Tolkien had a profound impact on my enthusiasm for reading as a child. There is nothing that even compares to his works...The Hobbit and the Lord of the Rings trilogy is a must for everyone. I have taken a few days off of work to reread these books...I am also giving the box set to everyone i know with young children....
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Summary: A True Classic
Review: The first time I read the Lord of the Rings was 20 years ago when I was 13 years old. Every few years or so, I still return to these magnificent tomes and have just recently finished a through sitting-down with them. It amazes me that these books still have so much to offer. As I grow older and wiser, the characters continue to grow and obtain an even greater depth than when I first read their words and thoughts. Aragon's self-doubt and struggle to define himself early on, the High Elves and their bittersweet knowledge that time and the rest of the world must pass them by; these things become clearer to me and more potent in their meaning as I grow older.If you have not read these wonderous books, I envy you. Many times I wish that I could experience the powerful intensity that these books struck me with the first time that I read them. If you have read these books, I invite you to read them again. ...and again! I think that the intelligent reader will find, as I have, that these books have such detail and richness that it simply cannot be absorbed in one sitting. A classic story fit for anyone, at any age. This is also the appropriate introduction to the world of Tolkien. If you like these books, I would further recommend The Silmarillion, The Unfinished Tales and The Lays of Beleriand. Of the volumes and volumes of posthumously published works, these three alone, [so far], are worthy of praise for pleasure reading.
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Summary: Do NOT buy this edition
Review: Everyone knows the Hobbit and the Lord of the Rings are wonderful stories, and I fully agree. The reason for my bad rating of this PARTICULAR edition of JRR Tolkien's works is that the books are riddled with typographical errors, some so severe that they change the meaning of sentences, effectively reversing the author's intent. One example: "The Breelanders locked their doors at night, which was also not unusual in the Shire." The word "unusual" should have been "usual"--i.e., the Shire Hobbits don't usually lock their doors at night. But exactly the opposite idea is conveyed by this typographical error! And there are many more errors where that one came from. I counted THREE errors on ONE PAGE! AVOID THIS EDITION at all costs!
Rating:
Summary: 5 stars just isn't enough
Review: The Lord of the Rings is by far the best book ever. The incredible mind and imagination of Tolkien just brings this story and all its characters to life better than any movie. He made the entire world from his imagination, giving it its' own history, legends, and songs. There are all the fantasy favorites: Men, Dwarves, Elves, wizards and Hobbits (Halflings), as well as all the monsters, including trolls, orcs, giant spiders, and even dragons. Every aspect in this book is perfect, and I dont give 5 stars out easily. If there were more stars, The Lord of the Rings and its prequel, The Hobbit, would get them all. Amazon.com is calling it the greatest book of the Millenium, and if that doesn't convince you, then just read it yourself. No one can read this series and not absolutely love it, and no one can disagree that it is the book of the millenium, probably the best book of all time.
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Summary: Everyone should read this.
Review: If thier is any bood that should be required reading for high-schools it is these books. There are no better examples of storytelling and very few that can equall it. Tolken filled a void that had been missing in western culture since the acient greeks (or at least the Nordic tribes) stopped writing. He has created a modern myth. In doing this he started a style of writing that focuses on the basics of storytelling. This writing syle is based of how imaginative the storytelling is, more than the ideas that the writing conveys. Tolken manages to bring the story together in a way that is somthing in between Homer's epics and the classic fairy tales. The plotlines of these books are both generic and incredibly origonal. It has all of the elements that make stories like Star Wars so entertaining to everyone, while at the same time leaving the knowing that the book was about more than adventure, it was about finding some piece of bravery within themselves. The fact that the story is mostly told through the eyes of the hobbits is important. The hobbits give the reader a veiw of a world that is bigger than it would if they were human. This is supposed to make the reader relate to when they have felt small, and as if all of the events in the world are just too big for them to control. The actions of most of the humans is told in a very aloof fashion, as if it happens above the tasks that Bilbo or Frodo are trying to acomplish. Whatever people get out of the Lord of the Rings, Tolken has created what is probably the perfect story. All fatasy is in some way tring to reacreate the feel and imagination that this story created.
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Summary: My most cherished books of my childhood
Review: I'm 18 years old, and I still can't describe my love for these books. Hands down, these are my favorite books in the world. Growing up, they provided a whole world of excitement to escape to or simply to visit at bed time--a world of knights and dragons, of kings and castles, and of a young 'hobbit' growing up with the burden of the world upon his shoulders. I wish i could convey my love for these books through words. Tolkien, through these novels, creates a whole different reality. The stakes are so high, with the balance of humanity and all that is good riding on the aspirations and strength of Frodo, the young hobbit. Tolkien truly captures the reader, toying with their emotions on a roller coaster ride. Just when the reader believes all hope is lost, tolkien reminds the reader, with faith and courage, hope never quite can be crushed. These, i guarantee, will be books i will read to my son if I ever have one. They blow Harry Potter out of the water. Simply ask anyone who has read both. Tolkien has so much depth and realness to all of his characters. They are the books that really sparked my desire to read. Buy these. You'll never regret it.
Rating: 
Summary: Not the best printing of this classic
Review: I haven't read all 495 reviews, but enough to wonder how many actually read THIS particular printing. Typos abound in the three volumes of LOTR, and I must assume in The Hobbit as well. Still a timeless classic, but please, next time hire more efficient proofreaders!
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Summary: There is really no need to praise the infamous hobbit tales
Review: Instead, I would just like to make one recommendation. I am putting this here because it isn't in Amazon's recommend list, and without a doubt it should be. People put the names Lord of the Rings and Watership Down together all the time but they seem to leave out this one truly unappreciated. Instead, I would just like to make one recommendation. I am putting this here because it isn't in Amazon's recommend list, and without a doubt it should be. People put the names Lord of the Rings and Watership Down together all the time but they seem to leave out this one truly unappreciated masterpiece, THE BOOK OF THE DUN COW. For anyone who loved the two stories mentioned above this story isn't to be missed! So do a search for this one by Walter Wagner, Jr and read about it and buy it and love it!
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