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Summary: Words cannot describe LOTR
Review: How many of the so called great authors have created such a detailed and original world? Lord of the Rings, The Hobbit, The Silmarillion, and the rest of Tolkien's books based in Middle-Earth are without question the greatest story ever written. It's almost mind boggling of how a man can create a world in his mind, and then write a complete history of it. Who needs Shakespeare? What he wrote was all about finding "hidden meanings" and "reading between the lines". Tolkien was a true literary genius. Instead of writing a novel to be analyzed in a classroom, he created an imaginary universe that everyone can enjoy. No one can hope to ever write a story close to Lord of the Rings' greatness. I would recommend this book to any person in the world. If you havn't read Lord of the Rings, you are a deprived person. I don't give this book five stars. Five stars is an insult to Tolkien. I give Lord of the Rings a 20 star rating, and even that is an understatement. Other Recommendations: The Hobbit, The Silmarillion, Unfinished Tales of Middle-Earth, and the Lord of the Rings Movie Trilogy.
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Summary: My favorite book period.
Review: Tolkien creates a world and breathes so much life in it. These three books can not be separated. They are a trio. So much of the story is built in its characters and the plot is interesting. The main player Frodo has to take the One Ring and throw it into the pits of Mount Doom. Seems easy enough right. Oh yeah don't forget that Ringwraiths are after it, everyone who comes into contact with the ring wants to use it to control Middle Earth, you get separated from your best friend, a crazy split personality helps guide you along the way, and that Sauraman and Sauron are both trying to find you. A great story that weaves so much action and interesting characters (Gimli, Merry, Aragorn, Pippin, Treebeard, Gollum, Gandalf, Sauraman, Theoden, Samwise, and Legolas) together without missing a beat. These books are just plain awesome.
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Summary: Best available box set
Review: This review compares the new 3 book hardcover box set illustrated by Alan Lee (ISBN 0618260587, pub Nov 2002) to the single volume hardcover edition which also contains the Alan Lee illustrations (ISBN 0395595118, pub Nov 1991).
All of these books have the typical fabric covered cardboard dust jackets, and each jacket cover is emblazoned with a sample of the artists' work. The binding of the 3 book set seems superior to that of the single volume and will probably last longer, especially when you take into account the fact that with one book, there are 3 times more pages to be held together!
One of the biggest differences between these books is the quality of the paper. The paper in the single volume is white, non-gloss, and unsuitably thin; the text of an underlying page can easily be seen. On a positive note, the pages that contain the art work are thicker with a glossy finish; the art is on one side and the opposite side is blank. The paper in the 3 book set is white, semi-glossy, and fairly thick. Pages that have art work on one side have text on the back.
There are also differences to be found in the printed text. The single volume is bolder, coarser, and very easy to read. The 3 volume set employs a more delicate and elegant style of type, which makes it slightly harder to see from a distance, but nonetheless is easily read.
Both volumes do a good job of presenting Alan Lee's art. The pictures are placed to follow the story, and I think Mr. Lee does an excellent job of using Tolkiens words to create a visual presentation of the characters and locations. Some people have complained that the colors are a little drab, and in some cases I would agree, but I think that one of the reasons for this is the fact that all of these pictures were done in watercolor. One thing I noticed was that the colors in the one volume set seemed a little more vibrant and are probably truer to the original paintings than those in the box set, but this will not be noticeable unless you have them side by side. In addition, the maps in the single edition are all printed on the same thin paper as the rest of the text and are located in the back of the book. In the box set, the maps are printed on the inside covers of the dust jackets.
In summary, I feel that this box set is probably the best hardcover edition you can buy, illustrated or not. It is very well constructed and I think you are getting a lot of value for your money. I would also like to mention that there is an Alan Lee illustrated hardcover version of "The Hobbit" which is the same size as this boxed set and looks good on the bookshelf together. It is ISBN 0395873460, pub 1997. For anyone wishing to see the artwork contained in these books as well as other Tolkien inspired art,. John Howe is another well known artist of Middle Earth who, along with Alan Lee, served as a creative consultant for the current 'Lord of the Rings' movies. Ted Nasmith has also created some very nice interpretations of Tolkien's work. Keep in mind that some of the pictures are from books other than the 'Lord of the Rings' such as 'The Hobbit' and 'The Silmarillion'.
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Summary: BEST FANTASY BOOK EVER!
Review: LOTR is the Best fantasy book ever written. Period.
Anyone who doesn't give this book 5 stars must be crazy (j/k)
but seriously, LOTR is THE fantasy book and imo maybe one of the best outside of fantasy too.
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Summary: A Marvelous Book.
Review: This version of "The Lord of the Rings" is simply gorgeous. Alan Lee is one of my favorite artists. The book is a war story. Frodo, the most vital character, finds that the ring he inherited will bring the end of the world if he doesn't destroy it. The ring is the essence of the evil entity Sauron whose minions will stop at nothing to get it back. Frodo leaves his home with his friends and travels towards the volcano Mt. doom, where the ring was forged and the only way to destroy it. Frodo encounters wondrous places, peoples, cultures, and realizes his best friend, sam, will literally die for him. Their friendship is the only thing keeping Frodo from giving in to the addiction of the ring. War breaks out between Sauron the the free people of Middle Earth. Humanities' time for power or destruction depends on a small ordinary person, Frodo.
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Summary: Probably one of the greatest trilogies ever written!
Review: I saw the first two movies before I read the books, and having seen them, I knew I had to read the books, which I'm in the process of doing. No, I haven't finished the trilogy, but this is what I can tell you so far: Yes, the books are hard to read, at least, in the beginning. As you get more into the books, the action improves. Keep in mind, the books weren't intended for little kids or pure amusement. The books were intended to provoke thought on the triumph of good over evil and the sacrifices it entails.
Tolkien's works are nothing short of masterpieces and I fully intend to finish the complete series by the time The Return of the King hits the theaters!
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Summary: World of Tolkien
Review: It was C.S. Lewis who said:" Here are beauties which pierce like swords and burn like cold iron; here is a book that will break your your heart... good beyond hope" and was completely correct, although if you cannot see what he means, once you read it will be clear. This book shows the divine line between good and evil and how evil can overcome good like a shadow. But shadows are only temporary and evil can only destroy itself. The Lord of the Rings is a book that will win your heart, mind, and soul . Tolkien has created a world so real ,loving, and terrible that you would wish it were like your own. The book is finely descriptioned and will make you think that you yourslef lived there. Tolkien puts it in words that should never be changed or revised becasue history should never be changed or revised. The Fellowship of the Ring, The Two Towers, and The Return of the King is one novel consisting of three books containing two books in each. This story is about a Hobbit, a hairy footed stump high little man, who destiny was not intended on his own nor by the Ring of Power. On his mission to destroy which he grows to utterly love is a compelling story for the household and the mind.
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Summary: The Best of the Best
Review: Lord of the Rings is the best fantasy epic ever told. JRR Tolkien is a genius in the art of storytelling. If I had the money I, this box set would be on my bookshelves. Until I do it will stay in my wish list. This set has illustrations from Alan Lee. If you don't recognize the name, he is like the official artist of Middle-earth. He even did the concept art for the films. This is a hardcover set so you know it is a good investment for multiple readings over time. I've read The Lord of the Rings twice and plan to read it again next year before the final film is released. If you are a true fan, upgrade to a better set. This is my set of choice. When I get some cash set aside, I will purchase it, I think you should also.
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Summary: Classic Fantasy
Review: The genre of modern fantasy started here with Tolkein's epic. The Lord of the Rings is a vividly written story with an entangling plot, genuine and original characters, and the bewitching voice of J.R.R. Tolkein. Though at first glance many modern readers find the descriptions and dialogue overwrought, upon closer examination, nothing less could possibly do. Our impatience comes from our way of life, which must be utterly put aside to enjoy this book's breathtaking landscapes, enchanting cultures rich in songs and history, and a cast of both noble and despicable characters. Each development comes in its due time, accompanied by the laughter and tears of the irresistible connection between storyteller and audience.
Yet in these pages the reader will also find layers of symbolism, an almost unintentional social conscience, and a story of our world that makes these books frighteningly relevant today. There lies wisdom for the discovery of anyone who will listen.
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Summary: I'm turning into a hobbit...
Review: I resisted reading Tolkien's The Hobbit and Lord of the Rings trilogy since high school, I never could understand what all the fuss was about but I am totally hooked after seeing the LOTR Fellowship of the Ring film. I had to read the book and compare/contrast and I love the books and am so glad I bought this deluxe edition. Lee's illustrations are just as I would have imagined them (although I do love Tolkien's illustrations for The Hobbit - not part of this set) and bring so many of the characters to life. The type is easy to read, and the books are very well made and it's handy having the box so that they all sit on the shelf nicely. A must-have for Tolkien fans and book collectors.
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