Rating: 
Summary: The Definitive Tolkien Encyclopedia
Review: As the title indicates, this is the Definitive Tolkien quick and at a glance resource book. Its a must have in any Tolkien lovers library. And if you are able to find the hard bound cover, get it quick, cause I have looked everywhere. Hardbacks are so much nicer.
Rating:
Summary: Almost essential for people reading LOTR
Review: Tolkien created a marvelously intricate world of Middle-Earth, but keeping track of all the names of people, places, and things can be a daunting task. Furthermore, many of the subjects have more than one name! I was reading the "Fellowship" and found myself diving into this reference book many times. It actually gives more depth to the story, and gives the reader more clarity, which increases the enjoyability of the reading. Some people might not like diverting their focus from the main book by having to look up a name in the Guide, but I actually found that it made my overall reading experience more enjoyable. It's like grease for the mind, making it easier for your brain to envision Tolkien's visions. One slight "drawback" I found was that sometimes this book can give you TOO much information on some characters prematurely, possibly spoiling suprises in the story. I had one small experience like that, but it wasn't too bad. The benefits of this Guide far exceeds the drawbacks however.
Rating:
Summary: YOU GOTTA HAVE THIS!
Review: This book is really awesome. If you are still rereading LotR or Hobbit, or maybe reading other Tolkien books, this book will help you. Many times I have wondered on what that or that is, so I just took the book and looked it up. This book have EVERY single thing in tolkien's world. it seems to be impossible, but it is so, believe me! You gotta buy this!!!
Rating:
Summary: An outstanding overview for all hobbits. . .
Review: . . .interested in exploring Middle-Earth (even outside the boundaries of the Shire).Most hobbits, being the stay-at-home types we are, would enjoy this book only as a reference -- to see how those funny people Outside live. But for the hobbit eager to explore the wide world, this volume is for you! Mr. Foster has taken the time to do proper reasearch on all aspects concerning people and places throughout Middle-Earth, using the source material available in the Red Book of Westmarch, and other translations from the Elvish from the pen of the esteemed Bilbo Baggins. I have it on good authority that copies of this book are presented by the Thain to each member of the Took family upon reaching their "coming of age".
Rating: 
Summary: The Way to Read and Understand Tolkien
Review: Reading the Lord of the Rings trilogy with this book next to me was a whole new experience. There are hundreds of incredibly subtle references that you can shed new light on, and a wealth of background information on every character and culture to be found in the guide. The reason it does not get 5 stars is this: This book is abridged from a similar book released in the 1970's. The older version contains more, unofficial information from various other sources. I was able to find that at an antique store by a stroke of luck, and I found that it was even more helpful, it even had maps showing troop movement at the Battle of Pelennor Fields. So if you find the old version, get that, but if you can't this is well worth it!
Rating:
Summary: Complete is definitely the right word for this....
Review: I have never NOT found what I was looking for in Foster's book. It is an excellent resource for Tolkien lovers (as I am one) to learn more and understand a little better the world that Tolkien left for us to explore.
Rating:
Summary: A-Z Complete!
Review: This is a great book to have. This guide has every character, place and event from The Hobbit, LoTR and The Silmarillion. If your really into Tolkien, you need this.
Rating:
Summary: The Best Tolkien Guide Around
Review: This Guide contains the two things most necessary for any serious study of Tolkien's works: clarity and correctness. Foster clearly did a lot of homework when creating this Guide, because it covers all the Ages of Middle-earth and so can be used both by those who have only read 'The Hobbit' as readily as those who, like myself, own and have read almost everything Tolkien has ever written. When I need to know some fact about Middle-earth and don't feel like hauling out the appropriate book, I turn to Foster's Guide -- you should, too.
Rating:
Summary: Middle Earth Atlas guide
Review: the Complete guide to Middle Earth is overall great. It is a huge glossary with everything you want to know.For example all the hobbits of the Shire.It also gives family trees on the royal houses(Kings,Stewards, and Elders)
Rating:
Summary: Best guide EVER!
Review: I have this book and Atlas of the Middle Earth and I use them ALL THE TIME while reading the Hobbit and the Lord of the Rings. I am always setting down my book to look up something. IT HAS EVERYTHING. Just don't read to much about something or it will spoil the story!
| 
