Product Description

Three-volume paperback boxed set of J.R.R. Tolkien's classic masterpiece, packaged in the classic black covers designed by Tolkien himself. Sauron, the Dark Lord, has gathered to him all the Rings of Power -- the means by which he intends to rule Middle-earth. All he lacks in his plans for dominion is the One Ring -- the ring that rules them all -- which has fallen into the hands of the hobbit, Bilbo Baggins. In a sleepy village in the Shire, young Frodo Baggins finds himself faced with an immense task, as his elderly cousin Bilbo entrusts the Ring to his care. Frodo must leave his home and make a perilous journey across Middle-earth to the Cracks of Doom, there to destroy the Ring and foil the Dark Lord in his evil purpose. Since it was first published in 1954, 'The Lord of the Rings' has been a book people have treasured. Steeped in unrivalled magic and otherworldliness, its sweeping fantasy has touched the hearts of young and old alike.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #507 in Books
• Published on: 1999-03-01
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 3
• Binding: Paperback
• 1500 pages

Amazon.co.uk Review
For those who have not read Tolkien's epic fantasy, or for those looking to replace a worn and battered copy, this three-volume The Lord of the Rings box set is a great place to start. Comprising the three novels that make up the Lord of the Rings sequence--The Fellowship of the Ring, The Two Towers and The Return of the King--the whole set is presented in matching matt black packaging with embossed runes and coloured rings. Of course, beneath the fancy covers lies a great epic story of good versus evil, perhaps one of the greatest stories ever told. Attractively presented--and at a great price--there really is no excuse not to have this in your collection. So go on, give it a try; once you've entered Tolkien's fantastic imagination, you'll find it hard to leave. --Jonathan Weir

Review
'Extraordinarily imaginative, and wholly exciting.' The Times 'The story itself is superb.' Observer 'A most remarkable feat.' Guardian 'An astonishing imaginative tour de force.' Daily Telegraph 'Tolkien was a storyteller of genius.' Literary Review 'Amongst the greatest works of imaginative fiction of the twentieth century.' Sunday Telegraph

’ Sunday Telegraph
‘Amongst the greatest works of imaginative fiction of the twentieth century.

Customer Reviews

A beautiful edition of a timeless classic
I will not waste words here raving about the Lord of the Rings. Most people already know that it is one of the greatest stories ever told and has been reviewed more eloquently elsewhere.

If you are a fan of Tolkien then this box set is a wonderful collectors item. It is presented in sturdy hardback to survive multiple readings over the years. It also has some of Alan Lee's wonderful illustrations, which clearly demonstrate the influence they had over the visualisation of Peter Jackson's movies. Some of these pictures look like they might have been taken straight out of the movies.

All in all, as a fan whose previous paperback editions have fallen apart, look forward to enjoying these hardbacks for years to come.

BRILLIANT STORY - BEAUTIFUL BOOKS
Since the release of the Lord of the Rings trilogy of movies by Newline Cinema there are few who do not by now know the story of Frodo and his campanions in their quest to destroy the 'One Ring' and defeat the evil Lord Sauron. For that reason I will not concentrate so much on the story (please see my comments on the paperback edition for these) but rather on this particular hardback edition.

Originaly I bought the 3 book set paperback edition and after reading them became a Tolkien fan so much that I have bought all his books relating to Middle-Earth. However as with all paperbacks wear and tear begins to show after several readings. So I though I would invest in a hardback version to keep and read for the years to come. Although not cheap but worth every penny being beautifully illustrated and presented.

If you are new to Lord of the Rings then go buy the much cheaper paperback version first. However, if like me you want a nice set to keep for years to come then dig deep into your poclkets and buy this edition - you will not be disappointed.

Out of this 'middle-earth'
Ignoring the really corny title for this review this is an outstanding buy. It is a lot of money, particularly when your a debt-ridden student but what better to spend you last £50 of your student loan. This set is superb. I only read the Lord of the Rings last summer and got completely hooked. I therefore wanted to buy myself a copy of the classic books so I could read them when I wanted, rather then waiting weeks for the library copy to be returned, particularly when the person has clearly stolen or lost it seeing as it was nearly 9 months overdue. Anyway, I wanted a copy of the books and was amazed by the sheer variety of potential versions. I decided to buy this one on the basis of a couple of the reviews and some help I got from one of the reviewers via e-mail.

This set is exquisite. The set is fairly heavy and being a hard-back it is large, not to mention the cost. It comes in a slipcase which is both hardy and beautifully decorated. The books themselves each have a removable dust-jacket which is illustrated with a relevant picture according to the book. The books are in a clear print which allows quick and easy reading. There are also some brilliant illustrations by Alan Lee - one of the artists used by Jackson in designing the film sets etc. The pictures are therefore fairly recognisable as the images match those from the films but in a water-colour (I think) painting form.

I have also bought the one book version and the set of the one book version with the hobbit, but I would recommend this version first as it is the best out of the selection of Lee illustrated hard-backs.

I would, however, also recommend you to purchase a smaller paper-back version if you want to read on the move. These books are big and would be very clumsy if you want to read them with the ease of a paperback. Whilst you don't need a desk, these books aren't exactly active reader friendly so either don't buy them as your one-and-only copy or buy them but also get a smaller version. This set is perfect of a bookshelf and casual reading, although mine haven't been read since I got the paperbacks, simply because I don't want to damage them. I know how very sad that is but they really are that good.