The Lord of the Rings

by JRR Tolkien, J.R.R. Tolkien
The Lord of the Rings cover
Good Books rating 4.5
Fantasy
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Format • £38.00
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Technical
  • ID: 14
  • Added: 2025-08-10
  • Updated: 2025-10-05
  • ISBN: 9780547951942
  • Publisher: HarperCollins
  • Published: 2012-02-15
  • Formats: 17
  • Reviews: 4

J.R.R. Tolkien's masterpiece, The Lord of the Rings, is a timeless tale of adventure and heroism set in the richly imagined world of Middle-earth. This special edition includes all three volumes of the trilogy, along with an extensive new index, making it a must-have for both old and new fans of Tolkien's work. The story follows Frodo Baggins and the Fellowship of the Ring on their perilous quest to destroy the One Ring and defeat the Dark Lord Sauron./n/nBeyond its captivating plot, The Lord of the Rings is renowned for its intricate world-building, complex characters, and profound themes. Tolkien, a professor of Anglo-Saxon at Oxford, drew from his deep knowledge of language and mythology to create a universe that feels both ancient and alive. This edition celebrates the enduring legacy of Tolkien's work, offering readers a chance to immerse themselves in the epic saga that has captivated generations.

Reviews
NeoGAF Forum · manzoman96 · 2025-09-03
inquiring 3.50

The user seeks advice on which edition to buy, weighing the pros and cons of a one-volume set versus a box set including The Hobbit.

The reviewer is a first-time reader of 'The Lord of the Rings' trilogy and is deliberating between buying the 50th anniversary one-volume edition or a box set that includes both the trilogy and 'The Hobbit.' They express concern about the practicality of holding a large single volume and the print quality of different editions. This post reflects the common considerations fans have when purchasing Tolkien's works, highlighting the importance of edition format and physical quality for readers who want a lasting copy.

Quick quotes

    The one volume edition would be the cheaper route to go, but I'm not sure if having all three books in one edition would be too clunky to hold.

    I'm also not sure about the print quality of the editions themselves.

    Most of the reviews on Amazon are about the story itself.

Fantasy Book Review · 2025-09-03
excellent 5.00

The book is praised as a must-read classic that achieves its epic scope without relying on modern elements like excessive swearing or sexual content.

This review holds 'The Lord of the Rings' in very high regard, emphasizing its status as a timeless classic in the fantasy genre. The reviewer appreciates how Tolkien's storytelling achieves depth and engagement through rich narrative and world-building rather than contemporary tropes, making it accessible and enjoyable for a wide audience. The lack of explicit content is noted as a positive aspect, underlining the book's ability to captivate readers purely through its imaginative power and literary merit.

Quick quotes

    The Lord of The Rings is a must read

    No excessive swearing nor sexual content was needed to make this book my favourite.

    10/10

Goodreads · 2025-08-10
Excellent 5.00

The Lord of the Rings is a gripping fantasy novel with a richly detailed world. It explores themes of power and sacrifice, making it a timeless classic.

The Lord of the Rings is renowned for its epic storytelling and detailed world-building. The novel delves into themes of power and sacrifice, particularly through the One Ring. It's not an allegory, but it contains thought-provoking symbols. The character of Gandalf is noted for his role as a symbol of hope and redemption. The book's ending is bittersweet, offering a satisfying conclusion to the quest while highlighting the personal costs of the journey. Overall, it's a masterpiece of fantasy literature that remains engaging and relevant.

Quick quotes

    The Ring confers great power, but the only way to defeat Sauron is to refuse that power, and destroy it, even at great personal cost.

    Gandalf is an unusually interesting Christ-figure; sufficiently so that many people refuse even to accept him as one, though, at least to me, the argument on that point seems convincing.

    He comes from Valinor, obviously the Heavenly Realm, to help the Free Peoples of the West.

LinkedIn · Asif Mustafa Memon · 2023-10-09
profound 4.50

The series explores the corrupting influence of power in a profound way. The characters' struggles with the One Ring highlight the darkest aspects of human nature.

Asif Mustafa Memon delves into the series' exploration of power and corruption, noting how the One Ring affects each character differently. They appreciate the way Tolkien crafts a narrative that reveals the darker sides of human nature through the characters' interactions with the Ring. The reviewer also highlights the depth of the world-building and the rich lore that makes the series a masterpiece. The emotional and thematic depth is what makes this series stand out, making it a must-read for any fantasy enthusiast.

Quick quotes

    The series delves deeply into the corrupting influence of power.

    The One Ring tempts nearly everyone who comes into contact with it, revealing the darkest aspects of human nature.

    The emotional and thematic depth is what makes this series stand out.

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