Helpful Score: 5
This is an excellent start to an excellent series. While Tolkien's writting tends to get a bit too wordy, it is well worth it. Tolkien creates a world that is so life like. It amazes me how much he put into Middle Earth. He created a whole history. It's easy to get lost in the world of Hobbits, Elves and Dwarves while reading this book.
Helpful Score: 5
I don't remember the first time I read "The Hobbit" and the series "The Lord of The Rings", but I do know I have re-read these books many times. If you are not aquainted with Middle Earth and the hobbits, you really should read this book. It is a wonderful fantasy filled with great characters, the good guys versus the bad guys. If you haven't read "The Hobbit", which occurs many years before this series takes place, and you can get your hands on it, I would recommend reading that first, as it sets up many of the events in the series. However if you can't, don't worry, there is enough explanation here to get you started. Highly recommended! P.S., if you have seen the movie versions of this series, it generally follows the same plot line with a few modifications of characters and of course, they can't put every detail in the movie version! The movies were great too!
J. R. R. Tolkein's THE LORD OF THE RINGS trilogy --- of which this book is the first part --- is a chronicle of the great War of the Ring, which occurred in the Third Age of Middle-earth. If you've never read these three masterpieces, you've missed a wonderful reading experience. [A]
Helpful Score: 4
J.R.R. Tolkien is magnificent with his writing. A book worth reading over and over again.
Helpful Score: 2
Awesome! I loved it. I would reccomend this book to anyone over the age of 10.It is so good!!!!!! -Amanda
Helpful Score: 2
The first book in the Lord of the Rings series. It was my favorite of all of the books.
Helpful Score: 2
This book has much more than the movie, I'm glad I got to read it, so I can fill up the blanks and have a magic sense of what goes on in this story.
Helpful Score: 2
Action packed book. Read Hobbit first.
Helpful Score: 2
The voyage into a vast world of imagination starts here with easily the best book in the trilogy.
Helpful Score: 1
What can I say about THE LORD OF THE RINGS that hasn't already been said? I have read and reread the trilogy but, as I approach the age of sixty, would like to share them.
Classic!
I became totally engrossed in these 3 stories when I was expecting our second son. So, I read these 3 novels/trilogies to them both, one of course, while one was intra-utero.
I became totally engrossed in these 3 stories when I was expecting our second son. So, I read these 3 novels/trilogies to them both, one of course, while one was intra-utero.
Helpful Score: 1
Good book, but some of the words can be difficult
Helpful Score: 1
Loved it!! So close to the movie, i had to watch it again.
Helpful Score: 1
This was one of the most boring books I've ever read. The book was written in a way that even though exciting things were happening, they actually WEREN'T exciting, and I got bored. I got bored early on and that boredom never went away. And there are times where nothing WAS happening and I can't help but wonder why either this book or the whole series is even popular.
This is one of the only instances where the movie is incredibly better than the book. If you felt like strangling Frodo during the movie, DON'T read the book, he's even more whiny, which I didn't think was possible until I read the book.
I'd rather poke my eyes out than read this book (or the series) again.
This is one of the only instances where the movie is incredibly better than the book. If you felt like strangling Frodo during the movie, DON'T read the book, he's even more whiny, which I didn't think was possible until I read the book.
I'd rather poke my eyes out than read this book (or the series) again.
Helpful Score: 1
great story.
Helpful Score: 1
The quintessential fantasy epic in a shiny newer edition.
For those of you who have never read Tolkien, I highly recommend it. Lots of action, love and bad guys.
For those of you who have never read Tolkien, I highly recommend it. Lots of action, love and bad guys.
Helpful Score: 1
Part of the second-greatest book ever written in the 20th century. Includes a short note on the text and a short foreward that explains some of the copyright travails and publishing adventures of Tolkein in greater detail than previous editions.
Helpful Score: 1
I absolutely love the Lord of the Rings trilogy and the Fellowship of the Ring is the first part. If you love fantasy and adventure these books are wonderful for that.
Helpful Score: 1
I gave this book four and a half stars, but there was a time when I considered it a five star book. The Lord of the Rings Trilogy is so well known, it has unavoidably drawn its share of criticism. The fact that the entire fantasy genre has become overrun with works that are completely derivative of Tolkien's epic makes it easy to lose perspective on the quality of the work itself, but I'll take a shot anyway.
This is an epic tale in an original world with very well-developed characters that you will grow to love. It has a horrifying, faceless villain that really inspires awe. It's a great underdog story. The magic is really cool. The language is wonderful. I consider this series a must-read for anyone.
On the downside, the books are filled with classist and sometimes racist themes. This is a story mostly about royalty and kings, not regular people. Some races are "better" or "nobler" than others. Books by authors like George R.R. Martin have done a much better job of representing an alien society in all it's complexity, at all levels in the socioeconomic scale. Tolkien's story is more like myth, and his characters read like heroes of legend. But hey, without Tolkien, would we even have authors like George R.R. Martin?
Don't take my word for it, read it for yourself.
This is an epic tale in an original world with very well-developed characters that you will grow to love. It has a horrifying, faceless villain that really inspires awe. It's a great underdog story. The magic is really cool. The language is wonderful. I consider this series a must-read for anyone.
On the downside, the books are filled with classist and sometimes racist themes. This is a story mostly about royalty and kings, not regular people. Some races are "better" or "nobler" than others. Books by authors like George R.R. Martin have done a much better job of representing an alien society in all it's complexity, at all levels in the socioeconomic scale. Tolkien's story is more like myth, and his characters read like heroes of legend. But hey, without Tolkien, would we even have authors like George R.R. Martin?
Don't take my word for it, read it for yourself.
Helpful Score: 1
I totally love this entire trilogy and re-read it at least once a year. The movies are rich and satisfying but the books are even more delicious. The morality throughout is inescapable yet it never descends into sappy. These are truly classic works.
Helpful Score: 1
What an entertaining read! Not having read this book even though my daughters all did, I felt it was time that I, too, turned its pages. Bilbo Baggins celebrates his eleventy-fifth birthday and decides to go traveling. Before he leaves he gives up Ring of Power, bestowing it on his nephew and friend, Frodo. He had found the ring years before on a journey described in The Hobbit. However, strange, evil horsemen begin to appear and Frodo decides to follow Bilbo. As he and his friends travel they find their way impeded by several evil black horsemen, intent upon capturing the ring from Frodo. Tolkien takes the hobbits on a peril filled journey as they plan to destroy the ring whose power corrupts anyone who uses it. What a fantasy! Tolkien was as private as Bilbo and has said that he was this unique little man. Part of the fun of reading this novel was checking out background on the author and the novel in his authorized biography.
Helpful Score: 1
I own three copies of this book - way more than I need, but I just couldn't help myself! Anyone that was a true fan of the movie trilogy (or before that - a true geek) will love these books. I had never heard of them until I saw the movie, and then I had to have all three plus the Hobbit. I have to say that the Hobbit is by far the most fun to read, but a true word-lover will enjoy all of Tolkien's work. My advice: Try it out! If you just can't get through it then put it back on PBS, but you'll never know until you try!
Helpful Score: 1
This may be the last time I'll re-read this book. So many books, so little time, and I'm not getting any younger. I don't know how many times I've read it and I still love it. Such a mastery of language and description, Tolkien has made a complete world with all the complexities and myths in it. When reading this it is so easy to understand why such fandom has sprung up around it, and I've no doubt it will continue to inspire readers for years and years to come.
Helpful Score: 1
Much more to the book than what is in the film! I loved its riches!
This is the first part of The Lord of the Rings.
This series of books still amoung my favorite all time reads!
I love this book! It speaks for its self.
Excellent classic!
Great book.
A classic fantasy novel and a great companion to the movie.
THE FIRST BOOK IN THE SERIES. WONDERFUL READ.
What can I say about this book that has not already been said? It is a classic, plain and simple. Tolkien is the father of the modern fantasy tale.
The start of something really rare and fine...a wonderful read!
I absolutely love this series!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Tolkien is a classic read.
A great book, I enjoyed reading it.
I had to laugh at the author's own words when he addressed critics that complained that the story moved slowly, as I have to agree with those critics. The first book plods along as it inundates the reader with numerous names, places, and histories of Middle Earth. Rarely if ever have I read accounts of a fantasy world that are so detailed. Slow or no, it has certainly earned its place as a great work of fiction, and I look forward to see what befalls our heros in the next installment of the series.
excellant!! I love tolkien
Great--but of course it is! It's Tolkien!
Read all the trilogy and The Hobbit-great books all!!!!!!!!
The Lord of the Rings, with The Hobbit, are True & Total Classics, and your life is the poorer if you have not read them. The Peter Jackson movies are great visualizations but no substitute. Tolkien's plot was better and his language is wonderful to read :)
At this point, I think most people know what the trilogy is all about. But I first read the Hobbit, and then the 3 books of the Trilogy way back in 1971, when I was a teenager. Since that time, I have re-read them many times over. I love each and every one of them. I have to say that the last time I read them it was made even more enjoyable by the fact that I had bought a book that tells about each character and place in detail. I'm sure I will read them all again at least a couple of times more.
In ancient times the Rings of Power were crafted by the Elven-smiths, and Sauron, the Dark Lord, forged the One Ring, filling it with his own power so that he could rule all others. But the One Ring was taken from him, and though he sought it throughout Middle-earth, it remained lost to him. After many ages it fell into the hands of Bilbo Baggins, as told in The Hobbit.
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 Crack of Doom, there to destroy the Ring and foil the Dark Lord in his evil purpose.
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 Crack of Doom, there to destroy the Ring and foil the Dark Lord in his evil purpose.
The first volume in J.R.R. Tolkien's epic adventure.
In a sleepy village in the Shire, young Frodo Baggins finds himself faced with an immense task, as his elderly cousin 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.
This is a wonderful book for thrill - seekers!
The Original American Production. Fully Dramatized. 3 1/2 hours on 3 compact discs.
Cast: Ray Reinhardt, James Arrington, Pat Franklyn, Mac McCaddon, Lou Bliss, Bernard Mayes, Gail Chugg, Tom Luce, Bob Lewis, John Vickery, Erik Bauersfeld, Carl Hague
Cast: Ray Reinhardt, James Arrington, Pat Franklyn, Mac McCaddon, Lou Bliss, Bernard Mayes, Gail Chugg, Tom Luce, Bob Lewis, John Vickery, Erik Bauersfeld, Carl Hague
The epitome of epic fantasy. Tolkien was a masterful world-builder. Even the appendices are not to be missed!
The Fellowship of The Ring-first of three books that compromise the complete story-tells of the fateful power of the One Ring, and begins the magnificent tale of war and adventure which is continued in The Two Towers and reaches its mighty climax in The Return of The King.
The First in Tolkiens Trilogy. A Classic, from the guy who invented fantasy books.
An all time personal favorite. Wordy but a great read.
Part one of the Lord of the Rings
Part one of J.R.R Tolkiens classic.Millions considerit to be the greatest epic fantasy of all time.
The Dark, fearsome Ringwraiths were searching for a hobbit. Frodo Baggins knew they were seeking him and the Ring he bore, the Ring of Power that would enable evil Sauron to destroy all that was good in Middle-earth. Now it is up to Frodo and his faithful servant, Sam, with a small band of companions, to carry the Ring to the one place it could be destroyed, Mount Doom, in the very center of Sauron's Dark Kingdom.
I read this when it was first out, many years ago, and reread it nearly once a year for many years. It is my favorite book of the trilogy. None of its imitators have ever come up to it, IMHO.
The dark, fearsom Ringwraiths were searching for a hobbit. Frodo Baggins knew they were seeking him and the Ring he bore - the Ring of Power that would enable evil Sauron to destroy all that was good in Middle-earth. Now it is up to Frodo and his faithful servant, Sam, with a small band of companions, to carry the Ring to the one place it could be destroyed - Mount Doom, in the very center of Sauron's dark kingdom.
The beginning tale of the lord of the rings
a classic!
The dark fearsome Ringwraiths were searching for a hobbit, Frodo Baggins kenew they were seeking him and the Ring he bore-the Ring of Power that would enable evil Sauron to destroy all that was good in Middle-earth. Now it is up to Frodo and haithful serveant, Sam, with a small band of companinons to carry the Ring to the one place it could be destroyed-Mount Doom, in the very center of Sauron's dark kingsom
I loved it! I've read it 3 times, and I would never sell/trade it, but I got a set,so I have two. Aslo I reccomend reading The Hobbit before The Fellowhsip of the Ring, even though it's not techiically in the series. By the way the cover is different then the picture, but it is the same book.
There is a lot of description in this book so it is a bit of a slow read, but if you enjoyed the movies or love fantasy books I highly recommend it.
A great fantasy epic.
I can only add myself to all the fans out there
An excellent series, everybody should read the lord of the rings trilogy at LEAST once in their lifetime.
If you want to find out what really happened in the book that didn't happen in the movie... read this. J.R.R. Tolkien is an exceptional writer and these stories... all three of them... AND the Hobbit are spellbinding and captivating.
Love the book over the movies, because you learn more about the details of the story. Very definite classic in all respects.
AWESOME BOOK!!! Read the book and then see the movie! Great for encouraging kids to read .... make them read it then see the movie together!!!
If you have not read Tolkien, you must! He is one of the most descriptive writers I have ever come across. I remember him describing a hillside and being blown away by the words. A good versus evil novel that will leave you wanting more.
This is terrific
Part one of a great series!
this is a classic, but you must be a lover of fantasy to read "Tolkien"
If this weren't a second copy, I wouldn't be listing it because this is one of my favorite books. This is the first book in the trilogy. Has a 50th anniversary edition emblem on the front cover.
Frodo, his faithful servant Sam and a small band of companions strive to carry the Ring to the one place it can be destroyed, Mount Doom.
Loved the story.
Indeed, what can one say?? Love this book.
An excellent book. It was difficult the first time I tried to read it, but after going back and reading the Hobbit everything made more sense.
Again Classic Tolkien...
I wanted to be on the "Tolkien is the best!" bandwagon, but I just don't have the patience! No wonder the bad guys lose eventually, if they can't catch those Hobbits when they keep stopping and eating and singing all the time, then they are just hopeless!
Trade-sized (e.g. large) paperback
Cover art varies
From Library Journal
New Line Cinema will be releasing "The Lord of the Rings" trilogy in three separate installments, and Houghton Mifflin Tolkien's U.S. publisher since the release of The Hobbit in 1938 will be re-releasing each volume of the trilogy separately and in a boxed set (ISBN 0-618-15397-7. $22; pap. ISBN 0-618-15396-9. $12). Copyright 2001 Reed Business Information, Inc.
--This text refers to the Paperback edition.
From AudioFile
During his eleventy-fifth birthday celebration (hobbits have their own way of counting), Bilbo Baggins reluctantly agrees to give up the powerful but corrupt Ring of Power he found years before in The Hobbit. But getting rid of the ring turns out to be no easy task. In this first installment of Tolkien's Lord of the Rings trilogy, Inglis's skilled narration manages to retain the old-fashioned, fairy tale quality of the original text but is also well in tune with the story's darker aspects. As Bilbo's nephew, Frodo, and his friends take center stage to help dispose of the ring before some truly unsavory characters can obtain it, Inglis demonstrates he is up to the task of relating the original story's drama, suspense, and dark mysticism. J.P.M. © AudioFile 2001, Portland, Maine-- Copyright © AudioFile, Portland, Maine
--This text refers to the Audio CD edition.
New Line Cinema will be releasing "The Lord of the Rings" trilogy in three separate installments, and Houghton Mifflin Tolkien's U.S. publisher since the release of The Hobbit in 1938 will be re-releasing each volume of the trilogy separately and in a boxed set (ISBN 0-618-15397-7. $22; pap. ISBN 0-618-15396-9. $12). Copyright 2001 Reed Business Information, Inc.
--This text refers to the Paperback edition.
From AudioFile
During his eleventy-fifth birthday celebration (hobbits have their own way of counting), Bilbo Baggins reluctantly agrees to give up the powerful but corrupt Ring of Power he found years before in The Hobbit. But getting rid of the ring turns out to be no easy task. In this first installment of Tolkien's Lord of the Rings trilogy, Inglis's skilled narration manages to retain the old-fashioned, fairy tale quality of the original text but is also well in tune with the story's darker aspects. As Bilbo's nephew, Frodo, and his friends take center stage to help dispose of the ring before some truly unsavory characters can obtain it, Inglis demonstrates he is up to the task of relating the original story's drama, suspense, and dark mysticism. J.P.M. © AudioFile 2001, Portland, Maine-- Copyright © AudioFile, Portland, Maine
--This text refers to the Audio CD edition.
Awesome!
Classic.
A classic.
Another grat book from Tolkien!!
How can I say anything negative about The Fellowship of the Ring?? It's a classic!
C'mon, you Lord of the Rings junkies...you know you're out there.
The dark, fearsome Ringwraiths were searching for a hobbitt. Frodo Baggins knew they were keeding him and the Ring he bore -- the Ring of Power that would enable evil Sauron to destroy all that was good in Middle-earth. Now it was up to Frodo and his faithful servant Sam, with a small band of companions, to carry the Ring to the one place it could be destroyed -- Mount Doom, in the very center of Sauron's dark kingdom.
Part 1 of The Lord of the Rings Trilogy.
This copy has a different picture than the picture shown on this website. It is a picture from the movie and in brand-new condition since it hasn't been read yet. I bought it for my teenage son and he never cracked the cover once! Someone else will most likely read it at least!
The dark, fearsome Ringwraiths were searching for a hobbit. Frodo Baggins knew they were seeking him and the Ring he bore-the Ring of Power that would enable evil Sauron to destroy all that was good in Middle-Earth. Now it is up to frodo and his faithful servant, Sam, with a small band of companions, to carry the Ring to the one place it could be destroyed-Mount Doom, in the very center of Sauron's dark kingdom.
The dark, fearsome Ringwraiths were searching for a hobbit. Frodo Baggins knew they were seeking him and the Ring he bore--the Ring of Power that would enable evil Sauron to destroy all that was good in Middle-earth. Now it is up to Frodo and his faithful servant, Sam, with a small band of companions, to carry the Ring to the one place it could be destroyed--Mount Doom, in the very center of Sauron's dark kingdom.
I saw the movie but never got around to reading this. I hope someone else can give it a good home.
This book has yellowed pages due to age, dog eared pages and cover and normal shelf wear
50th anniversary edition
not my type of book
This is my daughters book. She no longer wants it (she lives in another state after college) but enjoyed the story (who hasn't). I'm pretty sure everyone know what this book is about without my tell you. Enjoy.
Perfect Condition.
