lord of the rings

Each volume provides discussions of the literary and historical background of novels from various cultures and time periods. Includes concise synopses of plot, characters and themes, a brief author biography, discussion of the story's cultural and historical significance, and excerpted criticism.

A response to our fractured political discourse, Hobbit Virtues speaks to the importance of "virtue ethics" by examining the fiction of J.R.R. Tolkien--with particular attention to his hobbits. Tolkien's works resonate with so many readers in part because Bilbo, Frodo, Sam, Merry, and Pippin demonstrate Classical, Judeo-Christian, Medieval, and even Hindu and Confucian virtues. Tolkien ennobles the small, the humble, and the marginalized in his Middle-earth writings and presents leaders who are hesitant to exercise power, are courteous, and value wisdom and learning. Each chapter in Hobbit Virtues consists of a wide-ranging discussion of a single virtue, exemplified by a character in Middle-earth, explaining its philosophical or theological roots and how the virtue is still relevant in a modern democracy.

Contains Tolkien's complete artwork for "The Lord of the Rings," presented for the first time in celebration of its 60th anniversary, includes more than 180 sketches, drawings, paintings, maps, and plans, more than half of which have not been previously published.

Christopher Tolkien chronicles his father's creation of the classic fantasy novel "The Lord of the Rings," presenting early notes, outlines, drafts, and sketches, discussing the story up to the arrival of the Company of the Ring at the tomb of Balin.

Discusses the paintings, drawings, and sketches of J.R.R. Tolkien, author of The Lord of the Rings. Includes 200 reproductions of his art.

Chronicles the writing of the conclusion of J. R. R. Tolkien's epic work, presenting manuscript excerpts and previously unpublished drawings; and also includes "The Notion Club Papers," two versions of "The Drowning of Anad?un?e," and an analysis of Tolkien's Adunaic language.

Presents a comprehensive reader's companion to J.R.R. Tolkien's classic "Lord of the Rings, and examines its literary and historical importance, connections between this and other works by Tolkien, the structure and meaning of the work, and much more.

Explores the theme of the reality of human free will and its attending moral responsibility as it appears in the writings of Lord of the Rings author J.R.R. Tolkien.