The Lord of the Rings: Special Edition

Product Information

The art by Tolkien has appeared in print before, most notably the hardcover "Pictures by JRR Tolkien" first published in 1979, the book itself a collection of illustrations printed in "a series of calendars" printed earlier in the 1970s.

The strength of Tolkien’s work is in its fidelity to its roots, which lie in the legends of the Nordic world. Tolkien believed that the roots of myth and the roots of language are one and indivisible, and he demonstrated this belief by creating an entirely new language (Elvish) with its own grammar, its own beautiful script and its own mythology. it was a rarefied and highly personal world, yet it proved a fertile soil from which his great fantasy novels were to grow. The 1954 edition only features two illustrations from Tolkien, but this latest Lord of the Rings illustrated version has "30 other sketches, illustrations, and maps."Rare Tolkien items are also available, including books and letters signed by Tolkien, proof copies and books from Tolkiens personal library. Sumptuous slipcased edition of Tolkien's classic epic tale of adventure, fully illustrated in colour for the first time by the author himself. This deluxe volume is quarterbound in leather and includes many special features unique to this edition. Successive generations have been spellbound by the exploits of Frodo, Gandalf and their comrades as they journey towards Mordor to do battle with the Dark Lord Sauron. There is something about the alluring world of elves, dwarves and old magic which has proved exceptionally popular, working on the imagination both as an enthralling adventure story and, at a deeper level, as ’a comprehensive counter-myth to the story of the 20th century’ (Independent). Tolkien’s treatment of the eternal struggle between good and evil, from stirring battles (‘as good as anything in Homer’, according to C. S Lewis) to the conflict within every individual, is subtle, lyrical and profound. See the Limited / Signed / Numbered Editions which have been sold > The Tolkien Library Store always has a large amount of rare and collectible Tolkien books up for sale. The books in the Tolkien Library Store always have a high collectible value and are of the finest on the market. Tolkien books available include both the UK and US editions, original cloth bindings, custom fine bindings, and Signed / Numbered / Limited Editions. Not all items are on display here, so please do not hesitate to make requests about Tolkien books you are trying to find. Whatever you are looking to buy or sell, we will always try to help.

J. R. R. Tolkien, the reclusive, pipe-smoking Oxford don, was in the vanguard, and so great was his achievement that his name became virtually synonymous with the literature of fantasy.

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But all that is gold does not glitter. If you want to become a Middle-earth collector, the possibilities are endless, with limited editions, deluxe editions, illustrated editions, box sets and attractive modern editions of Tolkien’s books, most of which are continually being republished. You can also find books signed by JRR's son, Christopher Tolkien, who edited several posthumous editions of his father’s writing, and by the illustrator Alan Lee. It comes in a slipcase and contains the Tolkien illustrations found in the regular Illustrated Edition, as well as "two poster-size, fold-out maps revealing all the detail of Middle-earth." Since the dawn of time, storytelling and the fantastic have gone hand in hand. All cultures have their myths – tales of gods and giants, monsters and marvels. An increasing interest in the roots of culture, together with a recognition of the importance of myth and archetype in understanding the human condition, led to a reflorescence of myth-based literature in the 20th century.