78. The Lord of the Rings – J.R. Tolkein

September 2007
History: It was written in stages between 1937 and 1949, much of it during World War II. Although generally known to readers as a trilogy, Tolkien initially intended it as one volume of a two volume set; however, the publisher decided to omit the second volume and instead released The Lord of the Rings in 1954-55 as three books rather than one, for economic reasons. It has since been reprinted countless times and translated into many languages, becoming one of the most popular and influential works in 20th-century literature.
Plot: The title of the book refers to the story's main antagonist, the Dark Lord Sauron, who had in an earlier age created the One Ring to rule the other Rings of Power, as the ultimate weapon in his campaign to conquer and rule all of Middle-earth. From quiet beginnings in the Shire, a hobbit land not unlike the English countryside, the story ranges across Middle-earth following the course of the War of the Ring through the eyes of its characters, most notably the hobbits, Frodo Baggins, Sam, Merry and Pippin. The lands of Middle-earth are populated by Men (humans) and other humanoid races (Hobbits, Elves, Dwarves, and Orcs), as well as many other sentient creatures good and evil, such as Ents, Wargs, Balrogs, Trolls.
Review: “The Lord of the Rings” is not only a tale of enthralling adventures and mythical beings, but it also touches upon some questions of philosophy and morality. Heroic deeds, the unity for the sake of a common cause, true love, the triumph of Good over Evil – all these could be found in the epic. In “The Lord of the Rings” there is no direct indication as to any religion, however, the atmosphere in the book is literally pierced with holiness. Such places are Rivendell and Lorien, which are the strongholds of Good, in contrast Mordor is an abode of Evil.
Opening Line: "When Mr Bilbo Baggins of Bag End announced that he would shortly be celebrating his eleventy-first birthday with a party of special magni- ficence, there was much talk and excitement in Hobbiton."
Closing Line: “He drew a deep breath. “Well, I’m back.” He said.
Quotes: “The quest stands upon the edge of a knife. Stray but a little and it will fail. But hope remains, if friends stay true.”
Rating: Fair.