The Lord of the Rings trilogy - one volume paperback (movie cover) [Paperback]

What does great literature need? A plot helps. Great characters. Tension - something to make you turn the page. Excitement, dismay, joy. And at the end, your should be sorry that it is over - and be tempted to start again from the beginning.

Not every great book has all of these virtues. But The Lord of the Rings does - and more.

It would be impossible to improve on the plot, the narrative flow, the brilliant pacing and masterly movement from scene to scene - many of which happen concurrently. And all this from a simple, single premise - destroy that ring!

The characters (of which there are legion) are immediately involving, fully drawn - but the simple old fashioned hooks are there as well. Good guys are likeable, bold, brave, honourable. The bad guys get what they deserve. Some of the Hobbits in particular grow enormously in depth as the book goes on, growing up before your eyes, their personalities re-drawn by the great trials they go through.

Tension, excitement, dismay, joy - you bet. Many parts of all three books are utterly rivetting, veering from edge of the seat, last ditch combat, through great chase scenes, to tense and draining treks through darkness and horror.

And the ending - greatly extended compared to the average work of fiction, and correctly so - is at once uplifting, joyous, beautiful and achingly sad. The sense of greatness and beauty lost, even in victory, is truly remarkable.

And most of all, Tolkien's use of the language he plainly loved is sublime. There are passages that hit extraordinary heights, sometimes lyrical, sometimes moving, horrifying, serene.

I've just re-read this again - perhaps the fourth time now - and it was just as exciting and rewarding as the first time. Put down your prejudices, be bold - it's not "fantasy", it's not "science fiction", it's not for childen - it is one of the very greatest works of English fiction, of any age.

All I can say is read it. However you might ask why 4 stars and not 5 stars.... having looked at this book in the book shop I was rather narked to note the poor quality of the book itself... It looked like it could stand being read a few times then it would fall to bits... I would personaly advise either getting the seperate novels or getting a hard backed version if you want to be able to re-read this book.... and you will.