A literary masterpeice, 15 Jan 2002

The book is, and will always remain, a classic in the works of literature. The film has been well received and is indeed a welcome adaptation of the book. But the two cannot be compared. For those of you who have seen the film first, don't expect to receive the same Hollywood style action packed story in the book. If you expect this then you will find the book boring by comparion and it may be wise to avoid it. However if you wish to experience the story told in fantastic detail using some of the best English literature, then you will find the book a true reward and encourage you to read it.

Tolkien was known to have said that nothing he created could be captured in a film, it exists only in scrolls and imagination. I whole heartly agree with him.

Don't let the film cloud your judgement on a true classic.

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Not just a children's book., 13 Feb 2002

In our modern world, where entertainment is served up quick and easily on television or at the cinema, some people may find Tolkien's pace rather slow. Tolkien, however, had the confidence in his work to allow the story to grow naturally and where necessary the plot slows down, as it inevitably must when epic journeys are involved.

Tolkien is one of the few writers who described their world in such vivid detail that all the characters are solid and realistic, even if only seen in passing.

For Tolkien's descriptive powers and use of English alone you have one of the twentieth centuary's best books. Add to that a great plot and you have something everyone should read at least once.

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Read it 8 times in 18 months, its gotta be good!, 6 Aug 2001

It's difficult to define the story of The Lord Of The Rings. Initially it is the account of the hobbit Frodo Baggins's journey right into the heart of the land of Sauron, mighty enemy of Middle Earth, to destroy a powerful ring which, if retrieved by Sauron, would mean the end of life, the desecration of the land. However, so many tales are entwined with Frodo's journey that the book becomes almost real, the immense detail in which the events are described makes it almost impossible NOT to believe.

I believe that everyone should read this book. It's magical concoction of journey and battle, goblins, elves and powerful beings, coupled with its astonishing believeabilty (is that a word?) makes it completely unmissable.

Tolkien was a mastermind. Find out why for yourself. Read this book.

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