Perfect! Please illustrate other Tolkien works.
919135
I have had my eye on this Jemima Catlin edition of The Hobbit for over a year now. I  received it from Santa, and I am so very excited about it. The binding, the illustrations, everything about this book is perfect. Please, please, please illustrate more of Tolkien's work and offer them in similar bindings!
2456961
Charming illustrations and quirky humor make this a must-have if you are a Tolkien fan. The version I recieved contains two versions of the story, one with illustrations and type presented vertically, and another with the same illustrations and Tolkien's beautiful script presented horizontally.
4704210
If you are a fan of Tolkein's timeless story of integrity, determination and humility, GET THIS BOOK. The Alan Lee illustrations are easily the best I've ever seen. That is to say, of all the Middle Earth illustrations I've seen, these most closely match both Tolkein's word pictures and my own imagination. Tolkein's writing will forever stand as one of the great benchmarks of economy, color, story line and craft. Alan Lee's illustrations are the perfect compliment.
3710093
This is not a critique of Profesor Tolkien's works:  I defer to others more qualified than I to judge his writing.

This is merely a review and description of a specific version of The Lord of The Rings.  A number of reviews and comments have prompted me to point out some sought-after features of this edition.

First, this is only about the edition known as "The Centenary (1892-1992)."  It was published in a single volume by Houghton Mifflin in 1991 to celebrate 100 years since the birth of Professor Tolkien in 1892.  To easily identify this book look for, on the back of the dust jacket, a special centenary medallion and ISBN-10: 0-395-59511-8.

Alan Lee, reknowned Tolkien artist, was specially commissioned to paint 50 illustrations for this "Illustrated Edition."  They are beautifully rendered on glossy, high-quality paper and interspersed throughout the book.

The book is set in large type, with the typeface clear and easy to read.  The paper is good quality, bright white and shows little print "bleed-through" from following pages.  On a personal note, special attention was obviously paid to this edition, as compared to some of the other poorly printed editions.  The cover boards are in brown cloth with a simple gilded imprint of the professor's trademark signature.  Nothing very fancy, but elegant nonetheless.

What should be great news to many readers, this edition is CONTINUOUS from page one to the end.  The table of contents lists the SIX books, as Prof. Tolkien intended!  Page numbering does not start over after each book:
Books 1-2 (Fellowship) = pp.  33 -  428
Books 3-4 (Two Towers) = pp. 429 -  772
Books 5-6 (Return)  = pp. 773 - 1069
Appendix A-F  = pp. 1070 - 1172

Six maps of middle-earth are bound in at the end of the book.  They are of various aspects of middle-earth, in black and white, and are not fold-out style.  They're of medium quality and nothing to write home about.

This is a wonderful edition, identified by its special Centenary medallion on the back of the dust jacket, quality printing and beautiful artwork by Alan Lee.  If your wrists are strong enough to heft a single-volume LoTR, this makes a great reading copy for your library.
3485388
Sure I know Tolkien wrote this, but it only shows that he is a master of characterization because this little poem is exactly what I imagine Bilbo would sing as he left the veil of Middle Earth and traveled to the next world. It is quite short, don't expect a thick book here. If anything think of it as a children's book with all of the illustrations and with there only being a few lines of the poem per page. But the beauty of the artwork, and the imagery of the poem, will cause Tolkien fans to feel the feelings that Bilbo felt as he left his world. Well worth the purchase, and is a must have sitting on the shelf of every Tolkien fan.
3280691
This is a review about this edition not about the writing, as doubtless if you are considering this particularl edition you have either read the Hobbit or pretty much know the story.

This is a beautiful book. It seems like it is the Prof's very own edition because his own drawings are inside. There are at least 5 beautiful full-color watercolors and many more green block type prints.

The cover is a delight. I just received a used copy that has a copyright of 1966 but I think it must be a 1973 copy.  In any event the cover is vibrant and goregous as if it was printed yesterday. The type is big and clear. Highly recommended as a beauitful keepsake that is the perfect size for repeated readings. It is also sturdy. Great edition.
4192312
While other collector's editions have fallen short (I'm looking at you, red LotR!), this one delivers on its promises. It's a good size, easy to read, well put-together, and it has the maps and Tolkien's original illustrations, both the black-and-white drawings and the color paintings. Nothing seems to be missing, and nothing about it feels cheap.

As for the story itself, it's not my favorite from the Tolkien canon, but it has its place. If you are not interested in the Hobbit as a story but still want to know more about Tolkien, his world, and his influences, consider Douglas A. Anderson's Annotated Hobbit.
2242645
Another in the latest additions to PlayAlongs great Lord of the Ring figures line, Armies of Middle Earth, the Men of Rohan now enter the great field already inhabited by those from the Gift set, The Helms Deep Playset, and the Riders set.  In this great set, you get a Rohan Soldier, Rohan Standard Bearer, and a Rohan Archer.
As noted in my other reviews about the line, do have a care with regards to the wee ones in purchasing these figures.  The acoutrement of small swords, knives, spears, or standards may not be suitable for those under five.  Also, as noted, many of the details such as the arrows and spears are quite fragile, as the plastic that they are made from is a stiffer blend.
The Rohan soldier comes with a very palpable ax.  He has minimal arm and waist movement, and his shield is not removable.  The Rohan Standard Bearer, clearly the leader of the trio also has minimal arm and waist movement, but some minimal head movement as well.  His shield is also not removable, but his standard, complete with the requisite symbol of the Rohirrim, stands beautifully in his hand.  The Rohan archer, a welcome surprise to this set, comes with just elbow (the drawing hand) and waist movement, but his bow is removable.
Each of these great men are painted to the outstanding details of which the line is known for, clearly making use of metallics, drybrushing, and colors that do justice to the fine details.
This set is clearly not only a great set to receate the battles of Middle Earth, but also to outfit your Helms Deep playset, as any good castle should be. Since the weapons are removable on some and the poses not all confrontational, this should please those who look to make imaginitive play and scenarios...
804694
Who can debate the genius of Tolkien and his talent for fantastic tales like the Hobbit and Lord of the Rings series?  Though apparently and unfinished saga; The Children of Hurin is background for these other stories; a part of the history of the introduction of man into the lives of the Elven and Dwarf kingdoms of Middle Earth.  If you have enjoyed any of Tolkien's other writing you will enjoy this one as well.

What I find most enjoyable about reading any of Tolkien's works is that they are not just a one time read.  You can read them over again at a later date and pick up something new of interest.  This tale of  the evil Morgoth and his desire to destroy all Elvs, Dwarfs, and Mankind by making them all slaves; and his pursuit of the Children of Hurin-Hurin whom he holds captive in his dungeons and the tragedy that befalls them is a sad captivating tale that you will want to keep in your library.  I'll be holding on to my copy.
4766543
This edition of the Master's initial offering is wonderfully illustrated. I bought a copy for my grandson, and another for myself.
A must for any serious Tolkein student or lover.
I am both.
3303628
The item featured here is actually the Lord of the Rings: Fellowship of the Ring 2001-2002 Student Planner (Amazon title is incorrect but the ISBN matches).  This is a student planner that covers the period of August 2001 to September 2002 and uses high quality, glossy paper.  It is spiral-bound with a picture of the ring and red lightning-like flashes on the cover.
I am not a student but when I saw this student planner at a local bookstore I knew I had to have it. As a long time Tolkien and Lord of the Rings fan (and one who is very excited about the upcoming Peter Jackson film adaptation - and who isnt?), this is a must have.  This is the first LOTR film related merchandise to hit the shelves - the 2002 calendar and toys won't make their appearance until September - and it gives a fan like me a chance to finally get my hands on pictures (some not previously seen) from the upcoming film. One of my favorites is a photo of Aragorn kneeling in front of Frodo, hands on his chest and faithful sword Anduril on his side (perhaps a scene from Amon Hen?).  The picture is so clear that you can even see a small hole on Aragorns boots.  Another favorite is a photo of Frodo holding up the sword Sting to Bilbo in Rivendell (likely the scene where Bilbo gives Sting and the mithril mail to Frodo before he and the Fellowship leave for their quest). Gandalf, Saruman, Frodo, Gimli, Bilbo, Aragorn, the Orks, the Uruk Hai, Arwen and Galadriel have at least 2 pictures each.  Elrond, Pippin, Legolas, Boromir, cave trolls and some other menacing characters are also featured (though, surprisingly, none of Merry!). These are actual photos from the upcoming film and did I mention that you get 38 full page (8x5)photos in vivid color!  The rest of the student planner - for you legitimate students - features monthly calendars (the planner itself is weekly), a grade keeper, a list of  cool and useful web sites, weights and measures, conversions,  address and phone number list, birthdays and special occasions list and many more!!
I highly recommend this item for any fan of LOTR or anyone who has even the slightest interest in the upcoming film trilogy!!
3386683
I just got this today and I'm thrilled with it! The book ends are very cute, and the figures do indeed look like Ian McKellan and Ian Holm. The book looks great between the 2 bookends...it's a great set at a great price (and MUCH more reasonably priced than much of the other LOTR memorabilia from the movies!). I'm not crazy about the cover of the book (it's a distant shot of Rivendell or perhaps even the White City...it's hard to tell)---it's not awful or anything but I would have liked some abstract image (such as the One ring, the White tree of Gondor, Elvish script, etc.) better. But in all, a great deal. I recommend it highly.
4930550
This is a wonderful book for fans of Tolkien.  Alan Lee's drawings really bring the characters and story to life.
1133708
It's hard to find an argument against these editions, and it's clearly impossible to present them in paperback form in an improved manner.

In terms of size, it's large enough not to be squashed by a large dictionary or other textbook in your bag, nor is it too large so that handling it becomes a chore (or seem tacky in appearance).  The width is perfect; the font size and spacing are relieving to the eye, light and spacious, enough room to break up the printing so it doesn't jumble together on long, extended reading marathons, which with Tolkien is easy to do.

This is, of course, the first part of the new "Holy Trilogy."  I would strongly recommend starting with the books if you've never forayed into Tolkien's Middle Earth before, although it's hard to find someone who hasn't seen Jackson's films.  Needless to say, the film has done some "light" editing, such as many of the songs, as well as the Anglo-Saxon influence, which makes it in the film as dress, props, and the honorable Boromir.

Chronologically the book follows a larger timescale than the films.  For example, Gandalf leaves for the archives at Minas Tirith immediately after Bilbo leaves the Shire, and seems to be gone for only a week or so.  In the book, his absence is actually three years in length, then a brief visit, and then another nine years.  Although this all takes place in less than a page-length, the impression it leaves is that time has surely passed by, and Frodo is not quite the same hobbit as before.  There has also been some shifting of the dialogue in the films.  Example; the line "I will help you bear this burden, as long as it is yours to bear" comes in the film at the Council of Elrond scene.  In this book, it comes in Chapter two.

Also cut are the smatterings of Old English, such as the word "glede" which is "hot coal" (haven't translated in years).  As for the story itself; modern mythology, legendary, enchanting, superb.  Yes, all these things.

Finally, the maps in back are the authentic ones by Tolkien himself.  They are printed large enough to trace your own pen-marks on them and make notes in the margins, useful especially if you're teaching.

The quality of materials is good as well; you can beat these editions up a fair amount, dog-ear the pages, and they'll hold.  The binding is very well done as well, no breaking or falling apart.
3154838
I have a slightly older edition of this poster which is less colorized, but it still dominates one entire wall of the room. The large size means you are able to point out the smallest of map details. There are inscriptions in tengwar script around the edges, transliterated excerpts from Tolkien's songs "In Western Lands" and "Song for the Sea", which gives the whole thing a very authentic feel.

If you are a true Tolkien dork, this will definitely let everyone else know, without looking like a movie poster. And really, that's just what I wanted.
1539523
If you like Tolkien , you will want to add this to your collection. Some of us can't seem to get enough material about this wonderful land of imagination.
2375766
Beautifully illustrated edition. Can't wait until all the books come out as illustrated so I can add those to my collection as well!