Again, I can't do epics. I will watch the movie rather than read this again any day of the week. The writing's very dense, and it's clear that Tolkien was a major history buff. He's created a world that is fully, fully fleshed-out. He probably could have written you a tome that details every moment of Middle Earth for 5000 years (which may be "The Simarillion", actually -- I don't know, I only made it fifty pages into that one).

But I just don't have the patience for it. After reading these as a teenager, I've not really been tempted to go back. And each time I try, I'm quickly dissuaded; I'd rather read a new adventure than re-read an adventure I remember quite well. It's different with someone like Philip Pullman, whose writing is some sort of catnip to me. Tolkien just doesn't strike the same chord, so all hail Peter Jackson, and I'm afraid the books have largely been relegated to display-only on my bookshelf.

It might be a classic, but there are many who have stern reservations about reading this series, partially I suspect due to its length... Well my answer to this is simply: DON'T BE LAZY!

My journey within Middle Earth stated as young teenager - my parents gave me 'The Hobbit' as a Christmas present one year and my father and I decided we'd enjoy it together. I think it was the last book he ever read me as a 'bedtime story', but we embarked on the adventures of Bilbo Baggins together and absolutely loved every minute of it! The Hobbit was a stunning example of fantasy and adventure writing at its best. One event after another, crisis after epic excitement, wonder at the enormity of the main character's daring and courage.

I am only sorry it took me so long to pursue the ongoing tale of the hobbits at Bagend. The Lord of the Rings was definitely a further step up the scale though. I will not deny that The Lord of the Rings trilogy is a difficult read in terms of perseverance (hence 4 stars). I have always been an avid reader and there were a couple of times as I went through my teens that I picked up the Fellowship of the Ring and gave up before I could really get my teeth into it. Indeed, I didn't finish the trilogy until I was in my early 20s and I'm not ashamed to admit that I was actually quite proud of myself for having finally completed this mammoth journey with Frodo and his companions. I read about 2/3rds of the trilogy in one block in the end as I decided to forbid myself to watch the epic films again until I was done with the books because I knew that every time I grew impatient for the story to continue without wanting to spend the time or the energy reading it, I'd watch the films and that would result in me not feeling the need to continue the book for a good while. I say all this to illustrate a point - don't give up! It's totally worth it!

The Lord of the Rings is filled with new troubles and adventures. At first the idea of following several characters quite separately may be quite unusual, even a little daunting. But it truly brings the world of Middle Earth to life! You get a true feel for the scale and even the politics of such a creation by journeying through it with different companions, each with a different purpose. The struggles and hardships are of such importance and value to both the reader and the characters by the end of the journey, Tolkien has spoken volumes about friendship, love, bravery, honour, loyalty, deceit...you name it, its all there.

These books are a must read, wherever you are in your lifetime.

Still one of my all time favorites. I have read and reread these so many times over the years. I base all other fantasy books on these.

15 NOV 2021 - I do own this exact set. I am on vacation until after Thanksgiving and I thought this would be perfect to read for the next 2 weeks. I will begin at the beginning; so, The Hobbit and I will be setting on our adventure tonight.

18 NOV 2021 - Terrific! A wonderful adventure and a wonderful read. I would really like to go right back to the beginning and read The Hobbit again.

Well, I don't really have this boxed set, but of course I've read all the books.

I get more out of them with each re-reading. Tolkien would be one of those guys who, if I could invite any 3 people to have dinner with, would get a seat at the table.

I agree with Michael Moorcock: racist petit-bourgeois bullshit.

This was actually such a phenomenal saga I love the characters and their little escapades my favorite is merry but I love every hobbit so much

Just went through the trilogy plus hobbit on audiobook. Great narration and even singing! Interesting to visualize and made me want to watch the movies again to see some of those epic battles.

Una pequeña parte de ese gran mundo creado por Tolkien

My third time to read The Hobbit and the Lord of the Rings trilogy. I read all the poetry and verse this time. I loved these books. They are so different from the typical fiction of this genre. These were so well written, so well thought through. I love how they teach loyalty, fidelity, duty, and love of things more than self. They connect back to the greatness of the past. One other thing, we see that evil gets nervous also and that it will eventually collapse in on itself. In many pieces that show good and evil, good win almost by luck and by "tricking" evil in some way. Good will always win as long as there are good men and women willing to give of self for the better good.

These are the books that started off my love of all things fantasy. Beautifully written, with wonderful characters.

Sam and Frodo are not the only ones who have taken the long journey to fulfill the quest of the ring. For the past 2 years I have also been a part of it. We have been chased by Black Riders, fought in battles, and destroyed the One Ring. It was an epic adventure and the hardest part was when I had to finally close the book.