J. R. R. Tolkien

To celebrate the 25th anniversary of Peter Jackson's award-winning film trilogy, the first part of Tolkien's epic masterpiece, The Lord of the Rings, is reissued with an exclusive cover image from the film. Sauron, the Dark Lord, has gathered to him all the Rings of Power - the means by which he intends to rule Middle-earth. All he lacks in his plans for dominion is the One Ring - the ring that rules them all - which has fallen into the hands of the hobbit Bilbo Baggins. In a sleepy village in the Shire, young Frodo Baggins finds himself faced with an immense task, as his elderly cousin Bilbo entrusts the ring to his care. Frodo must leave his home and make a perilous journey across Middle-earth to the Cracks of Doom, there to destroy the Ring and foil the Dark Lord in his evil purpose. To celebrate the 25th anniversary of Peter Jackson's The Lord of the Rings, this first part of the epic tale of fantasy is reissued with an exclusive cover image of the award-winning trilogy.

Special unjacketed hardback edition JRR Tolkien’s legacy of shorter works that inhabit the realm of The Hobbit, The Lord of the Rings and The Silmarillion, which were presented for publication by Christopher Tolkien. Unfinished Tales is a collection of narratives ranging in time from the Elder Days of Middle-earth to the end of the War of the Ring, and provides those who have read The Lord of the Rings with a whole collection of background and new stories from the twentieth century’s most acclaimed popular author. The book concentrates on the realm of Middle-earth and comprises such elements as Gandalf’s lively account of how it was that he came to send the Dwarves to the celebrated party at Bag-End, the emergence of the sea-god Ulmo before the eyes of Tuor on the coast of Beleriand, and an exact description of the military organization of the Riders of Rohan. Unfinished Tales also contains the only story about the long ages of Númenor before its downfall, and all that is known about such matters as the Five Wizards, the Palantíri and the legend of Amroth. The tales were collated and edited by JRR Tolkien’s son and literary heir, Christopher Tolkien, who provides a short commentary on each story, helping the reader to fill in the gaps and put each story into the context of the rest of his father’s writings. This special ‘collectors hardback’ edition of the work includes a unique cover design.

First ever standalone edition of one of J. R. R. Tolkien’s most important poetic dramas, that explores timely themes such as the nature of heroism and chivalry during war, and which features unpublished and never-before-seen texts and drafts. In 991 AD, vikings attacked an Anglo-Saxon defence-force led by their duke, Beorhtnoth, resulting in brutal fighting along the banks of the river Blackwater, near Maldon in Essex. The attack is widely considered one of the defining conflicts of tenth-century England, due to it being immortalised in the poem, The Battle of Maldon. Written shortly after the battle, the poem now survives only as a 325-line fragment, but its value to today is incalculable, not just as an heroic tale but in vividly expressing the lost language of our ancestors and celebrating ideals of loyalty and friendship. J. R. R. Tolkien considered The Battle of Maldon ‘the last surviving fragment of ancient English heroic minstrelsy’. It would inspire him to compose, during the 1930s, his own dramatic verse-dialogue, The Homecoming of Beorhtnoth Beorhthelm’s Son, which imagines the aftermath of the great battle when two of Beorhtnoth’s retainers come to retrieve their duke’s body. Leading Tolkien scholar, Peter Grybauskas, presents for the very first time J. R. R. Tolkien’s own prose translation of The Battle of Maldon together with the definitive treatment of The Homecoming of Beorhtnoth and its accompanying essays; also included and never before published is Tolkien’s bravura lecture, ‘The Tradition of Versification in Old English’, a wide-ranging essay on the nature of poetic tradition. Illuminated with insightful notes and commentary, he has produced a definitive critical edition of these works, and argues compellingly that, Beowulf excepted, The Battle of Maldon may well have been ‘the Old English poem that most influenced Tolkien’s fiction’, most dramatically within the pages of The Lord of the Rings.

Una nueva cr nica de la Segunda Edad de la Tierra Media con nuevas ilustraciones en acuarela y l piz del decano del arte de Tolkien, Alan Lee. J. R. R. Tolkien describi la Segunda Edad de la Tierra Media como una "edad oscura, y no se cuenta (o no es necesario) mucho de su historia". Y durante muchos a os, los lectores tendr an que contentarse con las se ales que se encuentran en El Se or de los Anillos y sus ap ndices, incluida la forja de los Anillos de Poder, la construcci n de Barad-d r y el surgimiento de Sauron. No fue hasta que Christopher Tolkien public El Silmarillion despu s de la muerte de su padre que se pudo contar una historia m s completa. Aunque gran parte del contenido del libro se refer a a la Primera Edad de la Tierra Media, al final hab a dos obras clave que revelaban los tumultuosos acontecimientos relacionados con el auge y la ca da de la isla de N menor. Surgido del Gran Mar y regalado a los Hombres de la Tierra Media como recompensa por ayudar a los angelicales Valar y los Elfos en la derrota y captura del Se or Oscuro Morgoth, el reino se convirti en un centro de influencia y riqueza; pero a medida que aumentaba el poder de los N men reanos, inevitablemente se sembrar a la semilla de su ca da, que culminar a en la ltima Alianza de Elfos y Hombres. Se revelar a una visi n a n mayor de la Segunda Edad en publicaciones posteriores, primero en Cuentos inconclusos de N menor y la Tierra Media (Unfinished Tales of N menor and Middle-earth), luego ampliados en el magistral libro de doce vol menes de Christopher Tolkien La Historia de la Tierra Media (The History of Middle-earth), en el que present una gran cantidad de cuentos escritos por su padre, muchos en forma de borrador. Ahora, siguiendo la cronolog a de "La historia de los a os" ("The Tale of Years") en los ap ndices de El Se or de los Anillos (The Lord of the Rings), el editor Brian Sibley ha reunido en un solo libro una nueva cr nica de la Segunda Edad de la Tierra Media, contada principalmente con las propias palabras de Tolkien tomadas de sus textos publicados. ENGLISH DESCRIPTION A new chronicle of the Second Age of Middle-earth with new watercolor and pencil illustrations by Tolkien's artistic dean, Alan Lee. J. R. R. Tolkien described the Second Age of Middle-earth as "a dark age, and not much of its history is (or need be) told." For many years, readers had to rely on hints found in El Se or de los Anillos (The Lord of the Rings) and its appendices, including the forging of the Rings of Power, the building of Barad-d r, and the rise of Sauron. It wasn't until Christopher Tolkien published El Silmarillion (The Silmarillion) after his father's death that a fuller story could be told. Although much of the book focused on the First Age of Middle-earth, two key works at the end revealed the turbulent events surrounding the rise and fall of the island of N menor. Rising from the Great Sea and gifted to the Men of Middle-earth as a reward for aiding the angelic Valar and the Elves in defeating and capturing the Dark Lord Morgoth, the kingdom became a center of influence and wealth; but as the N men reans' power grew, the seeds of their downfall were inevitably sown, culminating in the Last Alliance of Elves and Men. A broader vision of the Second Age would emerge in later publications, first in Cuentos inconclusos de N menor y la Tierra Media (Unfinished Tales of N menor and Middle-earth), then expanded in Christopher Tolkien's masterful twelve-volume series La Historia de la Tierra Media (The History of Middle-earth), which presented a wealth of stories written by his father, many in draft form. Now, following the chronology of "La historia de los a os" ("The Tale of Years") in the appendices of El Se or de los Anillos (The Lord of the Rings), editor Brian Sibley has compiled a new chronicle of the Second Age of Middle-earth, told primarily in Tolkien's own words drawn from his published texts.

The forerunner to The Lord of the Rings, The Silmarillion fills in the background which lies behind the more popular work, and gives the earlier history of Middle-earth, introducing some of the key characters. The Silmarillion is an account of the Elder Days, of the First Age of Tolkien’s World. It is the ancient drama to which the characters in The Lord of the Rings look back, and in whose events some of them, such as Elrond and Galadriel, took part. The tales of The Silmarillion are set in an age when Morgoth, the first Dark Lord, dwelt in Middle-Earth, and the High Elves made war upon him for the recovery of the Silmarils, the jewels containing the pure light of Valinor.

The first-ever publication of a previously unknown short satirical fantasy by J. R. R. Tolkien, edited by his son, Christopher Tolkien, and accompanied by illustrations from the author together with an essay, "The Origin of Bovadium," by Richard Ovenden OBE. As Christopher Tolkien notes in his Introduction, The Bovadium Fragments was a "satirical fantasy" written by his father, which grew out of a planning controversy that erupted in Oxford in the late 1940s, when J. R. R. Tolkien was the Merton Professor of English Language and Literature. Written initially for his own amusement, Tolkien's tale was a private academic jest that poked gentle fun at the pomposity of archaeologists and the hideousness of college crockery. However, it was at the same time expressing a barbed cri de coeur against the inexorable rise of motor transport that was overwhelming the tranquility of his beloved city. Interest in publishing it in the 1960s ultimately foundered, and the text remained hidden for 60 years. In this new edition, Christopher Tolkien provides notes and commentary that will enable the reader to enjoy at last this tale of an imagined Oxford viewed through the lens of future (and not wholly reliable) academic study. The text is accompanied by a small selection of illustrations by the author, some of them previously unpublished, which while not created specifically for this work, convey something of the tone and setting of the story, thereby enriching the tale. Richard Ovenden's accompanying essay, "The Origin of Bovadium," paints a vivid portrait of Oxford during that time. Its text is illustrated with contemporary photos of the period, together with the actual plans that sparked the controversy. He also provides rich background to the casus belli which led to the furor that Tolkien witnessed firsthand, as the embers of debate between town planners and the university colleges were fanned into flame. Playful, arch, erudite, and ultimately tragically moving, The Bovadium Fragments is like nothing else that J. R. R. Tolkien wrote, and its themes remain both provocative and timely. Within its lines may be found a concern for the fragility of our natural world, a love of which was shared by both father and son. As Christopher Tolkien's final presentation of his father's work, it is therefore perhaps fitting that The Bovadium Fragments should be their coda.

Deluxe slipcased hardback edition of The Hobbit, illustrated throughout by acclaimed Tolkien artist, Alan Lee. Features exclusive new paintings and black & white designs appearing for the very first time, together with a removable art card and two foldout maps. Whisked away from his comfortable, unambitious life in his hobbit-hole in Bag End by Gandalf the wizard and a band of dwarves, Bilbo Baggins finds himself caught up in a plot to raid the treasure hoard of Smaug the Magnificent, a large and very dangerous dragon. Although quite reluctant to take part in this quest, Bilbo surprises even himself by his resourcefulness and his skill as a burglar! Now, for the first time since its publication in 1997, this illustrated edition has been revised and expanded, with a number of brand-new paintings and black & white illustrations added by the artist. Readers will be able to follow Bilbo's adventure from Bag End to the Lonely Mountain and back again – while also enjoying 30 full-page colour paintings and 50 pencil drawings and illustrations which accompany this enchanting tale, together with an exclusive new cover design by the artist. This beautifully designed new hardback edition has additionally been enhanced for the first time with sprayed edges, and is housed in a custom-built slipcase stamped in silver foil with designs created exclusively by Alan Lee and which also features a unique hidden artwork. It is accompanied by a removable art card and two foldout maps drawn by J. R. R. Tolkien.

World first publication of a previously unknown short satirical fantasy by J. R. R. Tolkien, edited by his son, Christopher Tolkien, and accompanied by illustrations from the author together with an essay, The Origin of Bovadium, by Richard Ovenden OBE. As Christopher Tolkien notes in his Introduction, The Bovadium Fragments was a ‘satirical fantasy’ written by his father, which grew out of a planning controversy that erupted in Oxford in the late 1940s, when J. R. R. Tolkien was the Merton Professor of English Language and Literature. Written initially for his own amusement, Tolkien’s tale was a private academic jest that poked gentle fun at such things as 'the pomposities of archaeologists' and 'the hideousness of college crockery'. However, it was at the same time expressing a barbed cri de coeur against the inexorable rise of motor transport and 'machine-worship' that was overwhelming the tranquillity of his beloved city. Enriched by a selection of illustrations by the author, and enhanced by Christopher Tolkien's notes and commentary, readers can enjoy at last this tale of an imagined Oxford viewed through the lens of future (and not wholly reliable) academic study. Richard Ovenden's accompanying essay paints a vivid portrait of Oxford during that time. He also provides rich background to the casus belli which led to the furore that Tolkien witnessed first-hand, as the embers of debate between town planners and the university colleges were fanned into flame. Playful, erudite, and ultimately tragically moving, The Bovadium Fragments is like nothing else that J. R. R. Tolkien wrote, and its themes remain both provocative and timely. Within its lines may be found a concern for the fragility of our natural world, a love of which that was shared by both father and son. As Christopher Tolkien’s final presentation of his father’s work, it is therefore perhaps fitting that The Bovadium Fragments should be their coda.

Brand-new revised and expanded hardback edition of this best-selling graphic novel based on the enchanting prelude to The Lord of the Rings. Fully painted in colour, it contains a carefully abridged version of Tolkien’s tale of the hobbit, Bilbo Baggins, who is whisked off by the wizard Gandalf on an adventure to recover stolen treasure. First published in 1990, David Wenzel’s comic book adaptation of J. R. R. Tolkien’s The Hobbit was an immediate success and has become one of the best-loved graphic novels of the last 25 years. The Hobbit is the story of Bilbo Baggins, a quiet and contented hobbit whose life is turned upside down when he joins the wizard Gandalf and thirteen dwarves on their quest to reclaim their stolen treasure. It is a journey fraught with danger – and in the end it is Bilbo alone who must face the guardian of this treasure, the most-dreaded dragon, Smaug. Illustrated and hand painted in full colour throughout, and accompanied by the carefully abridged text of the original novel, this handsome authorised edition will introduce new generations to a magical masterpiece – and be treasured by Hobbit fans of all ages, everywhere. This new edition includes exclusive extra content from David Wenzel revisiting the process of creating the original edition of the graphic novel and the story of its evolution to this revised and expanded version.

A brand-new revised and expanded hardcover edition of the bestselling graphic novel based on the enchanting prelude to The Lord of the Rings. J. R. R. Tolkien's enchanting prelude to The Lord of the Rings is one of the best-loved books of all time. Carefully abridged and beautifully painted, David Wenzel's graphic novel has become a bestselling classic in its own right. This new edition also includes additional content from the artist revisiting the original version of The Hobbit Graphic Novel and telling the story of how it came to be. With insights and never-before-seen artwork, David Wenzel reveals a process that will delight lovers of The Hobbit and graphic novels alike.

The official Tolkien calendar, this year containing 13 breathtaking paintings inspired by J. R. R. Tolkien's three 'Great Tales' of Middle-earth: THE CHILDREN OF H RIN, BEREN AND L THIEN and THE FALL OF GONDOLIN. Featuring beautiful artwork by Alan Lee, including a selection of stunning new paintings and drawings appearing here for the first time. The official Tolkien calendar has become an established publishing event, eagerly anticipated by Tolkien fans the world over. Previous Tolkien calendars have become much sought after collector's items, and this year's will doubtless be an essential purchase for fans everywhere. Published during Christopher Tolkien's centenary year, it celebrates the peerless stewardship of his father's work. This year's calendar showcases 13 full-color paintings by Alan Lee of scenes from across the First Age of Middle-earth, depicting key moments from the three 'Great Tales' - The Children of H rin, Beren and L thien and The Fall of Gondolin - that were published posthumously by Christopher Tolkien. Together they form the capstone to his unique literary contribution to our appreciation of his father's invented world. Within these three tales can be found some of the most powerful, dramatic and moving moments within all of J. R. R. Tolkien's legendarium, in which supreme heroism, tragic love, and profound malevolence unfold against a backdrop of unforgettable settings. Many of these are sublimely portrayed in Alan Lee's peerless watercolor paintings and pencil drawings, and this portfolio is now enhanced by a selection of truly stunning, brand-new paintings, making this Official Tolkien Calendar an unmissable event. Featuring an insightful introduction by the artist himself, this new Calendar will allow fans to discover the First Age of Middle-earth in greater depth than ever before. The official Tolkien calendar has become an established publishing event, eagerly anticipated by Tolkien fans the world over. Previous Tolkien calendars have become much sought after collector's items, and this year's will doubtless be an essential purchase for Middle-earth fans everywhere.

The official Tolkien calendar, this year containing 13 breathtaking paintings inspired by J. R. R. Tolkien’s three 'Great Tales' of Middle-earth: THE CHILDREN OF HÚRIN, BEREN AND LÚTHIEN and THE FALL OF GONDOLIN. Featuring beautiful artwork by Alan Lee, including a selection of stunning new paintings and drawings appearing here for the first time. The official Tolkien calendar has become an established publishing event, eagerly anticipated by Tolkien fans the world over. Previous Tolkien calendars have become much sought after collector’s items, and this year’s will doubtless be an essential purchase for fans everywhere. Published during Christopher Tolkien's centenary year, it celebrates the peerless stewardship of his father's work. This year’s calendar showcases 13 full-colour paintings by Alan Lee of scenes from across the First Age of Middle-earth, depicting key moments from the three 'Great Tales' – The Children of Húrin, Beren and Lúthien and The Fall of Gondolin – that were published posthumously by Christopher Tolkien. Together they form the capstone to his unique literary contribution to our appreciation of his father's invented world. Within these three tales can be found some of the most powerful, dramatic and moving moments within all of J. R. R. Tolkien's legendarium, in which supreme heroism, tragic love, and profound malevolence unfold against a backdrop of unforgettable settings. Many of these are sublimely portrayed in Alan Lee's peerless watercolour paintings and pencil drawings, and this portfolio is now enhanced by a selection of truly stunning, brand-new paintings, making this Official Tolkien Calendar an unmissable event. Featuring an insightful introduction by the artist himself, this new Calendar will allow fans to discover the First Age of Middle-earth in greater depth than ever before.