Comprising three oversized hardback volumes housed in a full-colour slipcase, this edition of Tolkien’s classic masterpiece is fully illustrated in watercolour throughout by the acclaimed and award-winning artist, Alan Lee.
Since it was first published in 1954, The Lord of the Rings has been a book people have treasured. Steeped in unrivalled magic and otherworldliness, its sweeping fantasy has touched the hearts of young and old alike. Well over 100 million copies of its many editions have been sold around the world, and occasional collectors’ editions become prized and valuable items of publishing.
With the epic trilogy now being released on film, images of the characters and landscapes have become eagerly sought after. Much of the look of the movies is based on Alan Lee’s paintings, giving this Centenary edition of Tolkien’s great work new relevance for the ever-growing number of fans.
J.R.R.Tolkien (1892-1973) was a distinguished academic, though he is best known for writing The Hobbit, The Lord of the Rings and The Silmarillion, plus other stories and essays. His books have been translated into over 80 languages and have sold many millions of copies worldwide.
Alan Lee was invited to illustrate the centenary edition of The Lord of the Rings, which led to further Tolkien editions, including The Hobbit and the three ‘Great Tales’: The Children of Húrin, Beren and Lúthien and The Fall of Gondolin. He worked as Conceptual Designer and Set Decorator on both Middle-earth film trilogies, receiving the Academy Award for Best Art Direction for his work on The Return of the King.