Without criticizing Jackson's movies, it's fair to say they've muddied the waters a bit. For instance, many moviegoers might not know that 'The Hobbit' was written before 'The Lord of the Rings,' or that the former is way more of a children's story on-the-page than the three movie adaptations would suggest. It's fine that the movies aren't super strict adaptations, but their cultural impact has had a curious effect on how people think of the books. Like Bilbo, the ideas of Middle-earth went there and came back again, emerging on the silver screen owing as much to the source material as to the countless derivations, rip-offs and homages that preceded the films. Bits and threads were scattered and weaved through 10-cent novels, role-playing games and '80s kid-fantasy films. The 'Lord of the Rings' and 'Hobbit' films came as what you could call the end of a decades-long process: The books percolated through pop-culture, inspiring and influencing close to every depiction of orcs, elves and what-have-you that followed. Of course, Peter Jackson's 'Lord of the Rings' movies were among many early '00s big-hitters that helped what was once deemed 'nerd culture' completely eclipse everything else in the mainstream.

Having fallen asleep both in a packed theater during 'Fellowship of the Ring' and while my mom read the Tom Bombadil chapters aloud to me before bed, my younger self was convinced that I was the only person in the world who didn't get the whole Middle-earth thing. It was hard for my kid brain to believe that the fantasy epic was ever an underground thing. 'Frodo lives.' I have a hazy memory of the phrase - maybe it was on an old pin, maybe one of my parents mentioned it - but it entered my life some time close to the first 'Lord of the Rings' movie. In each volume, we'll recommend a watch/read order to approach the given series with and dissect our argument for it. Whatever you are looking to buy or sell, we will always try to help. Welcome to Fan Service, a guide to engaging with gargantuan, lore-heavy franchises. Not all items are on display here, so please do not hesitate to make requests about Tolkien books you are trying to find. Rare Tolkien items are also available, including books and letters signed by Tolkien, proof copies and books from Tolkiens personal library. Tolkien books available include both the UK and US editions, original cloth bindings, custom fine bindings, and Signed / Numbered / Limited Editions. The books in the Tolkien Library Store always have a high collectible value and are of the finest on the market. See the Original Cloth Bindings which have been sold > The Tolkien Library Store always has a large amount of rare and collectible Tolkien books up for sale.

All lord of the rings books