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Summary: C. S. Lewis: Midwife to THE LORD OF THE RINGS
Review: Dear Amazon.com Readers:Due to the largely negative feedback on this review, I looked over the text, and while I still agree with the central argument, the way it was communicated was not the best. I revised and posted it on Amazon's UK site. As I say in the first paragraph, I want to bring this element out to show readers a little acknowledge fact about the most important novel of the twentieth century. Of all the reviews I've written for Amazon this stands as the one with the most important thing to say. Ideally, reviews, etc, should be used as enhancing literature and "comparing notes" as Lewis says in his EXPERIMENT IN CRITICISM. This is what I mean to do here, to enlighten and compare notes. The enthusiasm of the original review is tempered with a more mature voice. Tolkien's work is strictly his own, but I feel Lewis should get acknowledged for his contribution to fantasy literature by his encouraging Tolkien. However, I am getting ahead of myself. I hope this review helps you better understand the powerful literary group that was the Inklings. Mike London, 8-22-01. The Review: It is often customary to sing the praise of Tolkien and his accomplishments, but in this review I purpose to bring out an aspect often neglected in the circle of Tolkien fans, and that is the influence his Christian brother C. S. Lewis had upon him. Because there is so much else covering Tolkien's achievements, I, in this review, will stress Lewis and how, in keeping a keen interest and continual encouragement in this work, is, in an indirect way, as much responsible as Tolkien is, though this book is none of Lewis's creation. I only choose to stress this because it seems it is not very often pointed out. C. S. Lewis has accomplished many things as a writer and a Christian, which an incredible amount to contribute to the world of literature. Some will argue what is his most important literary contribution, wether it be THE CHRONICLES OF NARNIA, TILL WE HAVE FACES, literary criticism, or his apologetic works. But these arguments always leave out what I feel is the single most important contribution he ever made to the world of literature. THE LORD OF THE RINGS. Without Lewis, we would not have the genre of fantasy as we know it, because Tolkien would not have finished his masterpiece. In Tolkien's own words, he says, "But for the encouragement of C.S.L. I do not think I should ever have completed or offered for publication THE LORD OF THE RINGS," in THE LETTERS OF J. R. R. TOLKIEN, #282. Lewis said that he had no influence on Tolkien in the conventional way - that is, Lewis had no influence on WHAT he wrote. His main contribution was just to listen. He said of his own role to his famous friend was that of a midwife to Tolkien's works, not a father. As far as any substance or influence goes, I think the only appearance of C. S. Lewis in the works of Tolkien is the character Treebeard, which, according to Carpenter's biography TOLKIEN, whose voice is modeled after the speech patterns of Lewis, with his great "ho hum" voice that had a tendency to be rather booming. In Lewis's own fiction, the character of Elwin Ransom from his space trilogy is modeled after Tolkien, for Ransom, like Tolkien, is a philologist, and according to Tolkien some of his ideas and concepts regarding the discipline of philology were "Lewisfied" (Tolkien's terminology, not mine) in the character of Ransom (again, Carpenter, and I think this information is also in THE LETTERS OF J. R. R. TOLKIEN.) Without C. S. Lewis, Tolkien would have never completed THE LORD OF THE RINGS, and it wouldn't be published, and the fantasy market would be totally different today - if indeed it existed at all. As far as literature goes, C. S. Lewis has nothing that can compare to this (although his body of work is better than Tolkien's). It makes the accomplishment of Lewis even more drastic than before, and although it is none of his invention, in an indirect way Lewis is as much responsible, even barring THE CHRONICLES OF NARNIA, for the fantasy market as Tolkien (although Lewis's greatest accomplishment in life is leading people to Jesus through his writings). So much has been said of the accomplishments Tolkien did little needs to be said here. Essentially, with the publication of this book (it is NOT a trilogy, as Tolkien was always quick to point out) Tolkien single handedly invented the fantasy genre as we know it today. Almost every fantasy novel today has a debt to Tolkien and THE LORD OF THE RINGS, even if the writer has never read it (which is highly unlikely). This is fantasy's masterpiece, the one that started it all. Like the Amazon.com review said, this is the Bible of fantasy. It is also, perhaps, the single greatest Christian novel ever written (Tolkien was a staunch Roman Catholic, ans his views and worship came from Middle-earth). Several poles have been taken, naming this the book of the century. Without C. S. Lewis, none of this would have been possible, because Tolkien would not have finished it. (The same can be said of his son Christopher, who read it as it was being written). So you see, it's because of C. S. Lewis that and Tolkien's son Christopher that Tolkien finished what has been hailed as the most important novel of the twentieth century. We owe C. S. Lewis a tremendous debt in the field of literature, and this only greatly increases that debt for the enrichment he as brought the realm of written word. This book is the single most important thing contribution he ever did in the field of literature simply because he stood fast and encouraged his friend Tolkien to see it to completion. Bravo Lewis! And of course a hearty applause for Tolkien.
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Summary: Doesn't compare with genuine epics
Review: Genuine epics or legends are based on allegory.This means saying one thing but meaning something else.Examples are the Epic of Gilgamesh, the Iliad and Odyssey of Homer, and the legends of King Arthur.I'm afraid Lord of the Rings is not in the same class as these.Genuine mythic epics operate on two levels: the physical events and the higher or spiritual meaning.Lord of the Rings operates simply on the physical level, with mundane messages.In this book there is no transcendent realm of spirit where the true meaning should lie.The epics mentioned are really about the journey of the soul, the vital aspect which is lacking in Lord of the Rings.Frodo's aim is simply to through the ring away, not gain something, such as the quest of the Grail.Lord of the Rings is no more than a good story, and it is well written.It should not be mistaken for a genuine mythic legend.
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Summary: One ring to rule them, and in the darkness bind them...
Review: Where does one begin? To judge near perfection, all the while striving to place words in such a manner to draw the yet unchanged masses into our shared love affair, such a task is beyond my means, but my love for this glorious tale drives me to make an effort despite the fact. It is with great regret that I admit waiting until my twenty-fifth year to have read this literary masterpiece, and having claimed to be enamored with fantasy-fiction. Heresy, that's what it was, to have avoided this grand tale in favor of lesser offerings when only my memories of that foul and near blasphemous animated film version drove me away. I am driven to shame. I will refrain from illuminating the history of the story, and its author, as the information is available so readily in the "Editorial Reviews" portion of this page. Instead, I fear my review will remain in the realm of the subjective, as opposed to an unbiased intellectual appeal; sorry the story simply touches to deep for such a callous approach. However, I would like to suggest that if you decide to purchase this magnificent tale, I highly recommend the "Houghton Mifflin Co." edition, released in June 1999, an edition which claims to be the most accurate copy to date. More importantly, it is said Tolkien intended the three works: "The Fellowship of the Ring", "The Two Towers", and "The Return of the King" to be considered one work, not a trilogy as we have come to know them. Having the three divisions in one binding reinforces the continuity of the tale as a whole, and I felt it greatly increased my veraciousness to devour each skillfully placed word. I am loath to reveal even the most innocent and seemingly innocuous detail about the tale, for fear, my words could steal any of the joy you find while reading Tolkien's words. Yet, you should understand that the tale follows in the days after "The Hobbit", and that the meager forces of light must fight the insurmountable shadow of evil. An age is coming to an end and with it the wonder and majesty of Middle-Earth. If you have yet to read "The Hobbit", do so first for it sows the seeds, which the "Lord of the Rings" skillfully harvests. Tolkien's opus is, and will always remain a seminal work of our age, a title none can afford deny themselves. The author's gentle, but sweeping touch resounds with a love for his creation. The fullness of the characters, and of the lands in which they live and die are so three dimensional, so very tangible and full of vitality that it is nearly impossible to refrain from growing emotionally involved. Even the villains are well developed. Through dialogue and narration we become aware of their motivations, giving renewed depth to the story and its events. Even now, this masterwork is being translated to the silver screen (a trilogy by "New Line Cinema"); read it now before you see the films, do not deny yourselves the true wonder of Tolkien's mastery.
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Summary: BEWARE THIS EDITION!
Review: Lord of the Rings deserves a beautiful edition, and this is NOT it! The "Millennium Edition," which looks so nice in photographs, is in fact small (each volume is about the size of a trade paperback), badly printed on poor paper, and exceedingly shoddily made (the first time I opened a volume in a bookstore, the binding split right through). The volumes are not even real hardcovers, just paperbacks stuck in thin, skimpy covers of shiny board. I REPEAT: this is a lousy edition, grossly overpriced! Beware of it! You'd be much better off with a set of paperbacks you could replace for $15.
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Summary: Absolutely Haunting
Review: Definitely a must for any fantasy lover! It's amazing how Tolkien has created a complete world in its smallest details. I have read this book about five years ago, and I'm still haunted by elven lore, rings of power, and The EYE!
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Summary: How do you improve a timeless classic?
Review: Add illustrations by Alan Lee, co-illustrator of Faeries with Brian Froud. Truly stunning artwork. With this first edition including Lee's artwork, one should buy the volume for the collectibility value alone. Unforgetable artwork to accompany an unforgetable story of the most unlikely heroes!
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Summary: The most magnificent trilogy of books!
Review: I was so amazed at how magnificent the books really were! The plot was so wonderful, and the characters were so well put together and I have not in all my life have read a trilogy of books as brilliant as the Lord of the rings this is probably the greatest achievement in literature in the world. JRR Tolkien is one of the most brilliant authors of all time and I advise young adults and adults to buy this collection of books. These books are truly the greatest books ever written!
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Summary: After it, no fantasy book should have been written
Review: LOTR is the first fantasy book I have read, and, I could say, the last. Any other one about the subject I tried to read was not able to reach the same level, or also something comparable. Too deep the gap between LOTR and the others, and, maybe, too difficult to reach the same thouroughness of its structure, both from philology and novellistic point of view. The author is able to branch the story into different threads, to deal properly with them, and then to join them again (people with scientific background cannot help liking this "unifying" effort). The end is a bit sad, leaving the memory of a world that no longer exists (or that have never existed): a metaphor of human growth.
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Summary: Lord Of The Rings - Mind's Eye Version
Review: It's a shame that this version of Tolkien's masterwork is more common than the excellent BBC edition. It's full of trite acting (and pardon my Anglo-bias) done by American actors, some with shrill voices. I couldn't make past the 5th tape before this went to the used book store. It's only advantage is that it retains some key events (like Tom Bombadil) that the BBC version skips. Time is better spent reading the book!
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Summary: This deserves more than 10 stars.
Review: Man this is the best book ever written in the World.You will hear about this book when are are older and it will still be as popular as it is today.That is because no other book can compare to this book.No other book can come close to this one.I want to first say I love all the characters.He made some awesome heros and he made some cool villians.His 3 book trilogy is perfectly spaced into books and excellently written.I want to say everyone out there needs to read this book.You will never find a better book than this.
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