The Return of the King / J.R.R. Tolkien

The Return of the King

category: fantasy, author:

J.R.R. Tolkien

book 3 of The Lord of the Rings
original copyright 1954,
read in January 2011 (and before, at least 15 times, since March 1970)

Agamedes' opinion: 10 out of 10

The edition that I'm reading has illustrations by Alan Lee. Brilliant! This illustrated edition was a treat to myself, after many years of reading a one volume paperback. A paperback which was gradually falling apart from heavy use.

So I bought the three volume illustrated hardback. Every so often I take it out and read it. Or read just a section... There is a great pleasure in reading a great book. There is a great -- but separate -- pleasure reading a book which also looks and feels good.

Other than that, what can I say?

Eowyn on the Pelennor Fields still brings a tear to my eyes. I smile, as Strider tells Merry to ask the herb-master for some pipe-weed. I worry, as the hobbits move so slowly back to the inevitable trouble back home in the Shire.

The Two Towers / J.R.R. Tolkien

The Two Towers

category: fantasy, author:

J.R.R. Tolkien

book 2 of The Lord of the Rings
original copyright 1954,
read in January 2011 (and before, at least 15 times, since March 1970)

Agamedes' opinion: 10 out of 10

Greatest book ever!

Aside: Before you argue, But what about such-and-such a book... A marketing lecturer once explained that a product may be called -- without argument -- "the best". And that many products -- even very similar, competing, products may also be "the best". It's only if you claim that your product is "better" that you had better be ready to stand up in court to defend your claim. So...

The Two Towers -- and each of the other parts of The Lord of the Rings -- are the greatest books ever! Not (necessarily) better than your own favourites. Just the best!

Yes, I have often read quickly through the adventures of Frodo and Sam as they battle their way to Mordor. It seems just a little bit slow, when compared to the battles and heroism of the other threads of the story.

This time I read just a little slower -- and enjoyed it even more!

Frodo and Sam offer a kind of plodding heroism. Not the eye-rolling, ham-acting, looney-on-the-loose look of the movie Frodo. Just understated, never-give-in heroism. Companionship, unexpected friends, loyalty and good plain hobbit sense.

If you enjoy fantasy -- if you enjoy a good adventure story -- The Lord of the Rings is a must-read.

..o0o..

These reviews are provided by Agamedes Consulting. For an independent and thoughtful review of your processes, problems or documents, email nickleth at gmail dot com.

The Fellowship of the Ring / J.R.R. Tolkien

The Fellowship of the Ring

category: fantasy, author:

J.R.R. Tolkien

book 1 of The Lord of the Rings
original copyright 1954,
read in January 2011 (and before, at least 15 times, since March 1970)

Agamedes' opinion: 9 out of 10

There are two types of people in the English-reading world: those who have read The Lord of the Rings... and those who should have.

In 1970 I was in Europe. Travelling around. With a paperback copy of The Lord of the Rings. I have read that paperback copy many times... many, many times. Now I am (re-)reading a glossy 1970 three-volume hardback, with illustrations by Alan Lee. Yes, illustrations by Alan Lee -- the artist who inspired much of the look of the movie...

So, why am I re-reading the book? It's because I have just re-watched a bit of the movie...