The Lord of the Rings Gift Guide: The Bookshelf
Peter Jackson's film trilogy brought the world of Middle-earth to life in epic fashion, filling theatres worldwide and matching the record for Oscar wins, but Tolkien's original vision has stood the test of time, attaining even more impressive acclaim in the world of literature. Long ignored and overlooked by critics, The Lord of the Rings nevertheless became a cultural phenomenon, and records suggest that it was the most bought and read book of the 20th century.
Fuelled in part by the success of film adaptations, Tolkien's works continue to be read today, and that shows no sign of stopping anytime soon. As a writer for the Sunday Times once said: “The English-Speaking world is divided into those who have read 'The Hobbit' and 'The Lord of the Rings' and those who are going to read them.”
Whether you're buying for a first-time reader or a lifelong fan looking to delve a little deeper, this handy gift guide has everything you could need to ensure you add something precious to their bookshelf.
The Hobbit & The Lord of the Rings Paperback Box Set
Do you know someone who loves the films but still hasn’t taken the plunge and read the books? Why not treat them to this stylish paperback box set, an affordable way to pick up all three Lord of the Rings books as well as The Hobbit.
The Hobbit, illustrated by Jemima Catlin
Whether they’ve read it 100 times or are diving in for the first time, Jemima Catlin’s delightful illustrations for this deluxe edition of The Hobbit make for an enhanced reading experience.
The Real Middle-earth: A History of the Dark Ages that Inspired Britain
Tolkien’s Middle-earth is a rich fantasy world that many fans over the years have wished they could visit. In this book, Professor Brian Bates argues that it was, in a sense, once real for our ancestors, who inhabited a world filled with magic and mystery. Drawing on folk belief, fairy tales, and archaeological findings, Bates brings Middle-earth closer than ever.
The Making of Middle-earth
An in-depth but accessible exploration of the many myths and stories that inspired Tolkien, this book is a must for anyone wanting to understand how and why he created his vast legendarium.
Bookmarks - Pack of 4
The Lord of the Rings is a long read, and you don’t want to get lost along the way, so any set is incomplete without a trusty bookmark. This set of four PVC bookmarks showcases emblematic symbols from the series, ideal for collectors or as a gift for Middle-earth enthusiasts.
The Road to Middle-earth
If you've read The Lord of the Rings and want to delve deeper, there's no better place to start than the works of Professor Tom Shippey, a world-renowned Tolkien scholar who has written extensive analysis on Tolkien's legendarium. Like Tolkien, Shippey is a philologist and medievalist, so he's well placed to pick apart the inspirations and themes underpinning Middle-earth.
The Worlds of J.R.R. Tolkien
In this detailed but accessible coffee table-sized book, Tolkien expert John Garth takes a look at the real world locations that inspired Tolkien's imagined world. From local landmarks in Oxfordshire to the Swiss Alps, this book unpacks some pervasive myths and uncovers some surprise influences. Did you know that Tolkien might have been inspired by a road name in Leeds, for instance, or a hemlock grove in a small village near the East Yorkshire coast? There's plenty more nuggets like this inside!
The Lord of the Rings Gift Guide: Top Presents for the Tolkien Obsessed
Not sure what to buy your Tolkien-loving friend for their birthday, or that one family member who repeatedly binges the films for Christmas? We’ve got your back.
We've broken our gift guide down into some key areas to help you find the perfect gift for your favourite Tolkien fan.