One Sentence Summary:
The J.R.R. Tolkien Boxed Set includes two beloved classics set in the mythical world of Middle Earth: The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings.
Book Genre:
Fantasy
Main Topic of the Book:
The epic journey of a diverse group of characters as they battle against darkness and evil in a world filled with magic, mythical creatures, and heroism.
Key Ideas:
- The power of friendship and loyalty in the face of great adversity.
- The importance of courage, sacrifice, and perseverance in the fight against evil.
- The dangers of greed and ambition.
- The beauty and wonder of nature.
Main Parts of the Book and a Short Summary:
The Hobbit:
In this prequel to The Lord of the Rings, a young hobbit named Bilbo Baggins is swept away on an unexpected adventure when the wizard Gandalf comes knocking at his door. Along with a group of dwarves seeking to reclaim their homeland from the dragon Smaug, Bilbo must navigate through treacherous paths, face dangerous enemies, and discover his own inner strength. The journey ultimately leads them to the Lonely Mountain and a confrontation with the mighty dragon.
The Lord of the Rings:
In this epic trilogy, the fate of Middle Earth hangs in the balance as a dark force rises and threatens to cover the world in darkness. Frodo Baggins, the nephew of Bilbo, is tasked with a dangerous mission to destroy the One Ring – the source of the dark power. Along with a fellowship of diverse companions, including elves, dwarves, humans, and a wizard, Frodo must overcome countless obstacles and face an ultimate showdown with the dark lord Sauron. But as the ring’s corruptive power grows stronger, the group must make difficult choices and sacrifices to ensure the safety of Middle Earth.
Key Takeaways:
- The journey and growth of the characters are just as important as the end goal.
- Good will always triumph over evil with the help of courage, sacrifice, and unity.
- Appreciating the beauty and importance of the natural world is crucial to preserving it.
Author’s Background and Qualifications:
J.R.R. Tolkien was a renowned English writer, poet, and professor. He is best known for his works set in Middle Earth, including The Hobbit, The Lord of the Rings, and The Silmarillion. He was highly regarded for his expertise in languages, particularly in Old and Middle English, and his love for mythology and folklore heavily influenced his writing.
Target Audience:
The target audience for this book is primarily readers who enjoy fantasy, adventure, and epic tales of good versus evil. It is also popular among fans of the fantasy genre and is suitable for readers of all ages.
Publisher and First Publication Date:
The boxed set was published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt on May 15, 2001, and includes the authorized movie tie-in editions of both The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings. However, the individual books were originally published in the 1930s and 1950s, respectively.