The Two Towers Illustrated Edition
JRR Tolkien; Illustrated by Alan Lee
Title:
Author: Publication Year: Publisher: Format: Dimensions: Number of Pages: ISBN: |
The Two Towers Illustrated Edition
JRR Tolkien 1996 HarperCollins Publishers Ltd Paperback 16.5 x 2.5 x 25.2 cm 356 0261103393 |
"The Lord of the Rings" stands as a monumental high fantasy masterpiece crafted by the esteemed philologist and Oxford University professor, J.R.R. Tolkien. Initially conceived as a sequel to his earlier, more straightforward children's fantasy novel "The Hobbit" (1937), this work evolved into a vast and intricate narrative. Composed between 1937 and 1954, with a significant portion written amidst the backdrop of World War II, the story's development spanned years of creativity and historical upheaval.
Following the triumph of "The Hobbit," Tolkien's publisher requested a sequel, leading to the creation of "The Lord of the Rings." Though conceived as a single expansive work consisting of six books, the saga was partitioned into three volumes due to post-World War II paper shortages, as well as considerations of size and affordability. The inaugural print runs for first editions were modest: 3,000 copies for "The Fellowship of the Ring" (1954), 3,250 copies for "The Two Towers" (1954), and 7,000 copies for "The Return of the King" (1955). However, the saga's subsequent ascent marked it as one of the best-selling novels in history, with over 150 million copies finding readers.
The second volume, "The Two Towers," continues the saga, where Frodo and his stalwart companions confront peril while striving to safeguard the Ruling Ring from the clutches of the Dark Lord, seeking to destroy it in the Cracks of Doom. Facing the loss of Gandalf the wizard in the Mines of Moria and Boromir's misguided attempt to seize the Ring's power at the Falls of Rauros, Frodo and Sam press forward, braving the Great River Anduin. Alone in their journey, they are shadowed by an enigmatic figure that accompanies them unfalteringly. Illustrated by the remarkable Alan Lee, "The Two Towers" forms the second part of J.R.R. Tolkien's magnum opus, crafting an epic narrative that continues to captivate generations.
Following the triumph of "The Hobbit," Tolkien's publisher requested a sequel, leading to the creation of "The Lord of the Rings." Though conceived as a single expansive work consisting of six books, the saga was partitioned into three volumes due to post-World War II paper shortages, as well as considerations of size and affordability. The inaugural print runs for first editions were modest: 3,000 copies for "The Fellowship of the Ring" (1954), 3,250 copies for "The Two Towers" (1954), and 7,000 copies for "The Return of the King" (1955). However, the saga's subsequent ascent marked it as one of the best-selling novels in history, with over 150 million copies finding readers.
The second volume, "The Two Towers," continues the saga, where Frodo and his stalwart companions confront peril while striving to safeguard the Ruling Ring from the clutches of the Dark Lord, seeking to destroy it in the Cracks of Doom. Facing the loss of Gandalf the wizard in the Mines of Moria and Boromir's misguided attempt to seize the Ring's power at the Falls of Rauros, Frodo and Sam press forward, braving the Great River Anduin. Alone in their journey, they are shadowed by an enigmatic figure that accompanies them unfalteringly. Illustrated by the remarkable Alan Lee, "The Two Towers" forms the second part of J.R.R. Tolkien's magnum opus, crafting an epic narrative that continues to captivate generations.
![Picture](/uploads/1/4/6/5/146501023/published/tolkien_3.jpg)
Author Biography
J.R.R. Tolkien, an indelible luminary in the realm of literature and fantasy, was an English writer, poet, philologist, and academic. Born on January 3, 1892, in Bloemfontein, South Africa, he would later become celebrated as the creator of some of the most intricate and captivating fantasy worlds ever conceived. His literary legacy is perhaps best epitomized by "The Hobbit" and "The Lord of the Rings" trilogy, which have left an indelible mark on the collective imagination. As a professor of Anglo-Saxon at the University of Oxford, Tolkien's scholarly pursuits also greatly influenced his creative works, infusing his stories with linguistic intricacies and cultural depth.
Tolkien's creative genius burgeoned through his meticulously crafted tales of Middle-earth, a fictional realm replete with diverse cultures, languages, and histories. His ability to weave intricate narratives while immersing readers in the lush landscapes of his imagination solidified him as a trailblazer in the fantasy genre. Beyond his monumental literary accomplishments, Tolkien's impact has reverberated across generations, inspiring subsequent authors, filmmakers, and artists. His legacy transcends mere storytelling, encompassing an enduring exploration of themes like heroism, friendship, the battle between good and evil, and the power of imagination.
J.R.R. Tolkien, an indelible luminary in the realm of literature and fantasy, was an English writer, poet, philologist, and academic. Born on January 3, 1892, in Bloemfontein, South Africa, he would later become celebrated as the creator of some of the most intricate and captivating fantasy worlds ever conceived. His literary legacy is perhaps best epitomized by "The Hobbit" and "The Lord of the Rings" trilogy, which have left an indelible mark on the collective imagination. As a professor of Anglo-Saxon at the University of Oxford, Tolkien's scholarly pursuits also greatly influenced his creative works, infusing his stories with linguistic intricacies and cultural depth.
Tolkien's creative genius burgeoned through his meticulously crafted tales of Middle-earth, a fictional realm replete with diverse cultures, languages, and histories. His ability to weave intricate narratives while immersing readers in the lush landscapes of his imagination solidified him as a trailblazer in the fantasy genre. Beyond his monumental literary accomplishments, Tolkien's impact has reverberated across generations, inspiring subsequent authors, filmmakers, and artists. His legacy transcends mere storytelling, encompassing an enduring exploration of themes like heroism, friendship, the battle between good and evil, and the power of imagination.
![Picture](/uploads/1/4/6/5/146501023/published/alan-lee_2.jpeg)
Illustrator Biography
Alan Lee, born on August 20, 1947, in Middlesex, England, is a distinguished fantasy illustrator renowned for his profound impact on J.R.R. Tolkien's Middle-earth. His artistic prowess paints vivid visual landscapes that transport readers into the heart of Tolkien's intricate narratives. Lee's pivotal role unfolded during the creation of Peter Jackson's film adaptations of "The Lord of the Rings." His intricate conceptual art breathed life into Tolkien's universe, resonating with both dedicated fans and newcomers. Lee's watercolor mastery vividly captured the essence of races, settings, and pivotal moments, enriching the films with a captivating authenticity. His collaboration with John Howe harmoniously blended visions, enhancing the cinematic depiction of Middle-earth.
Beyond the films, Lee's artistic legacy thrives within various editions of Tolkien's books, fusing intricate detail with emotional resonance. His indelible mark extends far beyond the screen, embodying the spirit of Tolkien's world in captivating imagery that beautifully mirrors the narrative's depth and wonder. Alan Lee's artistry is an enduring bridge between literature and visual interpretation, forging a timeless connection with the hearts of those who journey through the enchanted realms of Middle-earth.
Alan Lee, born on August 20, 1947, in Middlesex, England, is a distinguished fantasy illustrator renowned for his profound impact on J.R.R. Tolkien's Middle-earth. His artistic prowess paints vivid visual landscapes that transport readers into the heart of Tolkien's intricate narratives. Lee's pivotal role unfolded during the creation of Peter Jackson's film adaptations of "The Lord of the Rings." His intricate conceptual art breathed life into Tolkien's universe, resonating with both dedicated fans and newcomers. Lee's watercolor mastery vividly captured the essence of races, settings, and pivotal moments, enriching the films with a captivating authenticity. His collaboration with John Howe harmoniously blended visions, enhancing the cinematic depiction of Middle-earth.
Beyond the films, Lee's artistic legacy thrives within various editions of Tolkien's books, fusing intricate detail with emotional resonance. His indelible mark extends far beyond the screen, embodying the spirit of Tolkien's world in captivating imagery that beautifully mirrors the narrative's depth and wonder. Alan Lee's artistry is an enduring bridge between literature and visual interpretation, forging a timeless connection with the hearts of those who journey through the enchanted realms of Middle-earth.