The Return of the King: 03 (Lord of the Rings) - Softcover

Tolkien, J. R. R.

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0261102338 ISBN 13: 9780261102330

Publisher: HarperCollins, 1998

Synopsis

The third volume of The Lord of the Rings, now featuring Tolkien’s original unused dust-jacket design.

The Companions of the Ring have become involved in separate adventures as the quest continues. Aragorn, revealed as the hidden heir of the ancient Kings of the West, joined with the Riders of Rohan against the forces of Isengard, and took part in the desperate victory of the Hornburg. Merry and Pippin, captured by orcs, escaped into Fangorn Forest and there encountered the Ents.

Gandalf returned, miraculously, and defeated the evil wizard, Saruman. Meanwhile, Sam and Frodo progressed towards Mordor to destroy the Ring, accompanied by Sméagol – Gollum, still obsessed by his ‘preciouss’. After a battle with the giant spider, Shelob, Sam left his master for dead; but Frodo is still alive – in the hands of the orcs. And all the time the armies of the Dark Lord are massing.

About this title

About the Author

J.R.R.Tolkien (1892-1973) was a distinguished academic, though he is best known for writing The Hobbit, The Lord of the Rings and The Silmarillion, plus other stories and essays. His books have been translated into over 30 languages and have sold many millions of copies worldwide.

From the Back Cover

'The Return of the King' is the third part of J.R.R. Tolkien’s epic adventure 'The Lord of the Rings'.

The Companions of the Ring have become involved in separate adventures as the quest continues. Aragon, revealed as the hidden heir of the ancient Kings of the West, joined with the Riders of Rohan against the forces of Isengard, and took part in the desperate victory of the Hornburg. Merry and Pippin, captured by orcs, escaped into Fangorn Forest and there encountered the Ents.

Gandalf returned, miraculously, and defeated the evil wizard, Saruman. Meanwhile, Sam and Frodo progressed towards Mordor to destroy the Ring, accompanied by Smeagol-Gollum, still obsessed by his ‘preciouss’. After a battle with the giant spider, Shelob, Sam left his master for dead; but Frodo is alive – in the hands of the orcs. And all the time the armies of the Dark Lord are massing.

"A story magnificently told, with every kind of colour and movement and greatness"
NEW STATESMAN

"The story moves on with a tremendous narrative rush to its climax… extraordinarily imaginative work, part saga, part allegory and wholly exciting."
THE TIMES

"A triumphant close … a grand piece of work, grand in both conception and execution. An astonishing imaginative tour de force."
DAILY TELEGRAPH

"His astonishing inventiveness remains to the end and is continued in a series of appendices."
THE GUARDIAN

The cover of this new edition of 'The Return of the King' is based on Tolkien's own unused sketch of 1954. It shows the empty throne of Gondor awaiting the return of the King. Within the circle of the throne is the winged crown of Gondor with the tengwar monogram of Elendil, the first High King of Arnor and Gondor. His words 'In this place will I abide and my heirs until the World's end,' are also inscribed in tengwar to the left and right of the throne. Above the seat is the White Tree of Gondor with seven flowers, and the Seven Stars that were the emblem of Elendil and his heirs. Below the throne is a green jewel which represents the coming of the new King, Elessar, the 'Elfstone'. Behind the throne is the sinister Shadow of Mordor, with the long arm of Sauron reaching out a clawed hand across the mountains.

Edition details

• Publisher: HarperCollins
• Publication date: 1998
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0261102338
• ISBN 13: 9780261102330
• Binding: Paperback
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 432