L's Reviews > The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King - Visual Companion

The must-have companion to the Lord of the Rings movies (based on JRR Tolkien’s incredible work), that brings middle-earth vividly to life.

The three films based on the Lord of the Rings by JRR Tolkien, beginning with part one The Fellowship of the Ring and ending with the Return of the King, is brought vividly to life with Jude Fisher’s accompanying visual companions. Full of stunning photographs adorning the cover, spine and every single page these companion books are a treasure, and a real delight for any fan of either (or both) the films and the book. Each guide contains detailed information on the main, distinctive characters both good and evil, with separate pages dedicated to individuals such as those within the fellowship. The places, landscapes and key locations within Tolkien’s middle-earth are explored, as depicted in each film. Fully illustrated with over a hundred color photographs, including shots of epic and dramatic battles between light and dark forces are included. Each book continues on from the next, as it does within the films, continuing the journey from when the reader and the viewer left off. The trials, successes and tragedies of the members of the fellowship’s quest are discovered and relived, within the insightful and fascinating introduction. You are taken on a journey from the very beginning right up to the end, where the fellowship’s quest comes to its end as the ring is destroyed in the fires of Mount Doom. The companions journey (with Aragorn, Gimli and Legolas), the war of the ring (including the battle of Pelennor fields and the white city of Minas Tirith), and the ring’s journey in the hands of the small Hobbit Frodo is scrutinized to the smallest detail. Also included is a brilliant map of Mordor, the dreaded realm inhabited by Orcs, mountain-trolls, fell beasts and Nazgûl. This book presents to the reader an unforgettable tour around middle-earth, from the once proud city of Gondor to the dead marshes and Shelobs lair as this epic struggle is played out before your very eyes.
The photographs within this book are impressive and do really take your breath away, just as chills are sent down your spine when watching the films. I would urge that any fan of the three films invests in a copy of the visual companions, as they do truly add to the experience as a whole and bring the story to life. As an admirer of JRR Tolkien and his extensive works including the Lord of the Rings, I was impressed by the films representation of his work and portrayal of the characters and their story. Nothing can compare to the book itself but the films and the visual book additions are a great recognition to his work.