Greetings!

Welcome to this unofficial homepage dedicated to John Ronald Reuel Tolkien, his peerless masterworks "The Hobbit," "The Lord of the Rings," "The Silmarillion," and to Tolkien's literary works as a whole.

About This Site
Our 'mission statement.'

"If you want to know the story, you can read the book."
—Sir Ian McKellen, "The Actors Studio"

We couldn't agree more!

The primary goal of this site has always been to promote and encourage readers of all ages to experience Tolkien's works for themselves.

If you have yet to read "The Hobbit," "The Lord of the Rings," or one of J.R.R. Tolkien's other works, then we invite you to get a copy of Ballantine's popular (and inexpensive) Boxed 'Paperback' Editions of "The Hobbit" and "The Lord of the Rings." You will soon join millions of people from all over the world who have been forever changed by taking their first journey to Middle-earth.

Those who have made the journey to Middle-earth, and yet still hunger for more, will enjoy "The Silmarillion," Tolkien's epic history of the First Age of Middle-earth, and perhaps "Unfinished Tales," a collection of stories from different ages of Middle-earth, ranging from the long First Age until Sauron's final defeat.

If you're looking for gift or collectible editions of "The Hobbit" or "The Lord of the Rings," we've sorted out all of the currently available editions of Tolkien's works including Christopher Tolkien's outstanding twelve volume "The History of Middle-earth," sections for 'Guides & Atlases,' 'Essays,' 'Biographies,' 'Audiobooks & Radio Plays', as well as a host of other related titles, all in our popular 'Bookstore' section. We have carefully researched, sorted, and categorized every edition of Tolkien's works, as well as a host of related books and other resources, that we could find.

What's New
Most news and updates are now in the 'News & Updates' section.

• It's (Really) Official Now
  From The New Zealand Herald.

  Del Toro confirmed as 'The Hobbit' director

  Mexican film-maker Guillermo del Toro will be based in New Zealand for four years while he makes two films based on The Lord of the Rings prequel The Hobbit, it was confirmed today.

  The Dominion Post reported confirmation of del Toro's role was announced in Hollywood by Lord of the Rings director Peter Jackson—who will co-produce The Hobbit—his partner and fellow producer Fran Walsh, and executives from New Line Cinema and MGM.

  "A true original, Guillermo is a cinematic magician who has never lost his child-like sense of wonder. He understands that the fantastic must be grounded in the real and that all stories are only ever a reflection of ourselves," Jackson and Walsh said.

  "We have long admired Guillermo's work and cannot think of a more inspired filmmaker to take the journey back to Middle-earth. We are delighted The Hobbit is in such trustworthy hands."

  The two films—the second of which will cover the 60 years between J.R.R. Tolkien's The Hobbit and The Fellowship of the Ring—will be shot back to back.

  The appointment follows months of speculation in entertainment circles, with del Toro admitting he was in negotiations to direct but refusing to comment further until a contract was signed.

  Del Toro directed box office hits Pan's Labyrinth and Hellboy.

Quote of the Moment
A random selection from the "Red Book of Westmarch."

"And now at last it comes. You will give me the Ring freely! In place of the Dark Lord you will set up a Queen. And I shall not be dark, but beautiful and terrible as the Morning and the Night! Fair as the Sea and the Sun and the Snow upon the Mountain! Dreadful as the Storm and the Lightning! Stronger than the foundations of the earth. All shall love me and despair!"

She lifted up her hand and from the ring that she wore there issued a great light that illuminated her alone and left all else dark. She stood before Frodo seeming now tall beyond measurement, and beautiful beyond enduring, terrible and worshipful. Then she let her hand fall, and the light faded, and suddenly she laughed again, and lo! she was shrunken: a slender elf-woman, clad in simple white, whose gentle voice was soft and sad.

"I pass the test," she said. "I will diminish, and go into the West and remain Galadriel."

-- "The Fellowship of the Ring"

Stuff and Bother
The flotsam and jetsam of this site.

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