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."

"Now is the hour come, Riders of the Mark, sons of Eorl! Foes and fire are before you, and your homes far behind. Yet, though you fight upon an alien field, the glory that you reap there shall be your own for ever. Oaths ye have taken: now fulfil them all, to lord and land and league of friendship!"

Men clashed spear upon shield.

"Éomer, my son! You lead the first éored," said Théoden; "and it shall go behind the king's banner in the centre. Elfhelm, lead your company to the right when we pass the wall. And Grimbold shall lead his towards the left. Let the other companies behind follow these three that lead, as they have chance. Strike wherever the enemy gathers. Other plans we cannot make, for we know not yet how things stand upon the field. Forth now, and fear no darkness!"

-- "The Return of the King"

Stuff and Bother
The flotsam and jetsam of this site.

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