Questions
Who wrote The Lord of the Rings?
J.R.R. Tolkien, an English author and philology scholar, wrote it. He worked on the story between 1937 and 1949.
How did the story get started?
It began as a sequel to Tolkien’s 1937 children’s book The Hobbit, after publishers asked him for more stories about hobbits.
When was it published?
It came out in three volumes: The Fellowship of the Ring on July 29, 1954, The Two Towers on November 11, 1954, and The Return of the King on October 20, 1955.
Why is it split into three books?
Tolkien originally intended one single volume, but it was split into three for economic reasons, reducing typesetting costs and financial risk. It is actually made up of six internal books plus extensive appendices.
What is the story about?
Set in the fictional world of Middle-earth, it follows a quest to destroy the One Ring in the fires of Mount Doom, seen mainly through the eyes of the hobbits.
Who is the villain?
The Dark Lord Sauron, who created the One Ring to let him rule the other Rings of Power. The Ring grants power but corrupts whoever carries it.
Who carries the Ring, and who are the main heroes?
The hobbit Frodo Baggins inherits the Ring and takes it toward Mount Doom, joined by his loyal gardener Sam Gamgee, the wizard Gandalf, and Aragorn, a ranger and heir of Isildur.
How many copies has it sold?
More than 150 million copies had been sold by 2007, making it one of the best selling novels ever written.
Did people love it right away?
Early reviews were mixed. Poet W.H. Auden called it a masterpiece, while critic Edmund Wilson dismissed it as juvenile trash.
How did it become such a huge hit?
A 1960s Ballantine paperback edition, featuring Barbara Remington’s iconic cover art, sparked a cultural phenomenon, especially on American college campuses.
How long are the original manuscripts?
The original manuscripts reportedly total 9,250 pages and are now housed at Marquette University.
Is it true Tolkien invented languages for it?
Yes. A philology expert, Tolkien created multiple constructed languages for Middle-earth, and he later wrote a Guide to the Names in The Lord of the Rings in 1967 to help translators. The books also contain over 60 pieces of poetry.
How many languages has it been translated into?
It has been translated into at least 38 languages, and reportedly more than 70, making it one of the most translated novels ever published.
How did the Peter Jackson movies do at the Oscars?
Jackson’s film trilogy ran from 2001 to 2003 and won 11 Academy Awards for The Return of the King, making it only the third film ever to win 11 Oscars, alongside Ben-Hur and Titanic.
What was the deal with the unauthorized paperback?
In 1965, Ace Books published an unauthorized US paperback, claiming the copyright had lapsed. Fan outcry forced a withdrawal and settlement with Tolkien, a rare grassroots win for author rights.
