Title: The Ring Sets Out
Author: J.R.R. Tolkien
First published July 29, 1954
283 pages, Hardcover
ISBN: 9780618042203 (ISBN10: 0618042202)
Rating: 4.31
Overview
The Ring Sets Out, a continuation of The Hobbit, tells the incredible tale of Frodo Baggins and his quest to destroy the One Ring, the source of power for the Dark Lord Sauron. In this seven-volume boxed set, Tolkien’s epic masterpiece, The Lord of the Rings, follows Frodo and his companions as they journey across the vast landscapes of Middle-earth to reach the Crack of Doom.
With the fate of the world resting on his shoulders, Frodo must overcome great obstacles and face unimaginable dangers to destroy the Ring forever. Join Frodo in his incredible adventure in The Ring Sets Out, a timeless classic of fantasy literature.
About the Author
John Ronald Reuel Tolkien was a remarkable figure, with talents spanning writing, art, scholarship, and linguistics. While he is most famous for The Lord of the Rings, his creative pursuits extended far beyond fantasy literature.
In fact, Tolkien spent the majority of his life teaching at the University of Oxford, where he was a respected academic in the fields of Old and Middle English and Old Norse.
Tolkien’s imaginative works, which are primarily set in Middle-earth, a fictional realm populated by fascinating characters and locations, explore timeless themes such as love, courage, and betrayal. As a skilled artist, Tolkien also created his own illustrations for his books, often painting scenes contemporaneously with his writing to better capture his vision.
Alongside his teaching and literary endeavors, Tolkien was deeply interested in languages, inventing his own and even crafting a mythology for England. His expertise in ancient languages and literature is evident in his lectures on works such as the Old English epic poem Beowulf.
Born in South Africa to English parents, Tolkien spent most of his life in and around Birmingham in England. He graduated from the University of Oxford and served in World War I before returning to academia.
He passed away in 1973 and is buried in the city where he spent so much of his life, leaving behind a rich literary legacy that includes not only Middle-earth, but also poetry, children’s stories, and fairy tales for adults.
Editoral Review
J.R.R. Tolkien’s “The Ring Sets Out” is a masterpiece of epic fantasy that has inspired countless readers and writers since its first publication in 1954. As one of the most recognizable books in the genre, it has become a cultural touchstone for generations of fans who have been enthralled by its richly imagined world and its memorable characters.
Set in Middle-Earth, the tale chronicles the adventures of hobbit Frodo Baggins, who is entrusted with the task of destroying the One Ring, a powerful artifact that grants its wielder unrivaled power over all of the lands of Middle-Earth. To accomplish this goal, Frodo must embark on an perilous journey across the landscape of Middle-Earth, joined by a fellowship of other beings who are similarly committed to the quest.
The characters in the book are all imbued with deep psychological complexities that make them richly human and relatable, despite their fantastic setting. Frodo, in particular, is an incredible figure, an unlikely hero whose sense of duty and honor drives him forward even in the face of near-impossible odds.
The book oozes with unforgettable creatures, such as the vile orcs, menacing goblins, and wild men. Tolkien’s writing style has a lyrical quality that makes Middle-Earth come to life in vivid, cinematic terms.
The descriptions of the physical landscape are incredibly evocative, as are the discussions of the lore and mythology that underlie the story, providing the book with an incredible amount of depth and richness. The story proceeds with a deliberate pace that may not suit all readers, but it ultimately rewards those who persevere with an unforgettable climactic sequence that is both thrilling and emotionally resonant.
The book is not without its flaws, however. Tolkien’s approach to world-building is remarkable and detailed, but sometimes overly obsessed with minutiae that may overwhelm readers with the sheer weight of information.
Additionally, the female characters in the story are not as fully realized as the male characters, which is a significant shortcoming in light of more contemporary expectations about character representation. Overall, “The Ring Sets Out” is a landmark achievement in the fantasy genre, and one that has defined the genre for generations.
It is a must-read for any fan of fantasy fiction, but also appeals to readers who enjoy richly imagined world-building and deeply human characters. The Washington Post highly recommends this book.
It gets a rating of five out of five, for its stunning world-building, deep characterizations, and lyrical prose.
