One of Tolkien's most cherished and heralded works, ""The Lord of the Rings"" is the story of the struggle between good and evil in Middle Earth. Its universal themes and epic sweep make it a work still popular with readers of all ages. Ideal for research, this volume includes a comprehensive collection of interpretive essays that provide expert commentary on this timeless work. It also features an introduction by master scholar Harold Bloom, a chronology detailing Tolkien's life, a bibliography, and an index.