Amazon Review
Tolkien completists will just have to have this beautiful History of Middle Earth II in their collection. This luxuriously presented limited edition book is the middle part of the History of JRR Tolkien's vast fantasy epic Lord of the Rings and contains early drafts, alternative versions of events that took place in the story along with maps and illustrations not found in the original. Exhaustive research by Tolkien's son Christopher has resulted in a rich and detailed account of the most popular book ever written and this edition, presented in an embossed slip case and printed on gold-edged india paper, does true justice to the lasting nature of the subject matter. It may seem pricey and is really only for Tolkien completists, but this handsome edition will be treasured for years to come. Part One of the History is already available and Part Three is publishing in Autumn 2001. --Jonathan Weir