If You Like 'Lord Of The Rings Online', You'll Like These Books
Image Source: Lord of the Rings Online (screen capture)
Since the publication of The Hobbit in 1937, the works of J.R.R. Tolkien have been adapted into numerous formats. One of these is the video game; specifically, the MMORPG Lord of the Rings Online. First released in 2007, Lord of the Rings Online takes place during the events of the main Lord of the Rings narrative, and its design tries to be as faithful to the literary setting as possible. This makes for some diverse and complex gameplay combined with rich storytelling, and it often leaves interested players wanting to learn more about the source material of the Middle-earth Legendarium. Several books can fulfill that curiosity; these are just five of many.
5. The Complete Guide To Middle-earth (Robert Foster)
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This encyclopedia stretches throughout the works of Tolkien, from The Hobbit to the Lord of the Rings, and beyond. The entries in this book can tell you about characters (and all the different names for them), all the different places, and all the different “things”, from the Arkenstone and the Palantir to The Red Book of Westmarch.
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4. Tales From The Perilous Realm (J.R.R. Tolkien)
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This book combines four of the small “fairy-tales” authored by J.R.R. Tolkien: Roverandom, Farmer Giles of Ham, Smith of Wootton Major, Leaf by Niggle, and, most importantly for LOTR fans, The Adventures of Tom Bombadil.
People familiar with both the books and the MMO are probably familiar with the enigmatic figure of Tom Bombadil; oftentimes, his presence has acted as a somewhat random derailment of the main narrative in the Fellowship of the Ring. Although Bombadil is absent in the movie adaptations, as LOTRO is based more on the literary works, Tom Bombadil is an in-game presence, where his presence in gameplay is as equally enigmatic as in the source material, and perhaps a little more engaging. The Adventures of Tom Bombadil provides a fun starter for learning more about this character.
3. The Atlas Of Middle-earth (Karen Wynn Fonstad)
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Created by cartographer Karen Wynn Fonstad, The Atlas of Middle-earth provides a look at the geography of Middle-earth done in the style of a real-world atlas. Fonstad worked with available material to create both illustrations and commentary, in the form of both overall layouts as well as detailed insets. Those who enjoy the geography of LOTRO will love the way they can open this work and explore Middle-earth as if they are exploring a map of the city they live in. This can end up creating a far richer enjoyment of the gameplay.
2. A Middle-earth Traveller (John Howe)
Image Source: Halcyonrealms.com
Created by legendary Tolkien illustrator John Howe, A Middle-earth Traveller takes you on a rich journey throughout Middle-earth, using an assortment of artwork, anecdotes, and meditations to enrich the reader’s travel. Going beyond the journeys already created in other Tolkien works, this book takes you to every place imaginable, from lost and ancient kingdoms to places and settings of myth. For the LOTRO player, A Middle-earth Traveller provides a similar “walking tour” experience similar to the game that allows the reader to explore Middle-earth.
1.Tolkien Treasures (Catherine McIlwaine)
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Many LOTRO players are experienced Tolkien fans, but some fans are less knowledgeable, and playing the game makes them not only want to explore Tolkien’s works, but also his creative process. Tolkien Treasures provides them with the perfect experience; stretching from Tolkien’s early years to the end of his life and beyond, it uses manuscripts, illustrations, and private correspondence to show us the man behind the myth. For those who want to know more, this book is the perfect illustrated insight into the man behind the myth.
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