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There and Back Again: The Unofficial Oral History of The Lord of the Rings Films
Order the stunning hardcover edition of There and Back Again now—featuring custom illustrated endpapers and a foil-stamped case—only available on the first printing while supplies last!
The definitive, unofficial oral history of the making of the iconic and beloved Lord of the Rings film trilogy—featuring interviews with cast and crew, who give the inside story of the landmark series twenty-five years after its original release.
Celebrate the beloved, influential, and truly epic Lord of the Rings films with this essential read following the making of the trilogy, as told by cast and crew members. Journalist Sam Moore weaves together interviews with stars like Elijah Wood, Ian McKellen, Orlando Bloom, John Rhys-Davies, and Andy Serkis, to the writers and brilliant crew members who revolutionized filmmaking special effects and brought to vivid life what was thought of as a project as impossible to adapt as the hobbits scaling Mount Doom.
Twenty-five years after the first film’s premiere, There and Back Again takes readers behind the scenes into director Peter Jackson’s battles to get the trilogy made, the groundbreaking motion capture special effects that helped bring Gollum to life, and how the cast became a true fellowship that remains bonded to this day, complete with matching tattoos.
Through Sam Moore’s insightful and entertaining interviews with almost a hundred cast and crew members, There and Back Again is the definitive account of the making of these modern movie classics, which was almost as thrilling as the films themselves.
The definitive, unofficial oral history of the making of the iconic and beloved Lord of the Rings film trilogy—featuring interviews with cast and crew, who give the inside story of the landmark series twenty-five years after its original release.
Celebrate the beloved, influential, and truly epic Lord of the Rings films with this essential read following the making of the trilogy, as told by cast and crew members. Journalist Sam Moore weaves together interviews with stars like Elijah Wood, Ian McKellen, Orlando Bloom, John Rhys-Davies, and Andy Serkis, to the writers and brilliant crew members who revolutionized filmmaking special effects and brought to vivid life what was thought of as a project as impossible to adapt as the hobbits scaling Mount Doom.
Twenty-five years after the first film’s premiere, There and Back Again takes readers behind the scenes into director Peter Jackson’s battles to get the trilogy made, the groundbreaking motion capture special effects that helped bring Gollum to life, and how the cast became a true fellowship that remains bonded to this day, complete with matching tattoos.
Through Sam Moore’s insightful and entertaining interviews with almost a hundred cast and crew members, There and Back Again is the definitive account of the making of these modern movie classics, which was almost as thrilling as the films themselves.
400 pages, Hardcover
Published October 20, 2026
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October 24, 2026
This in-depth look at the making of Peter Jackson’s LOTR movies is fantastic! There’s SO much here for fans. I learned a bunch of tidbits that I’d never heard of before, and I have researched quite a bit of behind the scenes videos and interviews in the past.
It will come as a surprise to absolutely no one that Harvey Weinstein is a [insert your word of choice here] to work with. Thank the heavens that New Line Cinema was willing to meet his outrageous conditions in order to get these cinematic masterpieces made. I was very glad when I finished the brief section on Jackson’s dealings with the Weinstein brothers, and we could finally dig into the good stuff.
There’s humor, heart, sorrow, camaraderie, joy, perseverance, willpower and more in here. You will feel like you were there with everyone, and it’s a heady feeling.
I so wish I could have been free (and had the money) to fly out to New Zealand and beg to be some part, any part of the production. I unfortunately didn’t hear about it until they were already filming, and I was working full-time. Can you imagine being able to be there?? Visiting all of the filming locations is very high on my bucket list.
All that to say, if you have even a passing interest in Tolkien’s work and Jackson’s wonderful adaptation(s), this is a must-read. It’s actually a must-BUY if you’re a fanatic like me.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Atria Books for an e-copy in exchange for my honest feedback.
It will come as a surprise to absolutely no one that Harvey Weinstein is a [insert your word of choice here] to work with. Thank the heavens that New Line Cinema was willing to meet his outrageous conditions in order to get these cinematic masterpieces made. I was very glad when I finished the brief section on Jackson’s dealings with the Weinstein brothers, and we could finally dig into the good stuff.
There’s humor, heart, sorrow, camaraderie, joy, perseverance, willpower and more in here. You will feel like you were there with everyone, and it’s a heady feeling.
I so wish I could have been free (and had the money) to fly out to New Zealand and beg to be some part, any part of the production. I unfortunately didn’t hear about it until they were already filming, and I was working full-time. Can you imagine being able to be there?? Visiting all of the filming locations is very high on my bucket list.
All that to say, if you have even a passing interest in Tolkien’s work and Jackson’s wonderful adaptation(s), this is a must-read. It’s actually a must-BUY if you’re a fanatic like me.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Atria Books for an e-copy in exchange for my honest feedback.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
As a die-hard Lord of the Rings fan, I own practically every bts book about the films. It's a topic that all the actors have discussed at length in interviews over the years, so I wondered what new content Moore would be bringing to the table. This was such a fascinating read, with the interviews diving more into the reasoning behind decisions and how the films came about rather than the why. Definitely worth the read for any fans of the film, casual or serious.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I came to Lord of the Rings the same way that many folks who are fans my age likely did: We were slightly young for the books but just at the right age to be absolutely enthralled by the Peter Jackson films. Tolkien purists shudder, but that’s how it happened for me. I devoured the extended edition DVDs. Watched every commentary track. Watched and rewatched the films. In high school, this series made me want to go into filmmaking. I didn’t end up doing that, but Tolkien has stuck with me now for twenty years all thanks to the thousands of people who made The Lord of the Rings one of the most beloved film trilogies of all time.
I went into There and Back Again: The Unofficial Oral History of Peter Jackson’s The Lord of the Rings Trilogy with a bit of hubris. I didn’t think I’d learn anything new. Yes, yes, Viggo really broke his toe when kicked that helmet. Sir Ian McKellan really did smack his head on the Hobbit doorway. Sean Bean walked up the side of a mountain because he was scared of helicopters. Don’t play Lord of the Rings trivia with me. You’ll lose.
But Moore dives into a story I never knew. It turns out that what folks talk about on camera for the film’s DVD commentary track is a whole lot more reserved than what gets spoken about some twenty years later. The whole first part of There and Back Again covers how the film got made. There’s a wealth of information here that I never knew and had never even thought about. Moore shows how easily LOTR could have been bad. Like, real bad. He navigates the intricacies of the now-infamous Harvey Weinstein being both the film’s savior and almost killing it. Using first-hand accounts, he tells the story of just how unlikely it was that any film got made, let alone three films that combined for seventeen Academy Awards.
Moore also goes deep into the pre-production story, talking with a number of behind-the-scenes folks who made everything work. There’s so much that goes on in filmmaking that’s not in front of the camera or even directly behind the camera. There are lighting and makeup and casting and all the things little and big that most folks just assume that really can be the most interesting parts of filmmaking. I won’t spoil all the stories. Just go read it yourself!
There and Back Again devotes a chapter to each of the films. Gollum gets his own chapter. Editing, Sound, Makeup, and Set Construction all get a chapter. There are bits on marketing and finally the Oscars success. Moore goes from beginning to end and does not leave anything out. Weighing in at 384 pages, this is a veritable tome of Tolkien information.
I do have a couple of criticisms. First, and this could be a criticism or a praise, Moore is content to let his interviewees do the talking. The book relies heavily on quotes from interviews with very little or no connective tissue between them. Parts of the book feel unfinished, like I’m reading Moore’s research notes that never got pieced together. Now, this is called an oral history. So. Probably the goal was to make it come off feeling like an oral retelling rather than a structured narrative. But there are parts where I would have liked a little more structure. It often felt like reading the transcript of a documentary.
Second, and this one is somewhat tied to the first, in letting the interviews speak for themselves I think there might be points where the book doesn’t reflect reality. I could be wrong. Mainly, there’s a point in the book where Weta special effects artist Jamie Beswarick claims that Christopher Lee had his “nose bone” removed and Lee “proceeded to press his nose flat across his face.” It’s a great story but a bit unbelievable. And I’ve found no other evidence of it being true. Please, Sam, confirm this for me somehow. I want a photo of Sir Christopher Lee smashing his honker flat. Until then, I’m afraid I don’t believe this one.
Overall, though, this is a must for the Tolkien collector or the fan of the films. It manages to unearth new stories, new details, and new insights into a film series that remains a beloved classic. There and Back Again is a testament to the enduring love of Tolkien, Middle-Earth, and the vision of it that Peter Jackson created.
I went into There and Back Again: The Unofficial Oral History of Peter Jackson’s The Lord of the Rings Trilogy with a bit of hubris. I didn’t think I’d learn anything new. Yes, yes, Viggo really broke his toe when kicked that helmet. Sir Ian McKellan really did smack his head on the Hobbit doorway. Sean Bean walked up the side of a mountain because he was scared of helicopters. Don’t play Lord of the Rings trivia with me. You’ll lose.
But Moore dives into a story I never knew. It turns out that what folks talk about on camera for the film’s DVD commentary track is a whole lot more reserved than what gets spoken about some twenty years later. The whole first part of There and Back Again covers how the film got made. There’s a wealth of information here that I never knew and had never even thought about. Moore shows how easily LOTR could have been bad. Like, real bad. He navigates the intricacies of the now-infamous Harvey Weinstein being both the film’s savior and almost killing it. Using first-hand accounts, he tells the story of just how unlikely it was that any film got made, let alone three films that combined for seventeen Academy Awards.
Moore also goes deep into the pre-production story, talking with a number of behind-the-scenes folks who made everything work. There’s so much that goes on in filmmaking that’s not in front of the camera or even directly behind the camera. There are lighting and makeup and casting and all the things little and big that most folks just assume that really can be the most interesting parts of filmmaking. I won’t spoil all the stories. Just go read it yourself!
There and Back Again devotes a chapter to each of the films. Gollum gets his own chapter. Editing, Sound, Makeup, and Set Construction all get a chapter. There are bits on marketing and finally the Oscars success. Moore goes from beginning to end and does not leave anything out. Weighing in at 384 pages, this is a veritable tome of Tolkien information.
I do have a couple of criticisms. First, and this could be a criticism or a praise, Moore is content to let his interviewees do the talking. The book relies heavily on quotes from interviews with very little or no connective tissue between them. Parts of the book feel unfinished, like I’m reading Moore’s research notes that never got pieced together. Now, this is called an oral history. So. Probably the goal was to make it come off feeling like an oral retelling rather than a structured narrative. But there are parts where I would have liked a little more structure. It often felt like reading the transcript of a documentary.
Second, and this one is somewhat tied to the first, in letting the interviews speak for themselves I think there might be points where the book doesn’t reflect reality. I could be wrong. Mainly, there’s a point in the book where Weta special effects artist Jamie Beswarick claims that Christopher Lee had his “nose bone” removed and Lee “proceeded to press his nose flat across his face.” It’s a great story but a bit unbelievable. And I’ve found no other evidence of it being true. Please, Sam, confirm this for me somehow. I want a photo of Sir Christopher Lee smashing his honker flat. Until then, I’m afraid I don’t believe this one.
Overall, though, this is a must for the Tolkien collector or the fan of the films. It manages to unearth new stories, new details, and new insights into a film series that remains a beloved classic. There and Back Again is a testament to the enduring love of Tolkien, Middle-Earth, and the vision of it that Peter Jackson created.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
My thanks to NetGalley and Atria Books for an advance copy of this book that tells the history of one of a film trilogy that meant so much to so many people, fans of the books it was based on, fans of movie, and fans of very cute elves, a trilogy that continues to gather followers, both for its storytelling and its unique look and style.
I was very young when I picked up my father's copy of The Hobbit. I don't know why I was drawn to it, even at the age I was at I was a precocious reader, but something about this paperback drew me to it. The smell, the word Hobbit maybe. I began to read it and fell down a Hobbithole. One that I don't think I have every left. I did try Lord of the Rings, but I found that daunting. Maybe it was the three big books. Maybe that the characters were different. I waited a bit, and tried them all again. And again, and again, taking the pilgrimage at least once a year for quite a while, finding out things I had missed. Along with a ton of other book, Bestiary's Miscellany, Unfinished Tales and more. I of course saw the movies, and well they were ok. Odd in many ways, not good in many others. Hearing that Miramax was making a movie, I was unimpressed. Hearing that Peter Jackson, director of Meet the Feebles, was attached was different. Years passed, so did movie companies, I paid little attention, wondering more how the movie would be ruined. Gladly I was wrong. The movies were an such an achievement. How much so I never knew until reading this book. There and Back Again: The Unofficial Oral History of The Lord of the Rings Films by Sam Moore is a behind the scenes look at the making of a trilogy that broke records, made a legion of nerds, gave women a reason to Bloom, and captured a book many thought unfilmable, and the true stories of valor, injuries and more that helped create these films.
The book begins with a little about the books, the idea of Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit, as well as the films that were based on these books. Films that might have a charm, but are frankly of their time. Readers are than introduced to the beginning of the Fellowship. Peter Jackson and his partner and wife, known for their small odd films in New Zealand, scoring a hit with a movie that few expected. This cachet gave them access to America, and of remaking King Kong. When that failed they proposed Lord of the Rings. Miramax was quick to agree, with thoughts of making two films. Miramax however had boundary issues, and wanted too many changes. Jackson found another studio willing on the quest, making three movies, and giving Jackson room to make his own movie. And own mistakes. The book follows the creation of special effects, the casting that was so critical. The music, and more. As well as mistakes, injuries, miscastings and more, all told by the people there, or by old interviews and reporting. All culminating in one magical night where gold was shared by many, and a classic trilogy was anointed.
A really good book filled with stories and a bit of gossip. Moore is a very good writer, putting together various stories, and different points of view into a very readable narrative, that has more than the ring of truth to it. There is a lot here, from tales of injury, to tales of tattoos, surfing and more. Studio interference, fears of not being able to deliver on special effects. Even on not delivering the movie on time. Moore lets the people tell their tales, fixing things here and there, and really showing how amazing and one-of-a-kind movie experience this was.
The book is worth it just for Christopher Lee stories. What an actor. In fact its amazing how many great actors there were in this film. Also how hurt they were doing this. A really good book for fans of the film. A book also for those who have an interest in film, with breakdowns of what different departments did, and how they had to adjust on the fly. And there were a lot of on the fly. I really enjoyed this book, both for subject and for the writing, and look forward to what Moore has planned next.
I was very young when I picked up my father's copy of The Hobbit. I don't know why I was drawn to it, even at the age I was at I was a precocious reader, but something about this paperback drew me to it. The smell, the word Hobbit maybe. I began to read it and fell down a Hobbithole. One that I don't think I have every left. I did try Lord of the Rings, but I found that daunting. Maybe it was the three big books. Maybe that the characters were different. I waited a bit, and tried them all again. And again, and again, taking the pilgrimage at least once a year for quite a while, finding out things I had missed. Along with a ton of other book, Bestiary's Miscellany, Unfinished Tales and more. I of course saw the movies, and well they were ok. Odd in many ways, not good in many others. Hearing that Miramax was making a movie, I was unimpressed. Hearing that Peter Jackson, director of Meet the Feebles, was attached was different. Years passed, so did movie companies, I paid little attention, wondering more how the movie would be ruined. Gladly I was wrong. The movies were an such an achievement. How much so I never knew until reading this book. There and Back Again: The Unofficial Oral History of The Lord of the Rings Films by Sam Moore is a behind the scenes look at the making of a trilogy that broke records, made a legion of nerds, gave women a reason to Bloom, and captured a book many thought unfilmable, and the true stories of valor, injuries and more that helped create these films.
The book begins with a little about the books, the idea of Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit, as well as the films that were based on these books. Films that might have a charm, but are frankly of their time. Readers are than introduced to the beginning of the Fellowship. Peter Jackson and his partner and wife, known for their small odd films in New Zealand, scoring a hit with a movie that few expected. This cachet gave them access to America, and of remaking King Kong. When that failed they proposed Lord of the Rings. Miramax was quick to agree, with thoughts of making two films. Miramax however had boundary issues, and wanted too many changes. Jackson found another studio willing on the quest, making three movies, and giving Jackson room to make his own movie. And own mistakes. The book follows the creation of special effects, the casting that was so critical. The music, and more. As well as mistakes, injuries, miscastings and more, all told by the people there, or by old interviews and reporting. All culminating in one magical night where gold was shared by many, and a classic trilogy was anointed.
A really good book filled with stories and a bit of gossip. Moore is a very good writer, putting together various stories, and different points of view into a very readable narrative, that has more than the ring of truth to it. There is a lot here, from tales of injury, to tales of tattoos, surfing and more. Studio interference, fears of not being able to deliver on special effects. Even on not delivering the movie on time. Moore lets the people tell their tales, fixing things here and there, and really showing how amazing and one-of-a-kind movie experience this was.
The book is worth it just for Christopher Lee stories. What an actor. In fact its amazing how many great actors there were in this film. Also how hurt they were doing this. A really good book for fans of the film. A book also for those who have an interest in film, with breakdowns of what different departments did, and how they had to adjust on the fly. And there were a lot of on the fly. I really enjoyed this book, both for subject and for the writing, and look forward to what Moore has planned next.
Review of advance copy received from Edelweiss+
The Lord of the Rings films are some of the most beloved fantasy films ever made, so I was intrigued by the idea of hearing the story of their creation directly from the people involved. A project of this scale had so many moving parts that the behind-the-scenes story is almost as fascinating as the films themselves.
📚 Post-Reading
As I thought...
Sam Moore's There and Back Again takes readers right back to the beginning, starting not with the films but with Tolkien himself and the experiences that shaped The Lord of the Rings. From there, it traces the journey of the films through development, production, release and the incredible response that followed.
The format is what makes this book stand out. Rather than one person telling the story from the outside, we hear from the people who were actually there. Cast and crew members share their memories, giving the book the feeling of listening to a long, fascinating conversation between people who lived through something extraordinary.
There are plenty of moments that will delight fans, from behind-the-scenes details to stories about the challenges of bringing Middle-earth to life. Some of the studio discussions were a little outside my usual area of knowledge, but the scale of what the team achieved is impossible to ignore. Learning that the original plan was for only two films was particularly shocking—it's hard to imagine the trilogy we know today being condensed even further.
It surprised me by...
How much personality comes through. With so many contributors, it's fascinating to see which moments have stayed with people, which details have faded over time, and how differently individuals remember the same experience.
Despite the enormous challenges involved, one thing comes through again and again: how much joy the cast and crew found in making these films. The friendships, the creativity and the sense of adventure are all clear, and keeping their own voices at the centre makes the book feel less like a traditional history and more like a fantastic extended DVD commentary.
I learned a lot, discovered some fun new details, and I will definitely be keeping this nearby the next time I rewatch the films.
Now, I'm just waiting for the Hobbit version. Whatever they decide to call it, I'll be there.
👀 Who I'd Recommend It To
Fans of the Lord of the Rings films
Readers interested in film production and behind-the-scenes stories
Anyone who enjoys oral histories
Tolkien fans wanting more insight into the adaptation process
📚 Post-Reading
As I thought...
Sam Moore's There and Back Again takes readers right back to the beginning, starting not with the films but with Tolkien himself and the experiences that shaped The Lord of the Rings. From there, it traces the journey of the films through development, production, release and the incredible response that followed.
The format is what makes this book stand out. Rather than one person telling the story from the outside, we hear from the people who were actually there. Cast and crew members share their memories, giving the book the feeling of listening to a long, fascinating conversation between people who lived through something extraordinary.
There are plenty of moments that will delight fans, from behind-the-scenes details to stories about the challenges of bringing Middle-earth to life. Some of the studio discussions were a little outside my usual area of knowledge, but the scale of what the team achieved is impossible to ignore. Learning that the original plan was for only two films was particularly shocking—it's hard to imagine the trilogy we know today being condensed even further.
It surprised me by...
How much personality comes through. With so many contributors, it's fascinating to see which moments have stayed with people, which details have faded over time, and how differently individuals remember the same experience.
Despite the enormous challenges involved, one thing comes through again and again: how much joy the cast and crew found in making these films. The friendships, the creativity and the sense of adventure are all clear, and keeping their own voices at the centre makes the book feel less like a traditional history and more like a fantastic extended DVD commentary.
I learned a lot, discovered some fun new details, and I will definitely be keeping this nearby the next time I rewatch the films.
Now, I'm just waiting for the Hobbit version. Whatever they decide to call it, I'll be there.
👀 Who I'd Recommend It To
Fans of the Lord of the Rings films
Readers interested in film production and behind-the-scenes stories
Anyone who enjoys oral histories
Tolkien fans wanting more insight into the adaptation process
October 26, 2026
There and Back Again is a must-have for *LOTR* film fans. If there’s one thing I miss about owning DVDs, it’s the bonus material, the behind-the-scenes footage, interviews, etc and that’s exactly what There and Back Again* is. It contains information I already knew but had forgotten, as well as some that’s new to me. It’s a compilation of old interviews as well as new information gathered by the author.
The sheer amount of information in this compilation is incredible; it makes brief mention of Tolkien and the process of adapting the books, since he was still alive, decades of fruitless attempts, right up to Peter Jackson, the early scripts, storyboards and ideas, and the initial casting. It’s a complete behind-the-scenes look, and it gives credit to all the people who created the fantastical movie we see on screen; it’s not just the work of a good director and actors, there was a great effort and a talented team behind, in the costume, props, prosthetics, make-up and carpentry departments; without all of that, we wouldn’t have the marvel we have today.
The style is a bit like a documentary and has a nostalgic feel to it; there’s a sense of wonder and a love for what you’re doing, whilst not yet realising just how iconic it was going to become in a couple of years, an exhausting job, challenging but rewarding, many things had never been seen before; they devised new techniques and used all their ingenuity to recreate Middle-earth
I love that everyone gets their moment to shine and shares anecdotes from their experience. It has interviews with everyone: the artists who worked on set construction, the make-up team, the stunt performers, the actors and their experiences bringing their characters to life, the post-production editors, and the marketing department. By the end, it made me want to watch the extended version and keep longing for an even longer version of the extended one with the deleted scenes, because this also mentions scenes that were filmed but which we still haven’t been able to see, scenes that have already become an urban legend.
You can tell it was a big project and I love this recap; at no point does it feel tedious or repetitive, and you can tell the author is also a fan of the films.
Thanks to Atria Books for the wonderful ARC
The sheer amount of information in this compilation is incredible; it makes brief mention of Tolkien and the process of adapting the books, since he was still alive, decades of fruitless attempts, right up to Peter Jackson, the early scripts, storyboards and ideas, and the initial casting. It’s a complete behind-the-scenes look, and it gives credit to all the people who created the fantastical movie we see on screen; it’s not just the work of a good director and actors, there was a great effort and a talented team behind, in the costume, props, prosthetics, make-up and carpentry departments; without all of that, we wouldn’t have the marvel we have today.
The style is a bit like a documentary and has a nostalgic feel to it; there’s a sense of wonder and a love for what you’re doing, whilst not yet realising just how iconic it was going to become in a couple of years, an exhausting job, challenging but rewarding, many things had never been seen before; they devised new techniques and used all their ingenuity to recreate Middle-earth
I love that everyone gets their moment to shine and shares anecdotes from their experience. It has interviews with everyone: the artists who worked on set construction, the make-up team, the stunt performers, the actors and their experiences bringing their characters to life, the post-production editors, and the marketing department. By the end, it made me want to watch the extended version and keep longing for an even longer version of the extended one with the deleted scenes, because this also mentions scenes that were filmed but which we still haven’t been able to see, scenes that have already become an urban legend.
You can tell it was a big project and I love this recap; at no point does it feel tedious or repetitive, and you can tell the author is also a fan of the films.
Thanks to Atria Books for the wonderful ARC
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I remember watching The Fellowship of the Ring when it came out as if it were yesterday. I’ve since revisited the trilogy with my nephew, and it’s amazing how well the films still hold up. Reading this book really drives home just how difficult it was to translate Tolkien’s largely unfilmable—and, in my opinion, occasionally a little boring—words into images. Younger generations may never fully appreciate just how innovative these films were, or how much Peter Jackson influenced technology and filmmaking through them. Moore takes us back to a time when it was all still just an idea: the long and arduous process of writing the screenplays, negotiating with studios, casting, and developing the special effects that changed so dramatically from the beginning of the project to the end. He speaks with almost everyone involved, including many of the people who are usually overlooked because they aren’t famous, but whose contributions were instrumental to the films. Some key figures, including Jackson, are missing, but Moore makes good use of the conversations he had with them back in the day. The whole process sounds like planning a war, and we get to see almost every detail. How did they coordinate all those extras? Who decided on the accents? How was the makeup designed? There simply isn’t a detail too small for Moore to explore. People who don’t care for the movies probably won’t enjoy this book, but given the trilogy’s enormous box-office success and the extent to which it has influenced filmmaking and popular culture, I think this should be required reading even for casual fans.
I chose to read this book and all opinions in this review are my own and completely unbiased. Thank you, NetGalley/Atria Books.
I chose to read this book and all opinions in this review are my own and completely unbiased. Thank you, NetGalley/Atria Books.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Twenty-five years after the first film’s premiere, journalist Sam Moore tells the inside story of the Lord of the Rings trilogy through interviews with almost a hundred cast and crew members.
This book brought me nostalgia and an insight into the massive work it took to bring the epic fantasy trilogy to the big screen. The accounts from the crew and the cast, from the beginning through filming and after, make it a one-of-a-kind behind-the-scenes look.
The attention to detail in the costumes and props stood out to me. The swords were made in-house, and the crew kept trying and testing the prosthetics to see what worked best on screen. One of the most memorable accounts is about the hobbits’ feet. I always thought they were just effects, but they were actually silicone attached to the actors, and they sometimes ended up with bloody feet. It also never occurred to me how many stunt doubles there were. On that note, one of the funniest moments was the tattoo the nine members of the Fellowship agreed to get, and John Rhys-Davies sending his double to get one in his place.
I couldn’t help myself and had to listen to the audiobook (12hrs 7 mins), narrated by Natalie Beran, Raphael Corkhill, Nico Evers-Swindell, GM Hakim, and Evan Sibley. I was glad I did. The narrators bring through their voices the range of emotions, from acquiring the movie rights to winning the Oscars, and they do a wonderful job voicing the cast and crew. I loved it so much that I ended up binge-watching the first two movies in their extended versions, and I can say the effects and everything they did in the films still hold up to this day.
This is for Lord of the Rings movie fans who want to hear from the cast and crew.
Thank you, Atria Books and Simon & Schuster Audio, for my advance review copies. All opinions are my own.
This book brought me nostalgia and an insight into the massive work it took to bring the epic fantasy trilogy to the big screen. The accounts from the crew and the cast, from the beginning through filming and after, make it a one-of-a-kind behind-the-scenes look.
The attention to detail in the costumes and props stood out to me. The swords were made in-house, and the crew kept trying and testing the prosthetics to see what worked best on screen. One of the most memorable accounts is about the hobbits’ feet. I always thought they were just effects, but they were actually silicone attached to the actors, and they sometimes ended up with bloody feet. It also never occurred to me how many stunt doubles there were. On that note, one of the funniest moments was the tattoo the nine members of the Fellowship agreed to get, and John Rhys-Davies sending his double to get one in his place.
I couldn’t help myself and had to listen to the audiobook (12hrs 7 mins), narrated by Natalie Beran, Raphael Corkhill, Nico Evers-Swindell, GM Hakim, and Evan Sibley. I was glad I did. The narrators bring through their voices the range of emotions, from acquiring the movie rights to winning the Oscars, and they do a wonderful job voicing the cast and crew. I loved it so much that I ended up binge-watching the first two movies in their extended versions, and I can say the effects and everything they did in the films still hold up to this day.
This is for Lord of the Rings movie fans who want to hear from the cast and crew.
Thank you, Atria Books and Simon & Schuster Audio, for my advance review copies. All opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This was a fascinating and incredibly well researched account of the making of the Lord of the Rings movies. Perfect for true fans, this had such a wealth of information and little gems from all aspects of production. I loved how many different people/sources were used to built comprehensive accounts of each stage - a huge number of actors, stuntmen/women, crew, makeup artists, editors, producers, and so many more are highlighted through quotes from interviews over the years.
Though the level of detail is what I think truly makes this book special, it can get a little bit dense at times - especially in the more technical portions such as the editing/sound production process and CGI discussions. However, though some of this information was a little over my head having no involvement in the film industry, I still found it fascinating to learn about. I would strongly recommend watching the movies concurrently with reading this book, as there are so many references to specific small scenes that would be even more meaningful to have just seen and be able to easily recall.
Overall, highly recommend to any Lord of the Rings fans out there, and all who are interested in the HUGE feat it takes to create a movie series!
Thank you to NetGalley, Sam Moore, and Atria for the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for an honest review!
Though the level of detail is what I think truly makes this book special, it can get a little bit dense at times - especially in the more technical portions such as the editing/sound production process and CGI discussions. However, though some of this information was a little over my head having no involvement in the film industry, I still found it fascinating to learn about. I would strongly recommend watching the movies concurrently with reading this book, as there are so many references to specific small scenes that would be even more meaningful to have just seen and be able to easily recall.
Overall, highly recommend to any Lord of the Rings fans out there, and all who are interested in the HUGE feat it takes to create a movie series!
Thank you to NetGalley, Sam Moore, and Atria for the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for an honest review!
October 25, 2026
Like many people of my generation, the Lord of the Rings films served as my introduction to Tolkien's work, and birthed a love for the world of Middle-earth that has never faded, even now over twenty years later. I remember the films coming out when I was in high school and seeing The Fellowship in theaters with my grandmother (I still have no idea whose idea it was to go to that film, but somehow, she and I ended up going to it!).
When I stumbled across the news of this book, I nearly bounced out of my chair in excitement. I knew a little of the background of the films, the little stories that made it out into the world (Viggo Mortensen breaking his toe during one take and that take being the one that made it into the film, Ian McKellen genuinely smacking his head during the Bag End scenes, etc), but I freely admitted that I knew very little beyond things like that. As a result, this book ended up shining quite the light on a set of films that, to this day, remain among my favorites.
Highly readable and interesting, this is a must-read for any Tolkien fan!
When I stumbled across the news of this book, I nearly bounced out of my chair in excitement. I knew a little of the background of the films, the little stories that made it out into the world (Viggo Mortensen breaking his toe during one take and that take being the one that made it into the film, Ian McKellen genuinely smacking his head during the Bag End scenes, etc), but I freely admitted that I knew very little beyond things like that. As a result, this book ended up shining quite the light on a set of films that, to this day, remain among my favorites.
Highly readable and interesting, this is a must-read for any Tolkien fan!
Review of advance copy received from Goodreads Giveaways
There and Back Again: The Unofficial Oral History of The Lord of the Rings Films is a fascinating behind-the-scenes look at the making of one of the most influential film trilogies ever created. Told through interviews and firsthand accounts, the book offers an engaging perspective on the creative process, production challenges, and lasting impact of the films. I enjoyed learning about the dedication and collaboration that brought Middle-earth to life, as well as the personal stories shared by those involved. Whether you’re a longtime fan of The Lord of the Rings or simply interested in filmmaking, this book is an entertaining and insightful read that deepens appreciation for the trilogy and the people who made it possible.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Any fan of the Lord of the Rings movie franchise needs to pick up a copy of this book! The history of the making of the movies and the behind-the-scenes information is unrivaled in any other book I’ve read about the franchise. Sam Moore provides stories and quotes from people working on almost every facet of the franchise, from the actors to the production team, and crew, the author tries to get a variety of perspectives to color this book. The movies are so much larger than life, but this book details the multitude of very small elements, and the human effort that went into making it. It is a must read for LOTR fans!
Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC of this title in exchange for my honest review.
Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC of this title in exchange for my honest review.
October 30, 2026
As a huge fan of Tolkien's books and Peter Jackson's films, I couldn't wait to read this! I've watched these movies countless times, but hearing the memories of the people who brought Middle-earth to life was such a treat. I especially enjoyed learning about the challenges of making the trilogy and the friendships that developed along the way.
There's something wonderful about discovering the stories behind films you've treasured for years. The dedication and sheer amount of work involved gave me an even greater appreciation for what they accomplished. I rewatch the trilogy every fall and winter, and I love knowing a little more about the minds and hearts that brought it to life. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
There's something wonderful about discovering the stories behind films you've treasured for years. The dedication and sheer amount of work involved gave me an even greater appreciation for what they accomplished. I rewatch the trilogy every fall and winter, and I love knowing a little more about the minds and hearts that brought it to life. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
November 11, 2026
Oral histories are great for "from the horse's mouth" anecdotes, and this one is no exception. Packed full of accounts of the making of the historic trilogy, from its conception to its final triumph at the Academy Awards. Its a solid companion to "Anything You Can Imagine: Peter Jackson and the Making of Middle-earth", and I recommend it if you really want to understand the years-long struggle to pull off this near miraculous feat of filmmaking. I'll note that there are a number of mistakes I couldn't help but notice (eg. Ralph Bakshi did not make the 1977 animated Hobbit, and Elendil is not the name of an Elf), but they don't get in the way of an otherwise admirable book.
Review of advance copy received from Goodreads Giveaways
So you've watched the films, the /extended/ films, and the bonus hours of content in the appendices. If you're still hungry for behind-the-scenes stories of how this incomparable trilogy was made, Moore's "There and Back Again" is a treat you don't want to miss. Reading my advance copy of this oral history (thanks, Goodreads Giveaways), I was both thoroughly entertained and deeply happy to re-immerse myself in the world of my longtime comfort movies. Fans of filmmaking, Tolkien, New Zealand, and a triple-movie masterpiece of a lifetime, this book is for us!
Review of advance copy received from Edelweiss+
For those that grew up on or are otherwise longtime fans of Jackson's LOTR movies (and Tolkien's novel), this book from Moore will provide a rush of nostalgia and cause you to fall in love with the films all over again, but in a different manner which brings you closer to the real people behind the characters and the technical makings of the movies. So many fun facts and bits of filmmaking knowledge to learn about here!
October 29, 2026
Woooooooow. I loved every single second of this. It's like a LOTR version of "As You Wish" and it is a joy to see behind the scenes and read so many people's thoughts about things that went on.
I can see why this may not be everyone's cup of tea, interview format is weird to some people, but I think it's really charming and puts together a more collaborative picture!
Genuinely I don't know what else to say than if you like LOTR this is a must read.
I can see why this may not be everyone's cup of tea, interview format is weird to some people, but I think it's really charming and puts together a more collaborative picture!
Genuinely I don't know what else to say than if you like LOTR this is a must read.
July 21, 2026
An interesting and well-written account; a must read for any LotR fans!
Disclaimer: I received this book from the publisher as a Goodreads Giveaway. A review was requested but not required and the content and star rating are both my own. The edition I received was an Advanced Reader Copy and may differ from the published version.
Disclaimer: I received this book from the publisher as a Goodreads Giveaway. A review was requested but not required and the content and star rating are both my own. The edition I received was an Advanced Reader Copy and may differ from the published version.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Here I thought I knew all the trivia on the Lotr movies. HOW could I have been so wrong?!!
Definitely will be using some of these anecdotes to impress my lotr-obsessed nieces and nephews!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Here I thought I knew all the trivia on the Lotr movies. HOW could I have been so wrong?!!
Definitely will be using some of these anecdotes to impress my lotr-obsessed nieces and nephews!
Read
October 4, 2026Very good book, great for movie fans that want to get a feel for making the movies from the cast and crew. It really makes you appreciate the effort and sacrifice it took from everyone to make these great films. If you are or know someone that is a Tolkien fan, movie buff, or like to tell people Viggo broke his toe kicking the helmet this will be a great read.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
If you loved Peter Jackson's Lord of the Rings films -- and especially if you loved the hours of appendices on the extended DVDs -- this oral history delivers even more history, insight, and anecdotes. From the early preparation for the production through the editing processes and past the premieres, dozens of voices tell the story from a variety of perspectives.
Review of advance copy received from Goodreads Giveaways
I won this book in a goodreads drawing.
A complete oral history of the Lord of the Rings Films, and how Peter Jackson managed to turn a fantasy series into mainstream entertainment. Very well done.
Still, I wonder how The Beatles would have done.
A complete oral history of the Lord of the Rings Films, and how Peter Jackson managed to turn a fantasy series into mainstream entertainment. Very well done.
Still, I wonder how The Beatles would have done.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Lucky to have received an advanced copy to read. This is a must for any Lord of The Rings fan. Sam has interviewed so many cast and crew, and you get a real feel of behind the scenes. Fantasticly written and well researched.
Review of advance copy received from Goodreads Giveaways
Great book about a series I enjoyed!
October 23, 2026
This was never going to get anything less than 5 stars for me. So many cool tidbits from the people behind my favorite movies of all time. Absolute peak for any LotR fan.
November 9, 2026
Looooooved this audiobook, so fun to listen to
Review of advance copy received from Edelweiss+
Pretty fabulous. These movies have probably the most extensive and accessible behind-the-scenes footage of any film, ever, and I regularly run into people who say they watch the ultra-charming docu-style BTS as often as they watch the trilogy itself. So while I kinda wonder about the utility of this book once it comes out (especially because you can find plenty of blogs and other books documenting more or less the same stuff), I can say I really enjoyed reading it, just could not stop once I started. Lots of new info, some familiar info.
Super thorough, from the long history of failed filming attempts by other filmmakers to the fan forum marketing campaigns, and it sets itself apart from the stuff fans "already know" by being comprised of interviews with mostly the crew and extras. Maybe those aren't the people with the most star power or name recognition, but they know a heinous amount of insider details that really highlight how much time, passion, blood, tears, stress, and joy went into making these ridiculously impossible films.
The book also has the advantage of being, you know, not ultimately another promotional vehicle for the films, so there are some parts that are honest in the way I craaave from this kinda stuff. Like an editor saying he still thinks the final cut of Helm's Deep, over 10 mins longer than his original cut, is too long; the piles and piles of wasted footage, effort, time, and money whose cutting from the final film disappointed and discouraged the teams involved; high-level crew saying they still can't even watch the films in their entirety; the weird post-film tension between Serkis and the animation team; honest reflections on the pressure and danger put upon the cast & crew.
Good book. God, do I wanna rewatch the movies.
(also corniest possible title that is guaranteed to KILL this book's searchability. bad move, editor/publisher)
Super thorough, from the long history of failed filming attempts by other filmmakers to the fan forum marketing campaigns, and it sets itself apart from the stuff fans "already know" by being comprised of interviews with mostly the crew and extras. Maybe those aren't the people with the most star power or name recognition, but they know a heinous amount of insider details that really highlight how much time, passion, blood, tears, stress, and joy went into making these ridiculously impossible films.
The book also has the advantage of being, you know, not ultimately another promotional vehicle for the films, so there are some parts that are honest in the way I craaave from this kinda stuff. Like an editor saying he still thinks the final cut of Helm's Deep, over 10 mins longer than his original cut, is too long; the piles and piles of wasted footage, effort, time, and money whose cutting from the final film disappointed and discouraged the teams involved; high-level crew saying they still can't even watch the films in their entirety; the weird post-film tension between Serkis and the animation team; honest reflections on the pressure and danger put upon the cast & crew.
Good book. God, do I wanna rewatch the movies.
(also corniest possible title that is guaranteed to KILL this book's searchability. bad move, editor/publisher)
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
There and Back Again is an informative and entertaining oral history of Peter Jackson’s Lord of the Ring movies. I loved the interview format, as it allows the cast and crew members to shape the timeline. I also liked that it balances a mixture of history, insight, and even some fun facts I didn’t know before.
Overall, it was a fun behind-the-scenes dive into the movies. I highly recommend it to fans.
Thank you NetGalley and Atria Books for the ARC(advanced reader copy) in return for an honest review
Overall, it was a fun behind-the-scenes dive into the movies. I highly recommend it to fans.
Thank you NetGalley and Atria Books for the ARC(advanced reader copy) in return for an honest review
June 14, 2026
I’ve been lucky enough to receive an advanced copy of this real page turner book.
Loved it and enjoyed it to the full.
It’s a masterpiece of research and writing. I am so impressed by it.
I now need to rewatch the films with different eyes.
Any Lord of the Rings fans this is a defo must read.
Loved it and enjoyed it to the full.
It’s a masterpiece of research and writing. I am so impressed by it.
I now need to rewatch the films with different eyes.
Any Lord of the Rings fans this is a defo must read.
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