What do you think?
Rate this book
Tolkien Illustrated Guides
Tolkien Boxed Set
Not yet published
Expected 1 Feb 99A must-have collection covering the lands and inhabitants of Middle-earth.
The fantasy world of J. R. R. Tolkien’s Middle-earth contains a rich assortment of people, cities, powers, and creatures—as well as a deep, intertwined history that spans thousands of years. In these specially designed volumes, best-selling author and Tolkien scholar David Day presents four decades of research and writing on the lands and inhabitants of Middle-earth. A must-have guide to the Tolkien world, this collection provides an A-to-Z dictionary of the vernacular, an atlas describing the various terra firma, histories of battles, dark powers, heroes, and the Hobbits that started it all. More than 200 black-and-white and full-color illustrations make the pages a joy to behold as you learn all you’ll need to know about Tolkien’s fantasy realm.
This work is unofficial and is not authorized by the Tolkien Estate or HarperCollins Publishers.
The fantasy world of J. R. R. Tolkien’s Middle-earth contains a rich assortment of people, cities, powers, and creatures—as well as a deep, intertwined history that spans thousands of years. In these specially designed volumes, best-selling author and Tolkien scholar David Day presents four decades of research and writing on the lands and inhabitants of Middle-earth. A must-have guide to the Tolkien world, this collection provides an A-to-Z dictionary of the vernacular, an atlas describing the various terra firma, histories of battles, dark powers, heroes, and the Hobbits that started it all. More than 200 black-and-white and full-color illustrations make the pages a joy to behold as you learn all you’ll need to know about Tolkien’s fantasy realm.
This work is unofficial and is not authorized by the Tolkien Estate or HarperCollins Publishers.
- GenresFantasy
Unknown Binding
First published March 5, 2020
About the author
David Day
304 books274 followersDavid Day (b. 14 October 1947 in Victoria, British Columbia) is a Canadian author of over forty books: poetry, natural history, ecology, mythology, fantasy, and children's literature. Internationally he is most notably known for his literary criticism on J. R. R. Tolkien and his works.
After finishing high school in Victoria, British Columbia, Day worked as a logger for five years on Vancouver Island before graduating from the University of Victoria. Subsequently he has travelled widely, most frequently to Greece and Britain.
Day has published six books of poems for adults and ten illustrated children's books of fiction and poetry. His non-fiction books on natural history include The Doomsday Book of Animals, The Whale War, Eco Wars: a Layman Guide to the Environmental Movement, Noah's Choice and most recently Nevermore: A Book of Hours - Meditations on Extinction (2012).
His Doomsday Book was a Time Magazine Book of the Year and became the basis for the 100 part animated-short TV series "Lost Animals of the 20th Century".
David Days best-selling books on the life and works of JRR Tolkien include: A Tolkien Bestiary, Tolkien: the Illustrated Encyclopedia, Tolkien's Ring, The World of Tolkien and The Hobbit Companion.
Day's Tolkien's Ring was illustrated by academy award-winning artist Alan Lee, as was Castles, The Animals Within, Gothic and Quest For King Arthur.
After finishing high school in Victoria, British Columbia, Day worked as a logger for five years on Vancouver Island before graduating from the University of Victoria. Subsequently he has travelled widely, most frequently to Greece and Britain.
Day has published six books of poems for adults and ten illustrated children's books of fiction and poetry. His non-fiction books on natural history include The Doomsday Book of Animals, The Whale War, Eco Wars: a Layman Guide to the Environmental Movement, Noah's Choice and most recently Nevermore: A Book of Hours - Meditations on Extinction (2012).
His Doomsday Book was a Time Magazine Book of the Year and became the basis for the 100 part animated-short TV series "Lost Animals of the 20th Century".
David Days best-selling books on the life and works of JRR Tolkien include: A Tolkien Bestiary, Tolkien: the Illustrated Encyclopedia, Tolkien's Ring, The World of Tolkien and The Hobbit Companion.
Day's Tolkien's Ring was illustrated by academy award-winning artist Alan Lee, as was Castles, The Animals Within, Gothic and Quest For King Arthur.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
May 22, 2021
When I bought this set, I had no expectations. I'm a big Tolkien fan, so I was curious. by the end, I was furious.
The entire series reads like a series of Wikipedia articles. David Day misses huge plot and narrative elements to focus on a few insignificant ones, which he can attribute to Icelandic folklore.
These books are nothing more than the author showing several comparisons between myths and the characters in the works of Tolkien and comments on etymology... All of which have been done in better and more interesting ways.
There is nothing of value in this book series. The information is handled with the grace of a tenth grader trying to get an essay over with. The writing quality is low, the information often incorrect and, in most cases, not there.
Not worth a buy. If you see these for free, I wouldn't bother with them.
In summary. This is garbage.
The entire series reads like a series of Wikipedia articles. David Day misses huge plot and narrative elements to focus on a few insignificant ones, which he can attribute to Icelandic folklore.
These books are nothing more than the author showing several comparisons between myths and the characters in the works of Tolkien and comments on etymology... All of which have been done in better and more interesting ways.
There is nothing of value in this book series. The information is handled with the grace of a tenth grader trying to get an essay over with. The writing quality is low, the information often incorrect and, in most cases, not there.
Not worth a buy. If you see these for free, I wouldn't bother with them.
In summary. This is garbage.
December 29, 2023
The "Tolkien Boxed Set" by David Day is undoubtedly deserving of a five-star rating. This set is a treasure trove for fans of J.R.R. Tolkien's works, offering a comprehensive and beautifully presented collection that enriches the understanding of Middle-earth in various ways.
One of the standout features of this boxed set is its inclusiveness. It comprises multiple volumes that cover different aspects of Tolkien's world, including detailed guides to the characters, places, and creatures of Middle-earth. This comprehensive approach ensures that readers can immerse themselves in the intricacies of Tolkien's legendarium.
Furthermore, David Day's work in this boxed set is characterized by meticulous research and attention to detail. The volumes provide extensive information about the lore, history, and languages of Middle-earth, making them valuable resources for both newcomers and long-time fans. The inclusion of maps, illustrations, and visual aids adds to the richness of the content.
The five-star rating reflects the exceptional quality and value of this boxed set to Tolkien enthusiasts. It not only serves as a reference source but also enhances the reading experience of Tolkien's works by providing deeper insights into the world he created.
"Tolkien Boxed Set" by David Day is a five-star collection that stands as a must-have for fans of J.R.R. Tolkien. Its comprehensive and well-researched content, along with its visually appealing presentation, makes it an invaluable addition to the library of anyone who wishes to explore the depths of Middle-earth.
One of the standout features of this boxed set is its inclusiveness. It comprises multiple volumes that cover different aspects of Tolkien's world, including detailed guides to the characters, places, and creatures of Middle-earth. This comprehensive approach ensures that readers can immerse themselves in the intricacies of Tolkien's legendarium.
Furthermore, David Day's work in this boxed set is characterized by meticulous research and attention to detail. The volumes provide extensive information about the lore, history, and languages of Middle-earth, making them valuable resources for both newcomers and long-time fans. The inclusion of maps, illustrations, and visual aids adds to the richness of the content.
The five-star rating reflects the exceptional quality and value of this boxed set to Tolkien enthusiasts. It not only serves as a reference source but also enhances the reading experience of Tolkien's works by providing deeper insights into the world he created.
"Tolkien Boxed Set" by David Day is a five-star collection that stands as a must-have for fans of J.R.R. Tolkien. Its comprehensive and well-researched content, along with its visually appealing presentation, makes it an invaluable addition to the library of anyone who wishes to explore the depths of Middle-earth.
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews