LIFE celebrates the 20th anniversary of the groundbreaking film adaptation of The Lord of the Rings with this deluxe collector’s edition. Learn the true story behind the pioneering novels The Hobbit, The Fellowship of the Ring, The Two Towers, and The Return of the King, all written by Oxford professor and WWI veteran J.R.R. Tolkien. Then go behind the scenes of all six of director Peter Jackson’s movies, with deep reporting and stunning images, from transporting vistas to epic battles. This gorgeous volume showcases the fantasy epic’s most-loved characters and the stars who brought them to life, including hobbits Frodo Baggins (Elijah Wood) and Samwise Gamgee (Sean Astin), valiant Aragorn (Viggo Mortensen), elves Legolas (Orlando Bloom) and Galadriel (Cate Blanchett), and sage wizard Gandalf (Ian McKellen). Learn how the filmmakers used revolutionary special effects to capture the unforgettable Gollum (Andy Serkis) and fearsome Smaug (Benedict Cumberbatch), and find out the secrets behind the breathtaking siege at Helm’s Deep, one of the most impressive action sequences ever committed to film. From the early animated adaptations of Tolkien’s novels to the upcoming Amazon TV series, the book touches it all. A perfect keepsake!