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captlychee's review
2.0
This is a bit superficial, with little nalaysis of either the battles or Tolkien's texts, but it does provide a quick synopsis of the history of Arda and Middle-earth. There are many illustrations, which makes for a pretty book, but isn't very informative.
Unless you're a Tolkien completist, this can be safely avoided.
Unless you're a Tolkien completist, this can be safely avoided.
ed_moore's review
informative
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
3.25
For somebody who wasn’t as interested in the lore of Middle Earth and Tolkien as I, David Day’s ‘The Battles of Tolkien’ would not have been a good book. It really wasn’t what I expected, given I assumed a recount of the battles that made up the rich history of Middle Earth, though Day didn’t summarise the events as expected and rather gave analytical insight into Tolkien’s inspiration and sources. Some of this was really interesting, especially the motive behind the Ents march on Isengard being Tolkien being disappointed by the march of Birnam Wood in Macbeth! Day's writing style was noting noteworthy or special either, and flat in occasions, though this was primarily a reference book. I would however have much preferred this if it were mixed with retellings of the battles themself rather than them just being name dropped, though it is assumed these are well known battles as the target reader demographic is those with deep interests in Tolkien’s lore and would be very familiar with such battles.
I will also note that this was far from a 250 page book, more so 75, because it was full of half pages of text and illustrations, and these illustrations were incredible and enhanced the reading experience so much, whereas I would’ve appreciated some more actual content. The reading experience of the book itself in the way it is set out is however wonderful. I appreciated ‘Battles of Tolkien’ but in the same regard it just really wasn’t everything I wanted it to be.
I will also note that this was far from a 250 page book, more so 75, because it was full of half pages of text and illustrations, and these illustrations were incredible and enhanced the reading experience so much, whereas I would’ve appreciated some more actual content. The reading experience of the book itself in the way it is set out is however wonderful. I appreciated ‘Battles of Tolkien’ but in the same regard it just really wasn’t everything I wanted it to be.
achilleanshelves's review
4.0
Such a beautiful book, the illustrations are amazing and the insight into Tolkien's world was fantastic.
proseamongstthorns's review against another edition
4.0
My girlfriend adores the Lord of the Rings, the entire world that Tolkien created, any book relating to him, his life and Middle Earth is immediately bought. The beautiful, soft leather-bound books written by David Day are amongst her favourite. Actually, I think it's just David Day that she adores!
The Battles of Tolkien was the first David Day book she suggested and I can see why - it's beautifully presented, complete with battle maps and artistic renderings of key characters and moments, and Day's writing is concise, interesting and educational. Never before had I realised just how many influences Tolkien drew on.
It certainly requires a deep love for the Lord of the Rings to truly appreciate this book. Or maybe just buy it because it is a beautiful book and part of a beautiful series that will look gorgeous on your bookshelf. If you're a fan of Middle-Earth then read this (and Day's entire series I'm guessing) - it succinctly summarises every text Tolkien wrote, as well as bringing in other myths and legends that have similarities.
The Battles of Tolkien was the first David Day book she suggested and I can see why - it's beautifully presented, complete with battle maps and artistic renderings of key characters and moments, and Day's writing is concise, interesting and educational. Never before had I realised just how many influences Tolkien drew on.
It certainly requires a deep love for the Lord of the Rings to truly appreciate this book. Or maybe just buy it because it is a beautiful book and part of a beautiful series that will look gorgeous on your bookshelf. If you're a fan of Middle-Earth then read this (and Day's entire series I'm guessing) - it succinctly summarises every text Tolkien wrote, as well as bringing in other myths and legends that have similarities.
amy_da1sy's review
5.0
I think most things by Tolkien or related to Tolkien will get around 5 stars. It’s not an amazing book but the illustrations are really pretty and the aesthetic of it is really nice
smbrady15's review against another edition
informative
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? N/A
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
4.0
Insightful. Very beautiful illustrations.