Reviews

The Battles of Tolkien by David Day

ilovetoreadbooks's review

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informative medium-paced

4.0

achilleanshelves's review

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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

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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.

lydebr11's review

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adventurous informative fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot

2.75

amy_da1sy's review

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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

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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. 

hartmanjl's review

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fast-paced

3.25

dragonclaws18's review

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3.0

I was honestly a little disappointed with the fact this book didn't go in depth about the battles but instead talked about where Tolkien found his influence for the elements of his stories.

kraigers737's review

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informative fast-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? No

3.75

jadesx96's review

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3.0

Some beautiful artwork and makes a nice companion to Tolkien's work. I would have liked to see a bit more commentary on the history behind the inspiration for some of the battles and found the map illustrations very difficult to digest. I think the copy itself needed better proofreading as well.