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The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King

By: J. R. R. Tolkien
Narrated by: Ian Holm, Bill Nighy, Michael Hordern, John Le Mesurier, Peter Woodthorpe, Robert Stephens, John McAndrew, David Collings, Douglas Livingstone, Richard O'Callaghan, Full Cast
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Publisher's summary

The evil Saruman has been defeated by Gandalf, but in Mordor the battle for the Ruling Ring continues. Wounded by the giant spider, Shelob, Frodo has been captured by the dreaded orcs. Sam, alone and in possession of the Ring, must rescue his master if their mission - to find the Cracks of Doom, and there destroy the Ring - is to continue. Meanwhile, the other Fellowship members are preparing for war against the armies of the Dark Lord, Sauron....

Widely regarded as a broadcasting classic, the BBC Radio dramatisation of 'The Lord of the Rings' stars Ian Holm, Michael Hordern, Robert Stephens, John Le Mesurier and Peter Woodthorpe.

©2018 BBC Worldwide Ltd trading as BBC Studios (P)2018 BBC Worldwide Ltd trading as BBC Studios
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Featured Article: When Does The Rings of Power Take Place? Tolkien's Second Age, Explained


The Prime Video streaming series The Rings of Power is set thousands of years before the events of The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings trilogy. Rooted in J.R.R. Tolkien's history of Middle-earth, the series is expected to cover all of the major events of the fictional world's Second Age. But what is the Second Age, and how does this period of time factor into the rest of Tolkien's world? Read on to find out.

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What listeners say about The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King

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  • Overall
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it was good

was very different. felt like it was rushed a bit but did explain some detail that the movie did not do. overall a good book.

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so good

I simply could not stop. really enjoyed every moment of this story and it wanting more

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  • Overall
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Almost flawless - better than the films at times

Exceptional. A brilliant adaptation that remains remarkably true to the original texts while creating a vivid oration filled with action and suspense.

I also have this on a CD box set, which I prefer as it doesn't use the flashback narration. Hearing Frodo speaking from present day detracts from the story, I feel, as it reminds you how it all turns out in the end, negating the hard fought suspense and emotional buy-in the cast had only moments before, achieved.

There is also a bit too much exposition from time to time; burying the listener is painfully complex dialogue with terms in Elvish, Dwarvish and Orcish but never translated. While the texts did this as well, it doesn't translate as smoothly to an audio book as it does a manuscript.

Ian Holm is outstanding as Frodo and brings a maturity to the character that existed in the original texts, but I feel was lost in the (otherwise stellar) motion pictures.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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Actually does the original story honour! Full praise for this audiobook!

Tolkien fans need not fear a diminished experience in this stellar performance of the Lord of the Rings trilogy. Suitable for all ages old enough to enjoy the books.

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1 person found this helpful

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Love that there are no breaks in this version!

This is the best version of the LotR out there. Wonderful adaptation, excellent acting, everything works. All dramatizations should strive for this level of quality!

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2 people found this helpful

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Return of the King

What did you love best about The Lord Of The Rings?

When it comes to radio plays the BBC really knows what it's doing. Originally a thirteen episode dramatization from the 60's l believe with some extra dialogue to bring it up to date with Jackson's epic movies there's nothing to say other than "Wow!" I would happily recommend this to everyone l know and even to those l don't know.

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1 person found this helpful

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Good

Well presented and an interesting listen, but hard to follow for anyone who doesn't already know the story.

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Absolutely Great!!

I really enjoyed this production,
It shed so much light on the story,

And the performances were terrific…

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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Simply Epic

This is quite possibly the greatest story ever told. This should be required reading for every single person on the planet.

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21 people found this helpful

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The best dramatization.

This is the best way to get the story apart from actually reading it.

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