The ring has been an ever-powerful, ever-present symbol in the world of mytologies and religions. A tradition of ring-quest tales came into being long before the pyramids of Egypt were built, or the walls of Babylon raised. While the glorious civilization of Greece and the mighty Roman Empire rose and fell, the tradition lived on. It survived the fall of the pagan gods; and the rise of Buddha, Mohammed and Christ.

"Tolkien's Ring" is a literary detective work about JRR Tolkien's inspiration and sources. It shows how "The Lord of the Rings" is the result of an ancient story-telling tradition that dates back to the dawn of western culture; and how, by drawing upon the world's primary myths and legends, JRR Tolkien created his own mythology for the twentieth century.

Beautifully illustrated throughout by acclaimed artist Alan Lee, “Tolkien’s Ring” is an extraordinary journey through the most magical and potent stories the people of our world have ever told one another.