J.R.R. Tolkien had a great knowledge of, and love for, world mythology when he wrote his beloved trilogy of Middle Earth. In particular, the symbol of the Ring has a rich and fascinating heritage, and this beautifully illustrated literary detective work searches down Tolkien's sources and inspiration. Written authoritively by David Day, 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 cultures; and how, by drawing upon the world's primary myths and legends, J.R.R Tolkien created his own mythology for the twentieth century.

Beautifully illustrated throughout by the acclaimed artist Alan Lee (creator of the illustrated Lord of the Rings), Tolkien's Ring is an extraordinary journey through the most magical and potent stories the people of our world have ever told one another.