Peter Jacksons epic trilogy the biggest film event of the 21st century turned the best-selling book of the 20th century into a popular critical & financial success all over again. This comprehensive collection draws together twenty-five essays on the making the meaning & the reception of The Lord of the Rings. There is a section on the business of the event film critical chapters on techniques & meanings ranging from music to spirituality essays on the multimedia products associated with the films observations on the trilogys global audience & an informative dossier of reviews interviews production details & box-office returns. More closely integrated & more attuned to the global marketplace than the older blockbusters the event film with its attention-grabbing pitch for the status of news will be one of the most influential media forms of the coming years. These meticulous essays combine with Peter Jacksons remarkable trilogy to form a unique entry to the study of 21st century media.