First ever illustrated paperback of part two of Tolkiens epic masterpiece The Lord of the Rings featuring 16 colour paintings by Alan Lee Conceptual Designer on Peter Jacksons THE HOBBIT: AN UNEXPECTED JOURNEY. Frodo & the Companions of the Ring have been beset by danger during their quest to prevent the Ruling Ring from falling into the hands of the Dark Lord by destroying it in the Cracks of Doom. They have lost the wizard Gandalf in the battle with an evil spirit in the Mines of Moria; & at the Falls of Rauros Boromir seduced by the power of the Ring tried to seize it by force. While Frodo & Sam made their escape the rest of the company were attacked by Orcs. Now they continue their journey alone down the great River Anduin -- alone that is save for the mysterious creeping figure that follows wherever they go. JRR Tolkiens great work of imaginative fiction has been labelled both a heroic romance & a classic fantasy fiction. By turns comic & homely epic & diabolic the narrative moves through countless changes of scene & character in an imaginary world which is totally convincing in its detail. Part of a set of three paperbacks this sumptuous edition is available in a smart new livery & is illustrated in colour by Alan Lee award-winning artist & Conceptual Designer on Peter Jacksons THE HOBBIT: AN UNEXPECTED JOURNEY.