The Lord of the Rings is an epic high-fantasy novel by English author and scholar J. R. R. Tolkien. Set in Middle-earth, the story began as a sequel to Tolkien's 1937 children's book The Hobbit, but eventually developed into a much larger work. Written in stages between 1937 and 1949, The Lord of the Rings is one of the best-selling books ever written, with over 150 million copies sold.

        3) Finally, the third book, Return of the King (20 October 1955 ), brings this story to an epic conclusion as the characters prepare for the final battle against Sauron and his orc army. Facing their own fears and desires, our heroes prove their loyalty and courage and manage to bring about a decisive victory against evil.