Flora of Middle-Earth: Plants of J.R.R. Tolkien's Legendarium

The book you didn't know you needed to complete your (repeated) journeys through Middle-earth. An authoritative description of all the plants in Tolkien's Legendarium, written wonderfully for the non-expert. Delightful illustrations that would certainly please a tree-hugger like the Professor. I'll be using this book as a guide for planting my herb, vegetable, and flower gardens in the future.

Insightful and light and entertaining to read. Tolkien's love of plants and nature, expressed throughout his vast legendarium, helps us dive into his created world and makes it more believable. Flora of Middle-Earth not only contextualizes both real and invented plants according to their biomes, tracing parallels between our very real (and endangered) ecosystems and those of Middle-Earth, but also maps Middle-Earth's plants by place and according to their importance in the stories in which they appear. The woodcut illustrations are beautiful and help us identifying the plants and remembering the passages in which they become crucial points of Tolkien's narrative. It's a great book for all those interested in going further into Tolkien's universe, and I believe it'll be especially insightful to those interested in writing fantasy stories, as it illustrates well how the world we live in can help build a more believable fantasy world if we pay more attention to nature.

Written by one of the most incredible, detailed-oriented and knowledgeable botanists of our generation and illustrated by his son, this is one of the most beautiful botanical books in my collection. If you are a fan of the Lord of the Rings, this is a must have book. It took less than a 1 1/2 days to arrive to my house, it was perfectly pack and the packaging was just right.

This tome of lore is a must have for Middle Earth fans! If you ever wondered what a hobbit's favorite mushroom is, look no further. I have tasked myself to research every plant referenced in the Lord of the Rings novels and I am very happy to report that every one of them are covered in this book. From Abies (fir trees) to yellow yams, it's all here.I know what your thinking. 'So what? That's probably just a picture book with some little blurbs about movie references.' Well you couldn't be more wrong. Not only will this book tell you about various plants scattered throughout the story, but also the real world inspiration and Middle Earth origins!Weather for yourself, a friend or even a mega Lord of the Rings fan, this book is a great gift!

It just great!Such a precious treasure..It's so complete and full of informations and connection through the Tolkien world and our..They Didi a great job searching for each species and working in..And the prints in woodcut style are gorgeous..I made a gift to me with this book and I'm so happy about it.If someone wanna came back in the middle earth with a more specific view this is the best choice..Botanic plus Tolkien it all you need.

Would buy again

Tolkien & Botany fans will enjoy this! Fun idea & terrific execution! My hubby’s pleased with his gift!

Fascinating research on the flora of middle-earth.

In Tolkien's books trees, flowers, trees and other plants, real and invented, present a characterisation of nature that plays an integral part of his depiction of Middle-Earth. As Walter Judd observes in his Flora of Middle-Earth, 'Nearly all of these plants are real species, and many of the fictional plants are based on scientifically grounded botanic principles'. Trees, flowers and plants join the multifarious characters in his imaginative writings. They intensify nature, its colour, its scents, its stirrings, its charms and in some cases its dangers, in the adventures of the inhabitants of his legendarium.Professor Judd, aided by his illustrator son Graham, have produced an exhaustive and exquisite work that leaves no botanical stone unturned in an academic tour de force. Every plant in every region and age of Middle-Earth is painstakingly analysed. It shows that Tolkien had a intense and scholarly interest in the flora of his imaginary lands.

I love when you find an odd book that turns out to be a wonderful experience. I felt like Smith as he travelled through elfland. An unexpected treasure, fun and educational.

Have bought these as presents for Tolkien fans and into their plants so perfect!

A well informed book and very well written.

Perfect for anyone interested in plants and Tolkien’s intricately crafted natural world.