Peter Jackson’s epic trilogy, the biggest film event of the 21st century, turned the best-selling book of the 20th century into a popular, critical and financial success all over again. This comprehensive collection draws together twenty-five essays on the making, the meaning and the reception of The Lord of the Rings . The collection begins with a focus on the business of the event film, before moving into critical chapters on techniques and meanings ranging from music to spirituality. The third section offers essays on multimedia products associated with the films and concludes with chapters on their audiences. The book also contains a dossier of reviews, interviews, production details and box-office returns.No single author could offer the depth and range of coverage brought by this team of specialists drawn from business, communication, geography and music as well as film and media studies, who share the added advantage of enjoying a unique proximity to the setting of the movie in Aotearao New Zealand. More closely integrated, and 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 Jackson’s remarkable trilogy to form a unique entry to the study of 21st century media. A book for general readers, researchers, teachers and students at all levels with an interest in The Lord of the Rings and in contemporary Hollywood.