Publisher and Publication Date: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt. My edition was published 2004. All 3 stories of the trilogy in one book. Originally published in 1954.
Genre: Fantasy fiction. Classic literature.
Pages: 430. This includes the introduction and other pre-story information.
Format: Paperback.
Source: Self-purchase from Barnes and Noble.
Audience: Readers of classic literature and fantasy fiction.
Rating: Excellent.

Amazon link

The trilogy stories of The Lord of the Rings:
The Fellowship of the Ring
The Two Towers
The Return of the King

A note on the text explains the stories are actually 6 books sometimes published in 3 volumes.

I enjoyed reading about the writing and publishing history surrounding the stories. For example, an unauthorized version was published in America. And, The Lord of the Rings was written over a period of 18 years.

If you read this particular book, make sure you read the forward to the 2nd edition. Tolkien explains why he wrote the stories.

Why is The Fellowship of the Ring a well known classic? The films helped, but this is not the only reason.
I believe it is because the stories swallow the reader whole and holds them (in the world of Middle-earth) until the last page.
I believe the stories are unlike other stories.
I believe the characters and storyline are memorable.
I believe the stories clearly define good and evil.
I believe the stories are a testament to people-characters who with great courage fight against evil.

Summary:
When the story begins there is a party for Mr. Bilbo Baggins of Bag End. It is his birthday. He lives in Hobbiton. It is a spectacular party complete with fireworks. Then, Bilbo leaves his home and friends. He leaves his assets with Frodo. One asset is the Ring with powers. Frodo is an innocent Hobbit. He didn’t know the story of the Ring or its powers. Gandalf, the wizard helps Frodo to execute a plan about the Ring. Frodo leaves the Shire and he takes Sam and Pippin.
The journey is long and treacherous, and the Hobbits encounter several adventures.

If you have read The Hobbit it will help you understand this story better. If you have not, this story will share what happened that led to Bilbo having the Ring.

My Thoughts:
I’m late to the Tolkien stories, but I have arrived and I’m enjoying every moment in reading them.
I have a plan to read all of his stories. I’ve begun collecting them either in paperback or e-book. Plus, I have a new book (arrived yesterday). The book is The Complete Tolkien Companion by J. E. A. Tyler. The publisher is Thomas Dunne Books.

First, the difficulties I have with The Fellowship of the Rings.
1. Correctly reading the names. The names require me to search in how to correctly read them.
2. Correctly spelling the names. They are capitalized. For example, Elves. Not elf. Not elves. Elves. The Complete Tolkien Companion is helping me to learn and hold on to the knowledge of Tolkien stories.
3. The stories cannot be speed read or casually. The stories require patience and discipline. They are thinking stories.

What I love about The Fellowship of the Rings.
1. Endearing characters. I love Gandalf, Frodo, Sam, Merry, Elrond, Aragorn II, and Arwen.
2. Frodo has friends who care for him faithfully. They have commitment, purpose, and courage.
3. I love the writing itself of The Fellowship of the Rings. I love Tolkien’s commitment to get it right-to persevere in the editing. I love the legacy of the stories.
4. I love the atmosphere of the story. I love how I am immersed in the unfolding drama.
5. I love the secondary stories of the characters because they too each have their own complex and manifold tales.
6. The plot is clearly defined and it moves the story forward with anticipation.
7. The story has memorable quotes. For example, Gandalf said, “You cannot pass.” Page 330. “All that is gold does not glitter, Not all those who wander are lost;” Page 247.