Building on the story begun in The Hobbit and
The Fellowship of the Ring this is the second
part of Tolkien's epic masterpiece, The Lord of
the Rings, featuring a striking black cover
based on Tolkien's own design, the definitive
text, and a detailed map of Middle-earth. Frodo
and 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; and at the Falls of Rauros, Boromir,
seduced by the power of the Ring, tried to seize
it by force. While Frodo and 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.