The Lord of the Rings written by J.R.R. Tolkien is one of the best-selling books ever written. The Lord of the Rings trilogy is the sequel to the Hobbit. It is the story of the journey of the ring that had been in Gollum's possession and later acquired by Bilbo Baggins. Two classes will be devoted to each book of the trilogy. We will read/hear excerpts from the books, discuss the text and view film clips from the movies. Book 1: The Fellowship of the Ring. The ring sets out from the Shire after being passed from Bilbo Baggins to his cousin Frodo Baggins. Sam Gamgee joins Bilbo in his quest. Book 2: The Two Towers. Frodo and Sam continue their quest to Mordor to destroy the One Ring. The two are joined by Gollum, the ring former keeper. Book 3: The Return of the King. Sauron seeks the ring with evil intent as Frodo and Sam make their tedious and dangerous trek to Mount Doom to destroy the ring. George Gruner is a local historian with over 40 years of teaching experience. At a young age The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings sealed George's life-long love of literary classics and the Middle Earth. He has worked as a docent at the Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library and Museum and in Guest Services at Monticello. George has taught numerous history related courses for LLI and is currently teaching chess at the Anne's House School in Staunton and Staunton's Parks and Recreation, as well as giving private chess lessons. He has also served as a State Representation in Vermont's General Assembly.