Back Cover Description: The cover of this new edition of "The Return of the King" is based on Tolkien's own unused sketch of 1954. It shows the empty throne of Gondor awaiting the return of the King. Within the circle of the throne is the winged crown of Gondor with the tengwar monogram of Elendil, the first High King of Arnor and Gondor. His words, 'In this place will I abide and my heirs until the World's end,' are also incribed in tengwar to the left and right of the throne. Above the seat is the White Tree of Gondor with seven flowers, and the Seven Stars that were the emblem of the Elendil and his heirs. Below the throne is a green jewel which represents the coming of the new King, Elessar, the 'Elfstone'. Behind the throne is the sinister Shadow of Mordor, with the long arm of Sauron reaching out a clawed hand across the mountains. - from Amzon