Early 80s... probably 1982 or 1983. It was the first large story I read and I was so depressed after reading Gandalf's "death" in Moria, I put the book down for about a week or so. I didn't want to read any more because I was so bummed out. But I did eventually and enjoyed it to the end.
Favorite Tolkien character:
Lord of The Nazgul - There seems to be a lot mystery surrounding him. I think he was more powerful than many give him credit in being. His hubris was his downfall.
