Though it was first published in 1954 (and preceded by the first edition of The Hobbit in 1937), J.R.R. Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings has gone on to be one of the most enduring works of fantasy to come out of the 20th century. Tolkien redefined a genre and even bumped fantasy fiction, myth, and lore further into the pop culture zeitgeist. Long before Peter Jackson's now beloved film adaptations in the early 2000s, the author inspired musicians, filmmakers, and visual artists alike in their own creative endeavors. What was once a niche novel known to a relatively obscure fan base has become an international phenomenon well after Tolkien's own time.
Source：https://www.cbr.com/lord-of-rings-timeless/
