John Ronald Reuel Tolkien (1892-1973) was a brilliant writer who continues to leave his imaginative imprint on the mind and hearts of readers. He was once called the "creative equivalent of a people," and for more than sixty years his Middle-earth tales have captivated and delighted readers of all ages from all over the world. The
Hobbit has long been recognized as a children's fantasy classic, and the heroic romance the
Lord of the Rings has been called the most influential story of all time. These stories have sold over 150 million copies worldwide and have been translated into over forty languages, and they, along with works such as the
Silmarillion and the
History of Middle-Earth, have convinced scores of readers and critics that Tolkien is the master writer of fantasy.
Whether you've been a fan for years or you've just recently been hooked by the blockbuster Lord of the Rings movies, this book is an excellent starting point into the life and work of J.R.R. Tolkien. This indispensable and concise introduction to the career of Tolkien includes:
- a biographical chapter about the man who was a brilliant Oxford professor and Catholic Christian, loving father and devoted husband, and close friend of C. S. Lewis
- Overviews and discussions of his best-selling popular works such as The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings, his often overlooked academic works and his children's books such as Roverandom and Mr. Bliss
- a detailed chronology of the important events and times of his life and career
- an extensive listing of his works, both published and unpublished
- a resource bibliography of the best works about him
