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Take a Journey to Middle-earth @ Amazon.com
Among the greatest works of imaginative fiction in the twentieth century..." — Sunday Telegraph. |
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Essays
Detailed examinations of the finer points of Tolkien's work, and its influence on literature, art, religion, and the world in general. Note: These titles are listed in alphabethical order.
"A Question of Time: J.R.R. Tolkien's Road to Faerie"
By Verlyn Flieger. J.R.R. Tolkien's "The Hobbit," "The Lord of the Rings," and "The Silmarillion," have long been recognized as among the most popular fiction of the twentieth century, and most critical analysis of Tolkien has centered on these novels. Granted access by the Tolkien estate, and the Bodleian Library in Oxford to Tolkien's unpublished writings, Verlyn Flieger uses them here to shed new light on his better known works, revealing a new dimension of his fictive vision and giving added depth of meaning to his writing. Tolkien's concern with time—past and present, real and "faerie"—captures the wonder and peril of travel into other worlds, other times, other modes of consciousness. Reading his work, we "fall wide asleep" into a dream more real than ordinary waking experience, and emerge with a new perception of the waking world. Flieger explores Tolkien's use of dream as time-travel in his unfinished stories "The Lost Road," and "The Notion Club Papers," as well as in "The Lord of the Rings," and his shorter fiction and poetry. Analyzing Tolkien's treatment of time and time-travel, Flieger shows that he was not just a myth maker and writer of escapist fantasy, but a man whose relationship to his own century was troubled and critical. He achieved in his fiction a double perspective of time that enabled him to see in the mirror of the past the clouded reflection of the present. 'Hard' & 'Softcover' Editions
"A Tolkien Compass"
By Jared Lodbell (Editor). This guide to travels in Middle-Earth includes an original chapter by Tolkien himself, explaining the meaning and origin of the names in "The Lord of the Rings." Can hobbits be psychoanalyzed? Does Tolkien's Christianity shine through his imitations of pagan legends? Do his books offer a useful guide to everyday life? These and many more questions are addressed in the eleven chapters of this book. Contributors analyze Gollum's character transformation, the psychological journey of Bilbo, the regime set up by Saruman at the end of "The Lord of the Rings," and its parallels to fascism, the books' narrative technique, and Tolkien's rich use of myth and symbol. 'Softcover' Edition
"Christian Mythmakers: C.S. Lewis, Madeleine L'Engle, J.R.R. Tolkien, George MacDonald, G.K. Chesterton, and Others"
By Rolland Hein. Plunge into the soul of Tolkien's "The Lord of the Rings," as well as C.S. Lewis' Space Trilogy, L'Engle's "A Wrinkle in Time," and Dwarves, elves, princes and princesses, dark powers, unlikely heros, and fantastic places open up to us in this excellent introduction to Christian mythopoeia. This overview of the major Christian mythmakers explores how they influenced and inspired one another, and identifies the symbols and emblems in their works. 'Softcover' Edition
"Defending Middle-earth"
By Patrick Curry. Yet another classic Tolkien criticism. 'Softcover' Edition
"Finding God in 'The Lord of the Rings'"
By Kurt Bruner and Jim Ware. Named the number-one piece of twentieth century literature, "The Lord of the Rings" trilogy is more than a great story. It's a much-needed reminder that, like J.R.R. Tolkien's hobbits, Christians are all on an epic quest. In examining the Christian themes in the trilogy, authors Kurt Bruner and Jim Ware find that truth and fiction are not as far apart as they seem. And that although Tolkien never intended for these books to present the gospel, when read in the light of Scripture they offer a rich tapestry of redemption, values, and faith against all odds from which we may learn much. 'Hardcover' Edition
'Softcover' Edition
"Following Gandalf: Epic Battles and Moral Victory in the Lord of the Rings"
By Matthew T. Dickerson. Following Gandalf offers fans of "The Lord of the Rings" a deeper understanding of the sharp contrast between Tolkien's Christian worldview and that of our current culture. Dickerson digs deep into why Tolkien's work is widely read and appreciated, and suggests that our lives are enriched by the wisdom and ethics of Gandalf, the hobbits, and their companions. Dickerson uses these characters to explore the wisdom of Middle-earth where moral and spiritual victory, rather than military success, is the real story. 'Softcover' Edition
"Frodo's Quest: Living the Myth in 'The Lord of the Rings"
By Robert S. Ellwood. This fancifully illustrated book interprets Tolkien's epic in the light of ancient wisdom about the personal quest for spiritual transformation, with short summaries of key parts of the story. 'Softcover' Edition
"J.R.R. Tolkien"
By Charles Moseley. Tolkien was a specialist in a recherche field. He did not, at least initially, write for a mass audience. Yet for many in the 1960s his books, particularly "The Lord of the Rings," became a political badge and an interpretative text. Widely translated, his fiction won the accolade both of parody, and of its own learned journal; and 'Tolkien'—or how he was read—demonstrably affected modern fantasy. This book explores how his work came to be so diversely received. Charles Moseley's critical discussion examines Tolkien's view of fiction as 'sub-creation', exploring his analysis of mythopoeia and of the status of art and literature in relation to his own practice. He argues that in the critical concerns of Tolkien and his circle lie the key to important issues in his fiction. His use of linguistic game and literary pastiche is explored without obscuring his emotional commitment to the making of myths that expressed some of his deepest fears about the world he experienced. 'Softcover' Edition
"J.R.R. Tolkien and His Literary Resonances: Views of Middle-earth (Contributions to the Study of Science Fiction and Fantasy)"
Edited by George Clark & Daniel Timmons. Although Tolkien's literary works have, over the past few decades, attracted a considerable and varied body of criticism, much of this material is inaccessible, unreflective, and repetitive. Though various scholars have treated Tolkien's sources and his concept of fantasy, this study situates the author in a broad literary context that includes ancient metrical modes, medieval culture, Renaissance poetics, 19th-century social movements, and modern critical thought. Each chapter is written by an expert contributor and examines the literary resonance of Tolkien's works from a variety of informed perspectives. 'Hardcover' Edition
"J.R.R. Tolkien's Sanctifying Myth"
By Bradley J. Birzer. Bradley Birzer explicates the religious symbolism and significance of Tolkien's Middle-earth stories. More broadly, Birzer situates Tolkien within the Christian humanist tradition represented by Thomas More and T.S. Eliot, Dante and C.S. Lewis. He argues that through the genre of myth Tolkien is able to provide a sophisticated-and appealing-social and ethical worldview. 'Hard' & 'Softcover' Editions
"Master of the Rings: Inside the World of J.R.R. Tolkien"
By Susan Ang, Enrique Melatoni, Graciela Repun. J.R.R. Tolkien is the greatest fantasy writer ever to have lived. He has millions of devoted readers (and filmgoers) worldwide, and over 100 million copies of his books have been sold. "The Master of the Rings" takes a look at the man himself, where he came from, what influenced his writing, and the themes that unite his major works, "The Hobbit," and "The Lord of the Rings." There is also a detailed guide to who's who, what's what, and where's where in Middle Earth, plus a unique look at the historical background to "The Lord of the Rings." The books have had a massive influence on fantasy as a genre since their publication. Without Tolkien, there might have been no J.K. Rowling, David Eddings or Star Wars. Looking at this, we begin to see the more far-reaching, but no less important aspects of Tolkien's world. Ultimately, there is the phenomenon itself in all its many forms, from websites to language schools. "The Master of the Rings" is the perfect readers' and moviegoers' companion to Tolkien's world, his words, and his philosophy. 'Softcover' Edition
"Meditations on Middle Earth"
By Karen Haber. Illustrated by John Howe. ... 'Hard' & 'Softcover' Editions
"One Ring to Bind Them All: Tolkien's Mythology"
By Anne C. Petty. With a new introduction and an updated bibliography, this study of Tolkien as myth maker relates his fantasy fiction to Joseph Campbell's concepts of the hero quest and the artist's role in revitalizing mythic tradition. Fascination with J.R.R. Tolkien's "The Lord of the Rings" is at an all-time high following the release of Peter Jackson's widely acclaimed film adaptation of "The Lord of the Rings." A new generation of devotees is immersing itself in the fictive world of Middle-earth to find fantasy, wonder, and enchantment. And hobbits, elves, dwarves, and wizards once again people the imaginations of readers revisiting this classic story of sacrifice, loss, and redemption. In "One Ring to Bind Them All," Anne Petty shows that when viewed through the combined methodologies of Joseph Campbell, Vladimir Propp, and Claude Lévi-Strauss a folkloristic/mythic structure is seen to underlie Tolkien's epic work. "The Lord of the Rings" is 20th-century mythology manifested in the familiar pattern of the three-stage hero quest made popular by Campbell—departure, initiation, and return—and in the elemental motifs of folk tales, as discovered by Propp and expanded upon by Lévi-Strauss. This cross-disciplinary analysis shows that Tolkien presented to modern readers and other writers a rich array of reinvented mythic archetypes and icons: the desperate quest (good vs. evil); a magical object that embodies or initiates the quest (the ring); the wise wizard who oversees or aids the quest (Gandalf); the reluctant hero, an ordinary person with untapped abilities (Frodo); the hero's loyal friend and supporter (Sam); the warrior king whose true identity is hidden (Strider/Aragorm); the goddess figure (Galadriel); and so on. Petty asserts that through "The Hobbit" and "The Lord of the Rings" Tolkien created a fully realized world that evokes a sense of authentic history and is imbued with clarity and a beauty of linguistic expression, a world that continues to draw new audiences to the myth of Middle-earth. 'Softcover' Edition
"Readings on J.R.R. Tolkien: The Greenhaven Press Literary Companion to British Authors"
By Katie De Koster (Editor). This collection of abridged, previously published essays, provides sophisticated analyses of "The Hobbit," and "The Lord of the Rings." The introductory essay presents solid biographical background on Tolkien. The editor also includes a thorough chronology of Tolkien's life, times, and work. 'Softcover' Edition
"The Hobbit: A Journey into Maturity"
Twayn's Masterwork Studies #149 By William H. Green. In the course of his travels from a cozily appointed little home in Bag End, to the dark and smoky lair of Smaug the dragon, the hobbit Bilbo Baggins comes upon not only dwarves, elves, goblins, and giant spiders, but a wiser, better self. His journey, like those of the heroes in the long tradition of quest stories preceding "The Hobbit," marks his passage from fearfulness to bravery, from self-indulgence to self-reliance, from ignorance to knowledge, from a kind of prolonged adolescence to responsible adulthood. William H. Green's finely crafted study places "The Hobbit" in the company of such quest narratives as "Beowulf," "The Odyssey," "Don Quixote," and "Tom Jones." Giving J.R.R. Tolkien's fantasy tale for children the serious scholarly attention often reserved for works intended for adults, Green shows how Tolkien adapted the structure and dramatic force of the mythic quest to a modern literary form. Underlying Tolkien's tall tale of an unlikely hero drawn into a fantastic series of adventures is a complex exploration of the nature of the human journey into maturity and of the power of myth to both elucidate and validate that journey. Tolkien shared with psychoanalyst C.G. Jung an abiding belief in the healing power of myth. Green draws on Jung's theories of "archetypes"—symbolic patterns of thought and behavior expressed repeatedly in dreams, stories, and pictures, to illuminate the psychological implications of Tolkien's work. Especially relevant to the story of Bilbo is Jung's view of the dragon-slaying hero as a symbol of increasing consciousness and individuation—that is, the journey into maturity. Rich in literary and linguistic allusion—the result of the Oxford scholar Tolkien's encyclopedic knowledge of medieval myth and language—"The Hobbit" reflects its author's desire to address sophisticated themes in a form—the fantasy—derided by the literary critics of his day. Tolkien thus cloaked his love of what he called "fairy-stories" in a book for children, with an archetypical hero in the guise of a humble hobbit, and in the process created a masterpiece of fiction. William Green has written a well-informed and appreciative guide for the reader interested in accompanying Bilbo on his mythic quest. 'Hard' & 'Softcover' Editions
"The Lord of the Rings and Philosophy"
By Gregory Bassham, and Eric Bronson (Editors). What can the One Ring teach us about power and morality? Is Saruman a symbol of the modern technocrat? Should we fear or rejoice in our mortality? Will emerging technologies lead to a new Mordor? What can we learn from hobbits and elves about the secrets of enduring happiness and true fulfillment? If you think J.R.R. Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings is just great escapist literature, think again! Tolkien's fantasy epic is rich in philosophical ideas and insights, evoking fundamental philosophical questions that have fascinated humans for thousands of years. In The Lord of the Rings and Philosophy, a Fellowship of young philosophers—many of whom contributed to the best-selling The Simpsons and Philosophy and The Matrix and Philosophy—explore the moral, philosophical, and spiritual underpinnings of Tolkien's invented world. Here Tolkien fans can learn more about fairy-tales and quests, moral growth and corruption, courage and temptation, environmental stewardship and destruction, providence and free will, possessiveness and letting go, the nature of evil, and life as a journey. The Road goes ever on and on—in philosophy as well as in tales of fantasy and adventure. In these pages you'll find words of wisdom that are "neither the webs of wizards, nor the haste of fools." So don your old weather-stained cloak and grab your favorite walking stick. The true Quest lies within! 'Softcover' Edition
"'The Lord of the Rings': The Mythology of Power"
Twayn's Masterwork Studies #99 By Jane Chance. Jane Chance's classic guide to "The Lord of the Rings" explores its "mythology of power" by placing the epic within the twentieth-century context of Tolkien's life and times. By examining the interrelationships among themes of power, language, and politics, Chance argues that the popularity of the trilogy stems from its celebration of the individual differences of the marginalized and disenfranchised, typified in the insignificant figure of the hobbit as an "everyman." 'Hard' & 'Softcover' Editions
"Tolkien: A Celebration: Collected Writings on a Literary Legacy"
By Joseph Pearce (Editor). "Tolkien: A Celebration" begins and ends with two writers—George Sayer and Walter Hooper—who knew J.R.R. Tolkien well, offering a rare insight into the man behind the myth. Between these delightful memoirs are twelve essays that explore the threads of inspiration and purpose in his major works "The Lord of the Rings," "The Silmarillion," and "The Hobbit." The works are examined theologically, philosophically, culturally, ecologically, mystically, and historically, as the various contributors seek to understand the profundity of Tolkien's achievement. Above all, these collected essays reveal a writer of inspired creativity and profound spiritual depth. 'Softcover' Edition
"Tolkien's Legendarium: Essays on the History of Middle-earth"
By Verlyn Flieger & Carl F. Hostetter (Editors). When J.R.R. Tolkien passed away in 1973, he left behind a vast body of unpublished material related to the imaginary world of his fiction. Now arranged, edited, and published as "The History of Middle-earth" by his son, and literary executor, Christopher Tolkien, these 12 volumes offer an unparalleled insight into the growth of Tolkien's mythology over five decades. This book is the first comprehensive critical examination of "The History of Middle-earth." An opening easy by Rayner Unwin, Tolkien's publisher for many years, discusses the publication history of the material, while essays by expert contributors examine a broad range of topics related to the work. 'Hardcover' Edition
"Tolkien's Ordinary Virtues: Exploring the Spiritual Themes of 'The Lord of the Rings'"
By Mark Eddy Smith. With insight, humor, and a good deal of personal passion for his subject, Mark Eddy Smith offers glimpses into the deeper spiritual meaning of J.R.R. Tolkien's "The Lord of the Rings" by looking at 30 virtues exemplified by its characters throughout the tales. He then invites readers to embrace these virtues for themselves. Using a persuasive, conversational style, Smith offers reflective commentary, sometimes with a direct call to action: "Are there not enough heroes left in the world? Become one yourself." Tolkien aficionados will appreciate such attention to detail as Smith's note that he uses the Ballantine paperback edition, 95th printing, for references. The author writes that he has found in Middle-earth "a training ground, a place where I can apprentice to those whose gifts of charity, wisdom, kindness, mercy, love and faithfulness far surpass my own." Readers who love the Tolkien tales will be challenged to make changes to their own lives through Smith's gentle, thoughtful prose. 'Softcover' Edition
"Understanding The Lord of the Rings: The Best of Tolkien Criticism"
By Rose Zimbardo, and Neil Isaacs (Editors) A collection of the definitive essays on "The Lord of the Rings," spanning fifty years of critical reaction, offer penetrating insights and guidance for a new generation. 'Hardcover' Edition
"The Ring of Words: Tolkien and the Oxford English Dictionary"
By Peter Gilliver, Jeremy Marshall, Edmund Weiner. "The Ring of Words" describes the powerful and unique relationship between Tolkien's creative use of language in his fictional works and his professional work on the "Oxford English Dictionary." Tolkien's earliest employment was as an assistant on the staff of the "OED," and he later said that he had 'learned more in those two years than in any other equal part of [his] life.' Here three authors, themselves senior editors of the OED, engage directly with Tolkien's language and his fictional world. Two discursive sections explore Tolkien as a lexicographer and his creativity as a word user and creator; while the main section of the book is made up of individual 'word studies' which explore words found in Tolkien's fiction in terms of their origins, development, and significance in his fictional world. Words such as 'hobbit', 'attercop', 'precious', 'Smeagol', and 'waybread' are explored in fascinating detail. "The Ring of Words" offers a new and unexplored angle on the creative world of one of our most famous and well-loved writers, presenting new archive material for the first time. 'Hardcover' Edition
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