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J.R.R. Tolkien: Author of the Century Paperback - 2002
by Tom Shippey
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The definitive critical study of Tolkien's greatest works and a timely companion to the world of Middle-earth. The core of the book examines Tolkien's novels as linguistic maps with meaning and myth, and products of Tolkien's experiences as a combat veteran and artist.
Summary
Recent polls have consistently declared that J.R.R. Tolkien is "the most influential author of the century," and The Lord of the Rings is "the book of the century." In support of these claims, the prominent medievalist and scholar of fantasy Professor Tom Shippey now presents us with a fascinating companion to the works of J.R.R. Tolkien, focusing in particular on The Hobbit, The Lord of the Rings, and The Silmarillion.
The core of the book examines The Lord of the Rings as a linguistic and cultural map and as a response to the meaning of myth. It presents a unique argument to explain the nature of evil and also gives the reader a compelling insight into the unparalleled level of skill necessary to construct such a rich and complex story. Shippey also examines The Hobbit, explaining the hobbits' anachronistic relationship to the heroic world of Middle-earth, and shows the fundamental importance of The Silmarillion to the canon of Tolkien's work. He offers as well an illuminating look at other, lesser-known works in their connection to Tolkien's life.
The core of the book examines The Lord of the Rings as a linguistic and cultural map and as a response to the meaning of myth. It presents a unique argument to explain the nature of evil and also gives the reader a compelling insight into the unparalleled level of skill necessary to construct such a rich and complex story. Shippey also examines The Hobbit, explaining the hobbits' anachronistic relationship to the heroic world of Middle-earth, and shows the fundamental importance of The Silmarillion to the canon of Tolkien's work. He offers as well an illuminating look at other, lesser-known works in their connection to Tolkien's life.
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From the publisher
First line
The story of how J.R.R. Tolkien came to be launched on his career, not as a writer of fiction - this had begun many years before - but as a writer of published fiction, is a familiar one.
Details
- Title J.R.R. Tolkien: Author of the Century
- Author Tom Shippey
- Binding Paperback
- Edition 1st
- Pages 384
- Volumes 1
- Language ENG
- Publisher William Morrow & Company, Boston, MA
- Publication date 2002-09-08
- Illustrated Yes
- Features Illustrated, Index, Table of Contents
- ISBN 9780618257591 / 0618257594
- Weight 1.05 lbs (0.48 kg)
- Dimensions 8.4 x 5.5 x 1.1 in (21.34 x 13.97 x 2.79 cm)
-
Themes
- Chronological Period: Medieval (500-1453) Studies
- Cultural Region: British
- Ethnic Orientation: Jewish
- Category Literature - Classics / Criticism
- Library of Congress subjects Middle Earth (Imaginary place), Fantasy fiction, English - History and
- Library of Congress Catalogue Number 2001016973
- Dewey Decimal Code 823
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J.r.r. Tolkien: Author of the Century â A Literary Analysis of Middle-earth's Mythology, Language, and Heroic Canon
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