J. R. R. Tolkien's "The Hobbit": Realizing History Through Fantasy: A Critical Companion

This book is a critical introduction to J.R.R. Tolkien's The Hobbit, arguing that it is a historical novel that enacts and conceptualizes history in a way that makes it real. It examines the form and content of Tolkien's work, demonstrating how the heroic romance is employed and subverted by Tolkien in his tale of an unlikely hero. It is an engaging and accessible study for first-time readers and established scholars and fans of Tolkien.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 101 pages
Publication date: 19 September 2022
Publisher: Springer International Publishing AG

This book serves as a vital and comprehensive introduction to J.R.R. Tolkien's iconic masterpiece, The Hobbit. However, it goes beyond its mere portrayal of the novel and delves into its intricate connection with Tolkien's larger literary and philosophical project. Despite its classification as a fantasy masterpiece, The Hobbit emerges as a historical novel, albeit one that transcends the realm of direct historical references. Instead, it weaves a tapestry of historical events and concepts, rendering them profoundly authentic and compelling. By employing a Marxist lens of literary criticism and narrative theory, this book delves into the very fabric and essence of Tolkien's work. It explores how the heroic romance, a timeless narrative archetype, is simultaneously employed and subverted by Tolkien in his tale of an unlikely hero, a "quite a little fellow in a wide world," who nevertheless leaves an indelible mark on history. Whether you are a first-time reader of Tolkien's works or an established scholar or fan, this engaging and accessible study of The Hobbit promises to offer a profound and enriching exploration of this timeless classic.

Weight: 176g
Dimension: 148 x 208 x 21 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783031112652
Edition number: 1st ed. 2022