The Little Book of J.R.R. Tolkien: Wit and Wisdom from the creator of Middle Earth

Packed with facts about Tolkien's life and labours, this little volume includes extracts from his works, letters and interviews, as well as from his contemporaries and admirers.

Format: Hardback
Length: 192 pages
Publication date: 30 March 2023
Publisher: Welbeck Publishing Group

John Ronald Reuel Tolkien, widely recognized as a prominent scholar of the English language, holds a revered status as the father of the high fantasy genre. Drawing upon his extensive knowledge of languages, mythology, and legend, Tolkien crafted an entire alternative realm known as Middle Earth, teeming with a diverse array of characters such as hobbits, orcs, ents, dragons, magicians, and giant spiders. This captivating volume, brimming with fascinating insights into Tolkien's life and artistic endeavors, encompasses excerpts from his renowned works, letters, and interviews, as well as contributions from his contemporaries and admirers. It serves as a joyous celebration of the writer whose boundless imagination and creative brilliance revolutionized the landscape of fantasy literature.

I would cherish the opportunity to spend an entire lifetime alongside you, rather than face the trials and tribulations of this world alone.

The Fellowship of the Ring, published in 1954, stands as a testament to Tolkien's enduring legacy. Within its pages, he reveals his true identity as a Hobbit, except for his larger stature. Tolkien's fondness for gardens, trees, and unmechanized farmlands is evident, as is his indulgence in smoking a pipe and savoring the simplicity of good, plain food, with a distaste for French cuisine.

In the summer of 1915, Tolkien actively participated in the infamous Somme offensive, which marked the bloodiest battle of the Great War. While recovering in a hospital from trench fever, he embarked on a creative journey, penning his first Elvish word list and laying the foundation for what would eventually evolve into The Silmarillion. The inspiration for The Hobbit struck Tolkien unexpectedly in the summer of 1930, as he diligently worked through a massive stack of student essays. On a blank page, he found himself scribbling the iconic opening line, "In a hole in the ground there lived a hobbit."

Tolkien's literary prowess and imaginative genius continue to captivate readers worldwide, leaving an indelible mark on the fantasy genre and inspiring generations of writers and dreamers. His profound influence on the world of literature and popular culture is truly immeasurable.

Weight: 234g
Dimension: 118 x 144 x 19 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781800693746