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More copies of this ISBN:This title in other formats:J.R.R. Tolkien: Author of the Centuryby Tom Shippey
Synopses & ReviewsPublisher Comments: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, Tom Shippey, the prominent medievalist and scholar of fantasy, 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 consists of three chapters that examine The Lord of the Rings as a linguistic and cultural map, as a twisted web of story, and as a response to the meaning of myth. Shippey presents a unique argument to explain the nature of evil and gives readers a compelling insight into the complicated interweaving of many strands as the narrative moves between characters and into the remarkable skill behind the construction of such a rich and complex story.
Other chapters examine The Hobbit, explaining the hobbits' anachronistic relationship to the heroic world of Middle-earth; the fundamental importance of The Silmarillion to Tolkien's canon; and an illuminating look at Farmer Giles of Ham, Leaf by Niggle, and other lesser-known works in connection to Tolkien's life. With a clear and accessible style, Shippey offers a new approach to Tolkien, to fantasy, and to the importance of language in literature. He demonstrates how The Hobbit, The Lord of the Rings, and The Silmarillion form part of a live and continuing tradition of storytelling that can trace its roots back through Grimms' fairy tales to Beowulf. J.R.R. Tolkien: Author of the Century not only gives readers a deeper understanding of Tolkien and his work, but also serves as a learned and entertaining introduction to some of the finest and most influential works of fantasy ever written. Book News Annotation:Shippey, who taught at Oxford U. at the same time and with the same
syllabus as Tolkien, argues in favor of Tolkien's literary merits and
offers a unique and revealing reading of the books that introduced
the imaginary world of Middle-earth. A meditation on the evolution of
a modern myth that expanded our view of the ongoing struggle between
good and evil, this study examines the criticisms leveled against
Tolkein as well as how his influence has extended beyond literature.
Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com) Review:"Shippey makes the convincing — and obvious, now that I think about it — case that The Lord of the Rings has much in common with Ulysses, in that it will take scholars years to parse out its sources and themes." Adrienne Miller, Esquire (read Esquire's entire review) Review:"Shippey is a rarity, a scholar well-schooled in critical analysis whose writing is beautifully clear." Review:"Authoritative and timely" Review:"Shippey presents a remarkably insightful account of the origins of Tolkien's use language and myth." Review:"Full of things-we-hadn't-known . . . As scholarship, it's one of the more enjoyable works I've run across." Review:"One of the best, if not the best, piece of ... literary criticism I have ever read on Tolkien." Review:"Delightful exploration of the relationship between Tolkien's fiction...his scholarly work and the mythical, linguistic and philosophical history underlying both." Review:"An invaluable study...It illuminates the text and enables the reader to better appreciate the works under discussion." Synopsis: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. About the AuthorTom Shippey taught at Oxford University at the same time as J.R.R. Tolkien and with the same syllabus, which gives him an intimate familiarity with the works that fueled Tolkien's imagination. He subsequently held the chair of English language and medieval literature at Leeds University that Tolkien had previously held. He currently holds the Walter J. Ong Chair of Humanities at St. Louis University in Missouri. What Our Readers Are SayingAdd a comment for a chance to win!
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