Synopses & Reviews
J.R.R. Tolkien is one of the most beloved writers of fantasy literature of all time. Readers consistently name
The Lord of the Rings their favorite book of the twentieth century, and Tolkien's influence can be seen in
Star Wars,
Star Trek, and other popular science fiction and fantasy works. Honored in the academic community and the world of literature, he died in 1973, but his work remains popular: the
Lord of the Rings trilogy has sold millions of copies since its publication in the 1950s.
This concise, informative biography explores:
- Tolkien's experiences as a young teacher, lecturer, and storyteller in Britain
- The founding of the Inklings, the group of intellectuals centered on Tolkien, C.S. Lewis, and other Oxford University professors
- Tolkien's relationship with his publisher in releasing The Hobbit, The Lord of the Rings, and other books
- The continuing impact of his work on literature, movies, television, and fantasy games
About the Author
Michael White is a former science editor of
British GQ. In a previous incarnation he was a member of the Thompson Twins pop group, and then a science lecturer in Oxford. He is the author of twenty books including the international best-seller,
Stephen Hawking A Life In Science (with John Gribbin). Since then he has written an alternative biography of Isaac Newton,
Isaac Newton: The Last Sorcerer, which was nominated by four British newspapers as "biography of the year" in 1997 and awarded "Book of the Year" in the science category by Bookman Associates in the United States.
His more recent books are the international best-seller Leonardo: The First Scientist and Michael White's personal account of the '80s and his time in the music industry, titled Thompson Twin: An '80s Memoir. His latest is Acid Tongues and Tranquil Dreamers a study of scientific rivalry from Newton to Gates published in 2001. He lives in Kent, England with his wife and three children.
Series Description
The Critical Lives series takes a biographical look at pivotal, fascinating people and a critical look at the work and accomplishments that, rightly or wrongly, made them unique, influential, and enduring. Discover the events that shaped their lives and how they came to shape our world.
Table of Contents
Introduction.
I. EARLY DAYS.
1. Childhood.
2. Two Women.
3. Oxford.
4. Marriage and War.
II. THE SLOW ROAD TO FAME.
5. Fantastic Worlds.
6. Climbing the Ladder.
7. A Don's Life.
8. A Man's World.
III. SUCCESS.
9. To The Hobbit.
10. The War and The Ring.
11. Entangled.
12. The World of Middle-Earth.
IV. THE LEGEND.
13. The Final Years.
14. The Legend Lives On.
V. APPENDIXES.
Appendix A. Chronology.
Appendix B. Selective Bibliography and Other Resources.
Appendix C. Endnotes.
Index