Long before the successful The Lord of the Rings films, J.R.R. Tolkien's creations, imagination, and characters had captured the attention of millions of readers. But who was the man who dreamt up the intricate languages and perfectly crafted world of Middle-earth?

Tolkien had a difficult life, for many years: orphaned and poor, his guardian forbad him to communicate with the woman he had fallen in love with, and he went through the horrors of the First World War. An intensely private and brilliant scholar, he spent over fifty years working on the languages, history, peoples and geography of Middle-earth, with a consistent mythology and body of legends inspired by a formidable knowledge of early northern European history and culture. J.R.R. Tolkien became a legend by creating an imaginary world that has enthralled and delighted generations. This delightful and accessible biography brings him to life. Colin Duriez has appeared as a commentator on DVDs of Peter Jackson's The Lord of the Rings, and BBC television's The Worlds of Fantasy. He is also the author of The Inklings Handbook (with the late David Porter), J. R. R. Tolkien and C. S. Lewis: The Story of Their Friendship, and Tolkien and The Lord of the Rings, and has contributed to definitive reference works, The Tolkien Encyclopedia and a number of other tomes relating to Tolkien.

A fascinating new biography of the creator of the Lord of the Rings and Middle Earth.

About the Author
Colin Duriez is an expert on C.S. Lewis, his writings and also his wider circle. He is also the author of the popular biography C.S. Lewis: A biography of friendship and J.R.R. Tolkien: The Making of a Legend (both published by Lion Hudson). He has also written widely on other aspects of Lewis, Tolkien and the other members of the Inklings, and has contributed to conferences, lectures, DVDs and documentaries on these subjects.

Reviews
He puts forward values such as friendship and fellowship -- Philip Halcrow * The War Cry *
this is great value, and yet another winner for Lion Hudson! -- Denis Blackledge * Denis Blackledge *
"if you want an overview of Tolkien's world and works, this is a good place to start." -- Anne Harre * Weekend Press, Chirstchurch *
I enjoyed this book, perhaps more for the light it throws on his writings than on him as a man. -- Christopher Vane * The Lance *



Book Information
ISBN 9780745955148
Author Colin Duriez
Format Paperback
Page Count 240
Imprint Lion Books
Publisher SPCK Publishing
Weight(grams) 275g
Dimensions(mm) 198mm * 130mm * 21mm