The work of J.R.R. Tolkien has had a profound effect on contemporary fiction and film making, yet criticism often places him at the margins of twentieth- and twenty-first century thought and experience. He actually sits near the centre of the last century's intellectual landscape: his fiction created a new market for the "fantasy trilogy," his academic work represents what philology can still accomplish in academe and beyond, and his Catholic faith retains great meaning for millions of persons worldwide.

Imaginative literature continues to grow even as publishers cut back on creative fiction: recently it has moved energetically into film, gaming, and, and online fan fiction, but in the twentieth century it bridged the gap between "leaned" and "popular" spheres of interest and readerships.

Tolkien's living landscape continues to please, instruct, and inspire, drawing new generations of audiences to Middle-earth for the pleasure of adventure and to grapple with the upheavals of his time and their aftermath.

About the Author
E.L. Risden is a professor of English at St. Norbert College in De Pere, Wisconsin, USA. He has published books and essays on medieval and Renaissance studies as well as poetry and fiction.

Reviews
"Highly recommended"-Choice; "there are many great nuggets of insight into Tolkien's themes and techniques to be found here, and much else of great value besides"-Magonia; "this is a book which it is easy to commend...it is full of gems"-Journal of Tolkien Research.



Book Information
ISBN 9780786498659
Author E.L. Risden
Format Paperback
Page Count 240
Imprint McFarland & Co Inc
Publisher McFarland & Co Inc