Publisher's description: When first published, The Lord of the Rings stood far from the mainstream: no one had seen anything like it for decades. Tolkien's almost stridently antimodern tale needed valiant defenders, vocal admirers who understood its sources and relished its monumental scale. While such champions of modernism as Edmund Wilson mocked Tolkien's archaic structure and language, W.H. Auden -- a great modernist poet in his own right -- rose to his defense with a spirited essay on the true nature of the Hero Quest. Edmund Fuller's essay collected here discusses the nature of the fairy tale, returning to the roots of the term to remove the treacle of Disney and restore the value of realistic enchantment. Tolkien's friend C.S. Lewis takes up the question of why, if you have a serious comment to make about real life, you would drape it in a never-never land of your own. He shrewdly argues that it is because real life does have mythic and heroic qualities -- in abundance. This collection also includes, among others, essays by Marion Zimmer Bradley, Verlyn Flieger, Paul Kocher, Jane Chance, and each of the editors, as well as a brand-new essay by Tom Shippey that shows us how to process all this vast learning, adding to it the many delights of the film versions of Tolkien's epic masterpiece, so we can relish his achievement all the more.
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Rose A. Zimbardo, Neil D. Isaacs
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Understanding the Lord of the Rings
by Rose A. Zimbardo, Neil D. Isaacs
Books Like Understanding the Lord of the Rings
If you're looking for books similar to Understanding the Lord of the Rings, here are some recommendations based on themes, tone, and narrative style.
The Hobbit
J.R.R. Tolkien
The precursor to The Lord of the Rings, this novel introduces readers to Bilbo Baggins and the world of Middle-earth. A classic hero's journey that explores themes of courage, personal growth, and unexpected heroism. Provides the foundational mythology and narrative style that would later expand into the epic trilogy. Recommended for those interested in Tolkien's mythological storytelling.
The Tolkien Companion
J.E.A. Tyler
A comprehensive guide to Tolkien's mythological world, exploring the intricate details of Middle-earth. Provides deep insights into the characters, languages, and historical background of Tolkien's works. Offers scholarly analysis similar to the critical approach in 'Understanding the Lord of the Rings'. Essential for readers seeking to understand the depth of Tolkien's literary creation.
The Letters of J.R.R. Tolkien
J.R.R. Tolkien
A collection of Tolkien's personal correspondence, offering direct insights into his creative process and literary philosophy. Reveals the author's thoughts on mythology, language, and storytelling. Provides unprecedented access to Tolkien's personal reflections and inspirations. Recommended for serious Tolkien scholars and enthusiasts.
The Road to Middle-earth
Tom Shippey
A scholarly analysis of Tolkien's linguistic and mythological creativity. Explores the deep literary and linguistic foundations of Tolkien's world-building. Provides critical insights into the author's creative process and inspirations. Recommended for readers seeking a deep understanding of Tolkien's literary techniques.
Tree and Leaf
J.R.R. Tolkien
A collection of Tolkien's essays on fairy tales and fantasy literature. Includes his seminal work 'On Fairy-Stories', which explains his approach to mythological storytelling. Provides direct insight into Tolkien's literary philosophy and creative approach. Essential for understanding the theoretical background of his fantasy writing.
The Philosophy of Tolkien
Peter Kreeft
An exploration of the philosophical and moral foundations of Tolkien's works. Examines the deeper themes of good, evil, heroism, and moral choice in The Lord of the Rings. Provides a philosophical analysis of Tolkien's mythological narrative. Recommended for readers interested in the deeper meanings of Tolkien's storytelling.
The Atlas of Middle-earth
Karen Wynn Fonstad
A comprehensive geographical and cartographical guide to Tolkien's fictional world. Provides detailed maps and geographical analysis of Middle-earth. Offers a scientific approach to understanding the physical landscape of Tolkien's universe. Recommended for readers who want a deeper understanding of the world's geographical context.
Myth and Middle-earth
Leslie Ellen Jones
An academic exploration of the mythological roots of Tolkien's fantasy world. Examines the literary and historical influences that shaped Tolkien's narrative. Provides scholarly insights into the mythic structures underlying The Lord of the Rings. Complements the critical approach of 'Understanding the Lord of the Rings'.
Tolkien: Author of the Century
Tom Shippey
A comprehensive examination of Tolkien's literary significance and cultural impact. Analyzes Tolkien's unique approach to fantasy and mythology. Explores the deeper meanings behind his epic storytelling. Provides critical context for understanding Tolkien's literary achievements.
Master of Middle-earth
Paul H. Kocher
A critical study of Tolkien's literary achievements and mythological creativity. Explores the philosophical and narrative techniques underlying The Lord of the Rings. Provides scholarly insights into Tolkien's approach to fantasy and mythology. Recommended for readers seeking a deep understanding of Tolkien's literary methods.
Tolkien and the Great War
John Garth
A historical study of how World War I influenced Tolkien's literary imagination. Explores the biographical and historical context of Tolkien's mythological creation. Provides insights into the personal experiences that shaped his epic storytelling. Recommended for readers interested in the historical roots of Tolkien's mythology.
The Silmarillion
J.R.R. Tolkien
The foundational mythological text of Middle-earth, providing the complete cosmology and historical background. Offers a deep dive into the world's creation, ancient conflicts, and mythical origins. Reveals the complex mythology underlying The Lord of the Rings. Essential for readers seeking a comprehensive understanding of Tolkien's fictional universe.
A Tolkien Bestiary
David Day
A comprehensive guide to the creatures and beings of Tolkien's mythological world. Provides detailed descriptions and illustrations of Middle-earth's diverse inhabitants. Offers deep insights into the mythological and biological diversity of Tolkien's universe. Recommended for readers fascinated by the rich world-building of The Lord of the Rings.
Splintered Light
Verlyn Flieger
A critical study of Tolkien's mythological and linguistic creativity. Explores the philosophical and linguistic foundations of Tolkien's world-building. Provides deep insights into the author's creative process and mythological inspirations. Recommended for scholarly readers interested in Tolkien's literary techniques.
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