J.R.R. Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings

by Harold Bloom

A critical examination of Tolkien's epic fantasy discusses its appeal as contemporary mythology as well as some of its literary flaws.

Genres: Literary Criticism, Fantasy, Essays, Literature, Classics

150 pages, Hardcover

First published December 1, 1999

About the author

Harold Bloom was an American literary critic and the Sterling Professor of Humanities at Yale University. In 2017, Bloom was called "probably the most famous literary critic in the English-speaking world." After publishing his first book in 1959, Bloom wrote more than 50 books, including over 40 books of literary criticism, several books discussing religion, and one novel. He edited hundreds of anthologies concerning numerous literary and philosophical figures for the Chelsea House publishing firm. Bloom's books have been translated into more than 40 languages. He was elected to the American Philosophical Society in 1995.
Bloom was a defender of the traditional Western canon at a time when literature departments were focusing on what he derided as the "school of resentment" (multiculturalists, feminists, Marxists, and others). He was educated at Yale University, the University of Cambridge, and Cornell University.

Reviews

[Stephanie Ricker · Rating 3 out of 5]

Bloom lost huge amounts of cool points; in his introduction he blasts Tolkien and LotR and was apparently so bored he could barely get through The Return of the King. Oh, Harold. I held you in such high esteem.

[Elizabeth Hinkson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well, I must say I am not that found of "the fellowship of the ring". I really don't like Tom Bombadill. And all the silly songs really grate on my nerves. I Do appreciate the great skill and scholarship that went into th book.
I did enjoy both "The two towers" and especially "The return of the King".
Eowyn is definetely the best character.

[Kate · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Lord of the Rings Series was my first adventure into Fantasy novels. I really enjoyed these books, and have read them each a couple times.

[R. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some of the essays were boring. Some were incredibly interesting. Some were irrelevant. Some revolutionized the way I look at LoTR. This scenario is basically to be expected since the essays come from several authors.

[Kass · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoy reading the Lord of the Rings as one book as opposed to the three separate books. The single books make it more convenient for the reader who travels on need to keep weight at a minimum.

[Krzysztof · Rating 5 out of 5]

An epic novel on ethernal fight between good and evil. It's worth to spend many nights and go to work like a zombie.

[Alex]

it was ok