Why We Love Middle-earth: An Enthusiast's Book About Tolkien, Middle-earth, and the Lotr Fandom

by Shawn E. Marchese, Alan Sisto (reader)

Learn about the man who wrote The Lord of the Rings in this Middle-earth treasury. Full of answers to common questions asked by readers to learn about Middle-earth and the fandom, this book about Tolkien celebrates Why We Love Middle-earth .   The Lord of the Rings omnibus for all. Who wrote The Lord of the Rings ? What details are in the movies, books, maps, and other stories—and how do they tie together? Intrigued by Amazon’s new show The Lord of the The Rings of Power ? What’s considered canon and what isn’t? Dive into Middle-earth’s expansive lore with Why We Love Middle-earth , a fandom book about Tolkien’s work. The perfect companion for any Middle-earth traveler. Written by beloved Tolkien commenters of The Prancing Pony Podcast , Shawn E. Marchese and Alan Sisto, Why We Love Middle-earth is the ultimate guide to the fandom. Newcomers and existing fans of Tolkien will revel in the dragon’s hoard of information inside. Inside, If you enjoy fandom books or a good book about Tolkien’s works such as Atlas Of Middle-Earth , Recipes from the World of Tolkien , or Why We Love Star Wars , you’ll love Why We Love Middle Earth .

Genres: Nonfiction, Books About Books, Audiobook, Literary Criticism

Audio CD

Published October 31, 2023

Reviews

[Anna [Bran. San. Stan] · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is for you if you’re interested in delving deeper into all things Tolkien, no matter if newbie, casual or hardcore fan, no matter if you’ve found your way to this book via the novels or movies – there is something for everyone.

The first part mostly deals with a recommended reading order, starting with the well-known books, giving more info on them than the casual reader likely knows.

Then there is a whole section on Tolkien’s non-legendarium texts, compilations of his other writings like letters, and then plenty of tips concerning various biographies and recommendations if you’re interested in diving into Tolkien scholarship. It was a little overwhelming but if I ever want to get into any of it more, I know where to get inspiration. (There is also a whole section at the end of the book about Tolkien scholarship if that’s your thing.)

The next section deals with a selection of adaptations; I never knew so many animated films and dramatizations existed. I didn’t expect to enjoy that part so much; in fact, I intended to skim or skip it in favor of Peter Jackson’s movies, but the criticism the authors offer is so wonderfully entertaining, I read it all. (I can’t imagine living without knowing that there once was a script in which a “sparsely-clad“ Galadriel sleeps with Frodo. Alas, that movie was never made.)

Then Jackson‘s LotR movies, which are seen favorably, are discussed, some changes (in character, event, and narrative technique) are noted and evaluated – and how the films came to be in the first place. Then the Hobbit movies are discussed; the disappointment of how these adaptations fail to represent the core of the original is central to the criticism. However, some redeeming qualities are mentioned.

And finally the different ways to be a Tolkien fan are explored, be it as collector (of books and/or merchandise), as a lover of a particular culture or language, as a scholar or something else entirely. (The authors give tips, for example, what to read if you’re interested in languages.) I‘m glad I didn’t skip this part as there‘s quite a lot of information in there that was worth reading.

All in all, I enjoyed this book tremendously and I learned a lot. This book was definitely more concise than the authors’ Prancing Pony Podcast (one episode runs >90 minutes), and I would recommend both, book and podcast, to any Tolkien fan. (I’m aware the hosts have changed over the years but I can’t speak to that as I‘ve started with the very first episodes and those are fun, not just because Marchese and Sisto are extremely knowledgeable but also because of their banter and chemistry.) Happy reading or happy listening to you if you decide to give either a shot!

[Chris · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm of an older generation that was used to keeping their likes and hobbies private unlike to some that seem to wear their fandoms on their foreheads like a scarlet letter.
Also, it seems like most fandoms are at war with each other. Which is kind of not conducive to being open about what you may or may not like. Just for the fact some people just don't like to argue.
But, I digress.
I started listening to the podcast a couple years ago when I decided this may be the last time I do a read through of the trilogy. I did a 180 on that thought after listening for about a week. I never knew how much I needed this type of energy towards a subject. Where I'm back to skipping through books and appendices and reconsidering thoughts and being enlightened about ideas that never occurred to me. Looking at maps. Joining groups on different social media accounts.
So, when the book finally came out I had to support the thing that kept the flame going and the book was more of the same. It was like holding the podcast in my hand. Great job.

[Ettelwen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Velký, velký překvapení!
Prancing Pony Podcast popravdě neposlouchám nijak pravidelně, čas od času si náhodně pustím nějaký ten díl. Shawn a Alan mají neuvěřitelnou chemii a ta se jim podařila přenést i na stránky této knihy. Je to vtipný, odlehčený, jednoduchý, přesto úderný, poučný a po duši hladící. Je jedno, jestli jste ve Středozemi jednou nohou každý den nebo teprve stojíte na jejím prahu. Tahle kniha vítá každýho!

A o čem že to je?
V první řadě vám pánové poradí, jak do všeho skočit s rovnýma nohama. A pak vás budou postupně ponoukat k dalším knihám nejen Tolkiena samotného. Na zoubek se podíváme nejznámnějším znalcům Středozemě, ale také různým adaptacím, sběratelským kouskům, jazykům i dalším možným zdrojům čerpání. To všechno za přítomni různých známých i méně známých zajímavostí, šťouchů a názorů dvojky, která v první řadě stojí za Skákajícím poníkem!

[C.J. Connor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just as enjoyable as the podcast--you can really hear their voices coming through the text. Plenty of exploration for new and seasoned Tolkien fans to enjoy. Best of all, leaves you with tons of recommendations for more fandom resources -- books, organizations, podcasts, journals, and more. A joyful celebration of a rich fandom and the many ways readers respond to it.

I especially appreciate that the guys never make younger or newer readers feel unwelcome. They're the opposite of gatekeepers. They welcome all readers in to enjoy Tolkien's work! I think the fandom is better for them being around. Highly recommend the podcast, highly recommend this book... just highly recommend in general!

[Travis Stroup · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the PPP, so I’m not surprised that I liked this book. I also know that it wouldn’t be everyone’s cup of tea. Alan and Shawn have many digressions and funny references that are still good in the written medium. They do a good job with the overview of Tolkien fandom with their own preferences and favorites thrown in as a nice complement.

[Joshua · Rating 5 out of 5]

I should add the disclaimer that I've listened to The Prancing Pony Podcast for years, so I was very excited when this book was announced. I'm very glad that the book not only continues the same tone and excitement of the podcast, but I can even hear the author's voices when jokes are made.

"Why We Love Middle-earth" is a delightful and charming (and sometime cheeky) breakdown of the world that has grown up around J.R.R. Tolkien's Middle-earth Legendarium. Alan and Shawn give overviews of the published works, adaptations, and some of the ways that fans interact together. Each section gives a broad overview of the subject, with some thoughts, and suggestions. Just like the podcast, the tone is conversational and the jokes are a fun way to not take them (or yourself) too seriously.

Even as someone who has been reading, watching, listening, and playing in Middle-earth for most of my life, the number of books, podcasts, and websites they recommend to continue learning and enjoying Middle-earth is staggering. While their podcast has been very successful, they are quick to recommend and praise others, and they added at least 5 more books to my reading list.

[Kristianna · Rating 5 out of 5]

There And Back Again...For The New, and the Seasoned, Fans. But no fires or pans

Alan and Shawn, of the Prancing Pony Podcast, have written this wonderful book for the seasoned fans and the new and upcoming fans alike.
This book answers the questions that many a new Tolkien enthusiast may have. It is a fantastic guide into Tolkien's life, Tolkien's world (The Legendarium of Middle-earth), and how to get involved in the Tolkien community.
For the more experienced Tolkien enthusiast, it is a great reminder as to why we love Tolkien and his works.
Why We Love Middle-earth gives the reader a desire to want to jump into the Tolkien community (but there's no jumping out of the pan and into the fire. We'll leave that to Bilbo).
Such as following social media pages, collecting, doing a Tolkien related art, getting involved in the (or a) Tolkien Society, attending online or in-person Moots (Tolkien conferences), and so on.
Whoever may be reading this, I hope that you will consider diving deep into this fabulous book and I hope that it will convince you to join the Tolkien Community (if you haven't already.

[Carrie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fun read, even though I already love Middle-Earth. There is a lot of review/introduction that I skimmed, but I thought the authors presented it in an interesting way for the beginner. I learned about several books that I am excited to read. The chapters on the LOTR and Hobbit films were basically repeats of the podcast episodes on the same topic, but I enjoyed their analysis so much on the podcast that I enjoyed reading it again. I could read about LOTR adaptation reviews all day!

I also really liked the chapters on the original LOTR cartoon adaptations. I haven't seen those, and probably still don't need to, but their descriptions were funny and informative.

[Liz · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’ve never listened to the podcast (but might after this!) and still enjoyed this book. It’s hard to categorize, I expected it to be something different, it’s more of a menu of options (not including video games which was odd but apparently that’s going to be in the next book). I’m perhaps not the target audience having been a fan since I was 11. But I still learned some things, enjoyed their geeking out and came away with a reading list.

[Bree Steffen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a fun book! I had never really read a commentary like this before, so I wasn’t sure how I was going to like it, but it was so much fun! The authors are so funny and engaging and talk like real people. I learned a lot of things about talking and the fandom, and it’s nice to be reminded that I am not alone in my obsession! Highly recommend listening to the audio book too, it’s like story time with Alan Sisto!

[Lee Kersting · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great guide to the works of Tolkien and their major adaptations. This book is perfect for the person who is new(er) to Tolkien and wondering where to go next. As a listener of the Prancing Point Podcast, it was fun to hear Shawn and Alan's voices come through and I even learned a few fun nuggets along the way.

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read it! The guys are funny and insightful and introduce you to the whole wide world of Tolkien. Also listen to the Prancing Pony Podcast, that’s how I found them.

[Daniel Greear · Rating 4 out of 5]

Why We Love Middle Earth by Shawn E. Marchese and Alan Sisto:

I've been a big fan of Middle Earth and Tolkien for as long as I can remember. It's my favorite fictional world and quite frankly, the one that "started it all." We can thank Tolkien's life works for probably ever other major fantasy series and even a few science fiction ones too. If you pay attention to my Goodreads, you will see that I've read a lot of Tolkien's books (with many more to go) and also quite a few books about Tolkien and Middle Earth. This book is now added to the latter category.

With beautiful cover art, this book had me from the beginning. Well, maybe even before that. I have a massive Middle Earth collection, which grows ever larger. I knew I had to get a copy of this book as soon as I discovered it. The reason? I have been a huge fan of The Prancing Pony Podcast for years and when I found out the hosts had published a book, I knew I needed it for my collection.
I can't recommend the podcast enough, as it has gotten me through countless long drives and is currently helping me gain a deeper understanding of The Silmarillion as I read through it again. Also, the podcast has been going on for ten years now, which is incredibly impressive.

This book is structured into a prologue on the life of JRR Tolkien and three sections of proper content. The first is about the books of Middle Earth, the second is on adaptions, and the third is on the fandom and community as a whole. Each section had highs and lows, and there's a bit of something in it for everyone, whether you're a long time fan like me or a newcomer. If anything, this book helps organize everything. I particularly found the sections on each book helpful and also the backstories into Jackson's trilogies were interesting. I also liked Alan and Shawn's commentaries.

I was surprised that the Rankin/Bass cartoon of The Hobbit was not well liked, but it makes sense. I loved this as a kid, as it was my first introduction into Middle Earth, but I see now as a more learned scholar of Tolkien in how inconsistent it is with the overall theme of Tolkien's worldview. Jackson's LOTR trilogy is so well-loved, by me and many others, but I appreciated the flaws that were pointed out by the two authors. The Hobbit trilogy is a complete mess, both as a cinematographic piece and as an adaptation, I'm glad they honed in on the problems there as well. Some of the sections towards the end were pretty dry, and I skimmed through those. After all, this is a companion book so it should be one that you can read as you please.

I look forward to their promised second book, which will further discuss more recent publications and other media.

[Shmuel · Rating 5 out of 5]

For years my love for Tolkien lay dormant, me being sure there's nothing more to gained from it, I was sure nothing new will ever pop up on *that* horizon.
And then a friend introduced me to the PPP and the rest is simply history.
Alan and Shawn rekindled my love for Tolkien and almost as if simply poured a good measure of their passion straight into me through their marvellous podcast!
So obviously when I heard there's a BOOK coming along I was more than thrilled😄
And I'm happy to report that every ounce of passion for Tolkien and Middle Earth you can hear and get from the PPP is right there in every page!
Great read for any Tolkien fan (fan being a major word here, for it's a book who will probably make any fan feel right at home amongst a vast and loving family he never thought he had!)😁

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

First, a disclaimer: I listen to, and am a Patreon member of, the Prancing Pony Podcast (PPP). However, having said that, please note that this is my own review, completed on my own initiative. I do feel, though, that my connections needed to be made clear.

And now, the review:

Where was this book when I started my Tolkien journey? I am by no means a newbie anymore, but my love of Tolkien's books is still less than a decade old. I came to the books by way of the Rankin/Bass animated cartoon and Jackson's "Rings" movie trilogy. However, it still took me until late-2010s to actually pick up the books and read them. And this would have been a perfect guide during that time to help explain aspects of the book, the fandom, and some of the adaptations. This is not a play-by-play or analysis of the books and if THAT is more of what you're wanting, I can recommend a fantastic podcast (see my disclaimer) by the authors of this book, that is available so that you can delve deeply (without waking a Balrog). Basically though: if you know of a new fan, and are wanting to support them in their newfound love, buy this book as a gift for them! If you yourself are a new fan, buy yourself this book!

Great for newbies, but how does it hold up for the more intermediate Tolkien fan? You know, the one past the new phase and well on their way to becoming a little obsessed? It still holds up and adds nuggets of information that were an absolute joy, and a surprise, to learn. And thus, my advice about buying this book for newbies, also stands the intermediate-fan test.

I will leave with my one thing that I wish the authors did. This is the librarian in me; but I wish a more extant bibliography or an end-of-chapter bullet point of sources was included. Yes, the authors cite their sources, but the sources are in footnotes (and I agree, footnotes over endnotes!), and a highlight/standalone area for sources would have been nice.

Overall, the book does exactly what it set out to do and with the in-depth knowledge and humor that PPP fans have come to know and love. It is a most necessary and loved inclusion on my Tolkien bookcase (because, of course due to the PPP, I now have enough books that the Tolkien shelf had to be upgraded into its own bookcase).

[Abdul Alhazred · Rating 2 out of 5]

I've been reading some podcast derived books lately, in audiobook format, and that really makes you question why you're paying top dollar for something usually delivered for free. Can podcasters really transform the message to a new medium? The answer for the most part is no.

I hadn't listened to the Prancing Pony Podcast before, but listening to this it feels like I have - it's very 'talkative', with lots of digressions, pop culture references, two duelling author voices commenting on their likes and dislikes with a splash of personal biography of the fandom histories and connections of the authors themselves.

That said, this is a strong 2 star rating - it was better than I expected. This is very light literary criticism, with a lot more reviewing of materials in the periphery of Tolkien and middle earth - adaptations and the fandom take up 2/3rds of the page count. I'd recommend Part I giving an overview of Tolkien and the books to someone fairly new to it all. It's engaging with intermittent deep cuts into the biographical material using letters from Tolkien to illustrate his feelings on various subjects, it covers the creation of the books, mythology and changes as the writing progressed, that was genuinely new and interesting to me.

[Rebecca Libersat · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was not previously familiar with the authors--I don't process auditory information well so I don't do podcasts--and I've been a Tolkien fan for forty years, so I was in no way the target audience for this book. But I also love Middle-Earth, and I'm always interested in what other people have to say about it. I particularly liked the conversational style; if I'm not going to listen to a podcast, this was the next best thing.

[Jonatan Lyssens · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an excellent introduction for someone who has an interest in Tolkien and would like to know more about (almost) anything really. What books to read next, what films to watch (or don't watch at all ;), what fan communities are out there, and many more. A highly recommended book for any Tolkien fan or aspiring Tolkien fan.

[Светослав · Rating 5 out of 5]

This audiobook was a very intriguing find for me - replete with useful and inspiring information about all things LotR. Alan's voice is very bright and cheerful and it was a pleasure listening to a real fan extolling the beauty of Tolkien's world.

I have only one critique and before that, an explanation:
I spent the book waiting to hear (and dreading) what Shawn and Alan might have to say about RoP. When the few words came, they sadly seemed to me to emerge from Grima’s mouth and I felt betrayed. The sweetness that had spread through my veins while immersing myself in the beloved world was suddenly tinged with burning poison. Bear with me…

Amazon Prime's Rings of Power show is mentioned only in passing yet solely in order to attack anyone opposed to its hollow diversity agenda imposed mainly by financial and zeitgeist considerations. Not a word is however uttered about the way RoP mishandles Tolkien's legacy and abuses the fandom is mentioned, nor that Amazon apparently hired the renowned Tom Shippey as an "advisor" purely for street cred and then fired him as soon as it transpired that he will be forced by his professional ethics and simple common sense to ask highly uncomfortable questions.

So, kind authors of this marvellous book about a topic near and dear to the hearts of so many people who are not "racist and misogynist" - if you are true fans of Tolkien and could dedicate a large portion of your lives to his creations, then how come you are so quick to dismiss the concerns of anyone who might be suspicious of Amazon's (or any powerful corporation's) true agenda? How can you be so (justifiably) disapproving of Jackson's Hobbit trilogy but not even mention why Rings of Power is contentious for a large portion of the fanbase - the laughable fake diversity being only one example of the whole messy tangle of issues?

Peter Jackson and countless others before and since also wanted to become rich and famous on Tolkien's shoulders, but most of these people appeared to love Middle Earth and welcome its embrace as an escape from reality.

In contrast, Jeff Bezos and his minions don't simply want to take your money - they wish to ride the wave of current politics in order to gain advantages in a global struggle for domination that would put Sauron's machinations to shame. Or, if that is too dramatic, then at least they didn’t care enough about Tolkien’s genius and legacy so as to bother with hiring talented people to lead and play in the show who actually genuinely loved Middle Earth.

Despite my personal misgivings on the matter elaborated above, I recognize this might appear insignificant or even ridiculous in the eyes of many and therefore highly recommend the book to anyone interested in Tolkien and his legendarium - you will be in very good company!

Please just don't use it as the sole basis to building your opinion of RoP or on how Tolkien’s work should be adapted in general. And this is important in my opinion because RoP is the most recent high-profile project trying to utilise the mesmerising allure of Middle Earth as a springboard into the minds of people. I very much look forward to the teased 2nd book by the authors that will hopefully offer an in-depth objective analysis of these topics.

[Justin Wiggins · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book, written by the hosts of The Prancing Pony podcast, is an amazing read for all admirers of J.R.R. Tolkien. Particular chapters of the book explore Tolkien scholarship, Tolkien's literary legacy as an Oxford don, writer of myth, and brilliance as a philologist, the birth of all the different Tolkien societies around the world, various different opinions on the film adaptions of The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings, why so many people of different cultural and worldview backgrounds find themselves drawn to Tolkien's Middle-earth, and is filled with a Monty Python style of humor that had me laughing out loud when reading certain parts of the book.

I really like the aesthetically pleasing cover art of the book done by Elina Diaz and Emily Austin. I first heard about the book by Marchese and Sisto when I listened to one of the hosts being interviewed on my friend David Bates' Pints With Jack podcast. It has been a very meaningful experience for me to convey the impact Tolkien has had on my worldview and writings in some of my books, and to have had the opportunity of writing a freelance article about Christopher Tolkien 's contribution to his father's work. Tolkien is such an inspiring artist, and The Lord of the Rings will always be my favorite book. I highly recommend Why We Love Middle-earth. You will be glad that you read it!

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you're looking for a weighty tome that exudes clouds of scholarly dust with every page turned, this is not the book for you.

If you're looking for a deep dive into Tolkien lore and a thorough examination of Tolkien's texts, this isn't it.

If you're looking for an iron-fisted treatise outlining the strict boundaries of what is and isn't "true" Tolkien fandom (so you can wave it under the noses of people you don't like and tell them "you're not welcome here"), you won't find validation in these pages.

On the other hand, if you're looking for a lively overview of all (or many) things Tolkien and Tolkien-adjacent, to discover new ways to learn about and enjoy Tolkien, then haul up an' set. You're in the right place.

This book reads very much like a chatty episode of the Prancing Pony Podcast (of which the authors are the creators and current/erstwhile hosts), and it has a little bit of everything:

- Introductions to the books Tolkien wrote and published, as well as texts published later by his son Christopher (and others).

- Suggestions for books to read by other authors, to learn more about Tolkien and Middle-earth.

- Chapters on Tolkien film adaptations, Tolkien stuff collections, and Tolkien languages.

- Information on Tolkien fan groups, moots, blogs, websites, and online content creators to join/attend/follow to become more active in the Tolkien community.

If you're remotely interested in Tolkien and Middle-earth, you'll find something here, even if it doesn't all tickle your fancy. Confession: I kinda skipped the movie chapters (not a big fan of the PJ films) and skimmed the collecting chapter (not a big fan of stuff-that-must-be-moved-to-be-dusted-under).

And I very much look forward to the threatened promised second volume that potentially will include topics I sorely missed in this one, such as audiobooks (#TEAM_INGLIS!), LOTRO, and the BBC radio adaptation.

[Amanda Geaney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Comments on the audiobook edition:

"Why We Love Middle Earth" is an unabashedly nerdy celebration of all things Tolkien. Authored by Shawn E. Marchese and Alan Sisto of The Prancing Pony Podcast, this book answers questions often asked by Middle-earth enthusiasts. It covers topics like the origins of "The Lord of the Rings," details within the books, films, maps, and other related stories, and even Amazon's "The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power" series. The book delves into what's considered canon in Tolkien's world, making it a comprehensive guide for both newcomers and devoted fans.

While it offers a deep dive into Middle-earth's lore, some may find it more in-depth than necessary. Nevertheless, for passionate Tolkien enthusiasts, it's a treasure trove. "Why We Love Middle Earth" is a compelling and enjoyable read that leaves this reader eager to revisit old podcast episodes and re-read "The Lord of the Rings" with newfound insight. It's a heartfelt tribute to the enchanting world of Middle-earth.

[Ruben Mes · Rating 2 out of 5]

For the most part, I did not enjoy this book - even as a loyal fan of the PPP who is devoted to the books of the professor.

The podcasters (now also authors!) wrote about the professor, his works (and why to read them) and the other aspects of the fandom (such as collecting, studying and moot-ing). The downfall of the book are its attempt to convey the experience of the books (like Hobbit, LotR and Silm) by describing them - It tries to paint a picture that will not fully be revealed by words alone. This did nothing to inspire me (who has read them), and will most likely not inspire complete 'noobies' (who haven't).

I'm afraid Part I was too familiar to me, and Part II too shallow.

It was a grind to push through, and that was a huge flag that this book just isn't for me. I read this out of loyalty to Allen and Shawn, but my 'loyalty' does not repay their effort with kindness - only an undesired portion of vitriol. For that I am sorry.

[Tom · Rating 5 out of 5]

From erudition to entertainment, from comedy to camaraderie, the Prancing Pony Podcast is the Car Talk of Tolkien podcasts. Whether you are a Tolkien beginner or were there 300 episodes ago, Alan and Shawn are always worth listening to. Why We Love Middle-earth is a great introduction to Tolkien and the podcast. By treating the books, adaptations, and fandom individually, Alan and Shawn have once again proven themselves excellent guides for those wanting to enter Middle-earth.

[Shahrzad · Rating 5 out of 5]

Alan and Shawn have really put their hearts into this book. It's wonderful to have the detailed topics that have been discussed in different episodes of the Prancing Pony Podcast in one place. What I also liked about the book was the layout and categorization of the topics. The reader is brought into Middle Earth in the first chapters and then taken across a journey into the amazing and quite large Tolkien Fandom, which has many different directions, most of which were new to me. It definitely inspires you to explore your passion for Tolkien's works. I'm looking forward to the next book!

[Shauna Ludlow Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a fun book. I wanted to learn more about Tolkien and his writings. I skipped the chapters about collections and fan groups.

The authors are entertaining. I will probably listen to their podcasts.

I read the book while in New Zealand where Sir Peter Jackson filmed “The Hobbit” and “Lord of the Rings” movies.

This book is good for newbies and experts. It was extensively researched and well written.

[Pavel Lapaev · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful book for all Tolkien enthusiasts. Whether you are a long-time fan or you are trying to find your entry point - this is a great place to start.

This book goes over all main aspects of the Tolkien world. Books, from The Hobbit to Unfinished tales, movies from the 1970-s to Peter Jackson, fanbase and communities. Each one gets a spotlight.

You can pick and read any chapter out of order and get helpful, kind and fun information.

Highly recommend!

[Brandon · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think this book is mostly intended for fans of the authors’ podcast. Perhaps too in-depth for fans who haven’t read the books, and potentially review for those who have.

Part 2’s mileage will vary depending on how well you like listening to others pedantry (especially if it diverges from your own), and reading the quotes “the core of the original” & “the cannons of narrative art” ad nauseam

Part 1 & 3 were quite good

[Ben A · Rating 4 out of 5]

At my previous job I was able to listen to a lot of podcasts and The Prancing Pony was one I would dabble with when I was in a Tolkien mood, so of course I had to check out Alan and Shawn's book on the subject of Middle-Earth. Very well done gentlemen. You may have (finally) convinced me to give The Silmarillion another go.

[Rouan · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 rounded up to 4. I did enjoy reading this; as the authors wrote, it was written to give the impression of listening to The Prancing Pony Podcast. Like most nonfiction books I read, I read it in small doses, a few pages here and there, giving myself time to absorb what I’ve read.