J.R.R. Tolkien: A Very Short Introduction

Very Short Introductions #756

by Matthew Townend

J.R.R. Tolkien was the author of two of the most extraordinary, most original, and most popular books of the twentieth century: The Hobbit, and The Lord of the Rings. The encounter with his works has had profound and far-reaching consequences for millions of readers, who have experienced a form of re-enchantment in the midst of the modern world. Tolkien's works have opened a door to myth, folklore, and fairy tale, and to the discovery of what we now call fantasy literature. He is also a writer who has changed our common culture.

This Very Short Introduction by Matthew Townend offers an accessible and authoritative guide to the full range of Tolkien's extensive writings, including his academic and posthumously published work. It places Tolkien's writing in the time and context of their composition, and it takes a thematic approach by exploring recurrent ideas and preoccupations in his writings. Throughout the author offers new ideas and insights on Tolkien.

ABOUT THE SERIES: The Very Short Introductions series from Oxford University Press contains hundreds of titles in almost every subject area. These pocket-sized books are the perfect way to get ahead in a new subject quickly. Our expert authors combine facts, analysis, perspective, new ideas, and enthusiasm to make interesting and challenging topics highly readable.

Genres: Biography, Literature, Nonfiction

160 pages, Paperback

First published November 28, 2024

About the author

Matthew Townend is Reader in the Department of English and Related Literature, and Centre for Medieval Studies, University of York. His previous books include Language and History in Viking Age England (2002) and The Vikings and Victorian Lakeland: the Norse medievalism of W.G. Collingwood and his contemporaries (2009).

Reviews

[Luke · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a thoughtful and academic examination of Tolkien as a writer that taught me a lot of interesting things about him. That dude loved him some Beowulf

[baru_smisek · Rating 4 out of 5]

Využila jsem toho, že jsem se vezla na anglickojazyčné tolkienovské vlně, a sáhla jsem po novince ze série A Very Short Introduction.

I tato knížečka je nutně zjednodušující, nicméně i na tak malé ploše dokázala vytáhnout na povrch méně obvyklá a šikovně zpracovaná tolkienovská témata.

[Nicholas Cross · Rating 5 out of 5]

superb little book.

For anyone curious about Tolkien and his work, the origins and rationale behind it. So this book is the perfect introduction.