The War for Middle-earth: J.R.R. Tolkien and C.S. Lewis Confront the Gathering Storm, 1933–1945

by Joseph Loconte

For fans of J.R.R. Tolkien and C.S. Lewis, discover the story behind their unique friendship forged in the darkness of World War II and how it inspired the stories of The Lord of the Rings, The Hobbit, The Chronicles of Narnia and Mere Christianity.

In a world devastated by the cataclysm of war, two extraordinary authors and friends, J. R. R. Tolkien and C. S. Lewis, delivered a bracing vision of the human story: a path back to goodness, beauty, and faith. How did they do it?

For the first time, historian Joseph Loconte explains how the catastrophe of World War II trans­formed the lives and literary imagination of Tolkien and Lewis. The mechanized slaughter of the First World War had created a storm of disillusionment with the political and religious ideals of Western civilization. The new ideologies of Modernism, communism, Nazism, and totalitarianism rushed to fill the vacuum. At stake was a contest between civilization and barbarism. Tolkien and Lewis sought each other out in friendship and threw themselves into the struggle.

The War for Middle-earth explores how their most beloved works—The Hobbit, The Lord of the Rings, The Chron­icles of Narnia, Mere Christianity—were conceived in the shadow of the most devastating and dehumanizing war in history. Like no other authors of their age, Tolkien and Lewis used their imagi­nation to reclaim for their generation—and for ours—those deeds of valor and virtue and love that have always kept a lamp burning, even in the deepest darkness.

In The War for Middle-earth you will:

Be inspired by Tolkien's and Lewis's Christian imagination, which even today has the power to transform hearts desperate for hope and truth
Find encouragement and strength to resist evil in our own day
Discover how a biblical view of truth and beauty can light the path out of the deepest darkness
Combining a careful study of history and compelling storytelling, The War for Middle-earth reveals the remarkable achievement of these authors and friends: a recovery of heroism and faith despite deep sorrow and suffering. Here are enduring lessons for today's cultural moment and essential reading if you want to discover how great stories can reveal great truths.

Genres: History, Nonfiction, Biography, Books About Books, Religion, Literature, World War II

288 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 18, 2025

About the author

I'm a New York Times bestselling author, educator, and filmmaker.

Reviews

[Abby Morris · Rating 3 out of 5]

Took a little bit to get into though some parts were interesting. Mostly meandering. I lost sense of the thesis.

[Scott · Rating 5 out of 5]

I so much enjoy a book that delves into the creative minds of great thinkers. Tolkien and Lewis wrote some of the greatest works of the twentieth century, which not only provided fabulously entertaining narratives but also packed a lot of meaning into their words.

"In his [Lewis] works of fiction, ... the faculty of reason also plays an indispensable role in piercing the Darkness." Given the current environment, this is needed now more than ever.

[Aubrey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the friendship between Lewis and Tolkien, and reading this book gave such wonderful insight into how the friendship was formed and how it grew during the years leading up to World War II.
I enjoyed reading about the writings that influenced them, and how the world’s climate made them determined to write stories that would counter that climate.
Now to decide: does the book belong on my Tolkien shelf, Lewis shelf, or WWII shelf?

[Patricia · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed hearing the history of not only the time period when books like Lord of the Rings and the Chronicles of Narnia were being written, but also the friendships and growth that these and other authors had during the hard times leading up to and during World War II. I also found it intriguing to hear about other authors and books that influenced the persona and writing of these books.
Before reading this, I didn't know that this same author had written another book about Tolkien and Lewis during the time of World War I. Since I learned a lot from this book, I am interested in reading the other one as well.
Definitely recommend for anyone who enjoys these well-known classics, history and World War II.

[Ivor Armistead · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very intriguing book that comes close to my five star level. I have read much of what Tolkien and Lewis have written and would love to time-travel back to Oxford in the 1930s to spend an evening with the Inklings at the “Bird and Baby” enjoying a pint, smoking my pipe and just listening to the conversation. But, this book is much deeper than other accounts of the works and relationships of Tolkien and Lewis, including the enjoyable book “The Inklings” by Humphrey Carpenter. In “The War for Middle Earth” Mr. Loconte focuses on the interwar years of the 1920s and 30s and the failure of the Western European democracies to shake off their war weariness and fascination with science, materialism and modernity and recognize the growing threats of Fascism and Communism. The book exposes and explores the efforts of Tolkien, Lewis and others to reignite a recognition of age old moral truths and the necessity of confronting the evils of totalitarian states committed to expansion and the eradication of their perceived enemies. The lessons of Tolkien and Lewis are timeless and of continuing relevance a century later. Whether or not Christianity is the only or best path to a communal commitment to ethics and morality is another question.

[Danelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

The War for Middle-earth does a beautiful job of exp0loring the friendship between C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien, and showing how their fantasy works (Lord of the Rings and Narnia) weren't just escapes, but novels deeply shaped by the moral and cultural ideals of their time--especially the events of WWI and WWII. The focus on the themes of individual human dignity, and "individual courage to combat evil” rang true for me on so many levels, and was a hopeful message in today's political landscape.

I was especially impressed by the depth of love and friendship between these two men, and often moved to tears by their joint commitment to speak out against the philosophies of leaders like Hitler and Stalin through their stories and literature. The writing tends to be a bit academic at times, but overall the book is very accessible to all readers interested in faith, literature and/or history. The behind the scenes insights added so much to writing by both authors that I already knew and loved! Although much of the general history in the book is well known, I learned so much that I didn't know about these men and their commitment to keeping alive ideals like love, virtue, valor and truth. I consider this a "must-read" for fans of Tolkien and Lewis.

[Andrew · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not your usual 'Lewis and Tolkien were buddies' story. Puts their scholarly and literary work in its proper historical, cultural, and philosophical context in a very accessible manner that general readers will find understandable and engaging. A challenge and inspiration for intellectuals and artists of any variety to identify and resist, rather than mindlessly sell themselves out to, the reigning 'zeitgeist' of our time.

The only reason I don't give it five stars is the clunky, intrusive, distracting, unnecessary, pandering and pretentious attempts at gender-neutral language.

[Rick Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to Netgalley for an ARC of this book. I loved the deep dive into how their service in World War I and the events leading up to, and during, World War II affected what Tolkien and C.S. Lewis wrote, how they wrote, and how current events seeped into their most famous works. I also enjoyed learning more about their friendship. Highly recommend for fans of Tolkien and/or Lewis!

[Jenny Powell · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a child of two WWII parents, the era of my parents has long fascinated me. This excellent resource placed me in the midst of the horrors of war as opposed to the view from my native US.
This book also explains why neither of my parents read LOTR or Narnia. But I’m very glad I did.
Well done, Laconte, well done.

[Stratkey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loconte does a really nice job of situating the history with the biographical material. While the thesis came off a bit strained at times, I am convinced that it is correct. These two authors (Lewis and Tolkien) have done more to invigorate moral courage in the wake of two world wars and crushing nihilism than almost anyone else.

[William Forbes · Rating 3 out of 5]

There’s a lot of excellent information here both on Tolkien/Lewis and WW2 history. However, it did feel a little meandering and unfocused at times. I feel that there were multiple theses that would at times clash.

[Ben Hutton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent read if you’re a fan of Lewis and Tolkien. The author overlays the worlds of Narnia and Middle Earth atop the authors ‘ WW2 years.

[Michael · Rating 5 out of 5]

Almost two thousand years ago, St. Augustine wrote "Bad times, hard times, this is what people keep saying, but let us live well, and times will be good. We are the times. Such as we are, such are the times." I think this is good advice, generally speaking, and it highlights the Stoic principle that in the end, all we can control is ourselves, and how we respond to the things that happen to and around us. But with that said, there are times that are especially fraught, and the period of time covered in this book--World War One, then the build up to and ending of World War Two--were particularly challenging (to say the least). There is a good reason why we call those who survived those years 'the Greatest Generation."

Tolkien and Lewis, two veterans of the Great War, academics, and writers, lived in those times and responded to them by creating works of literature that have changed the lives of millions. Their novel idea (no pun intended) was to respond to the darkness of their time--totalitarianism, communism, Nazism, scientism, and the general weakening of society's view of mankind's nature--with stories of heroism, kindness, and love. They wrote fantasy and science fiction stories that not only entertained, but elevated, and reenchanted, the worlds of those who read them, and continue to read them. To put is simply, Narnia isn't about a talking lion, and The Lord of the Rings is not about magic rings. The stories are about what's best in people, especially the average person. Their fictional worlds are mirrors of our own in that the darkness is held at bay, even defeated, by the smallest of people: children who are sent away from their home in the face of indiscriminate war, and hobbits who leave their safe and comfortable lives in order to save the world.

A few decades before Tolkien and Lewis wrote their famous books, the Catholic writer G.K. Chesterton wrote, "Fairy tales do not give the child his first idea of bogey. What fairy tales give the child is his first clear idea of the possible defeat of bogey. The baby has known the dragon intimately ever since he had an imagination. What the fairy tale provides for him is a St. George to kill the dragon."

We tell ourselves stories, Joan Didion said, so that we may live, and we tell children--and adults--stories about dragons not because dragons are real (they are not), but because dragons can be defeated. That is the power of mythopoeia.

[Susan Wachtel · Rating 5 out of 5]

The War for Middle-earth by Joseph Loconte – Wonderful, Fascinating, Inspiring, and Insightful

As someone who loves reading about WWII history, I was excited to read Joseph Loconte’s new book The War for Middle-earth: J.R.R Tolkien and C.S. Lewis Confront the Gathering Storm, 1933-1945. This book shows impact of The Great War, on two men who fought in WWI, J.R.R. Tolkien, and C.S. Lewis. Great writers whose works have touched generations. How the devastation they witnessed and experienced transformed how they viewed the world.

Their friendship with one another, and other like-minded men, helped anchor their Christian faith. These men appreciated English literature and saw the value of myths and legends and how they impact cultures. Together they were able to explore ideas, understand moral values rooted in truth, the knowledge of good and evil, and the importance of bravery in the face of impossible odds.

While they were in Oxford England during WWII, their writings and lectures helped to battle the cultural moral decay that led to racism, anti-Semitism, eugenics, totalitarianism, and communism.

I loved reading The War for Middle-earth and learning about what impacted and influenced Tolkien and Lewis and how it resulted in their timeless writings that impacted their generation and beyond. Eighty years later, people are still being touch and inspired by their novels.

After reading The War for Middle-earth by Joseph Loconte, I am looking forward to going back and rereading Tolkien and Lewis’ books, including The Hobbit, The Lord of the Rings, The Chronicles of Narnia. Reading the books will be even richer having learned what influenced these men and drove them write and create worlds from their imagination.

The War for Middle-earth by Joseph Loconte is a wonderful, fascinating, insightful, and inspiring book about J.R.R. Tolkien and C.S. Lewis. Well researched and well written.
I would like to thank Thomas Nelson Publishers and NetGalley for the opportunity to read a complimentary copy of The War for Middle-earth by Joseph Loconte. I was under no obligation to give a favorable review.

[Joanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a fantastic book that was informative, entertaining, and because of the subject material, inspirational. Loconte's writing style flows beautifully, and the way he breaks up the subject matter even within an individual chapter makes it easy to digest.

Although fans of Tokien's and/or Lewis' works are inherently bound to be attracted to this title, a reader need not have read any of their works to appreciate Loconte's book. Passages and characters from their various works and the experiences that inspired them are referenced throughout the text, but the book is more about the friendship between the two, the important impact that friendship had on each of them, and the broader importance of what their works meant not just for their own time leading up to and through World War II, but its impact even today.

Likely because Lord of the Rings has enjoyed a much more successful film adaptation and isn't as blaringly Christian in its themes, Lewis is arguably perceived in modern times as the junior partner in this duo. What this book demonstrates, however, is how they were equals with an impact that was so essential to making the other what he became. Tolkien's unfailing Catholic faith even through the horrors of World War I played a huge role in Lewis converting back to Christianity, while Lewis's constant pressure on Tolkien and belief in his friend's greatness ultimately helped him to complete his Lord of the Rings trilogy. Furthermore, I was left with an even greater appreciation for the Christian overtones displayed in the works of Lewis when you learn from his own words that he was the most reluctant convert back to Christianity.

Lastly, this book drove home the fact that the writings of Tolkien and Lewis are timeless, capable of providing lessons, inspiration, and hope for any generation.

[Dave Courtney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another book that quietly snuck its way into my Advent reading and proved to be a perfect fit. It's a book that is about multiple things at once

Examining the relationship between these two thinkers and storytellers
Exploring the war soaked world that framed their thinking and their ideas
Unpacking the larger themes to which both figures point in making sense of this world

The journey here is one that brings us to the heart of Lewis and Tolkien's wrestling with the failed promises of modernism. A space that finds the romanticism that keeps grabbing for the world of myth telling even as the force of modernism keeps dragging the world forward into its vision of rationalism and progress. The war for middle earth stands tall here as not just a war between light and dark, but between meaning making and reductionism. A war between the restlessness of souls caught between competing narratives, and two now larger than life figures representing this unique point in time in this singular space of the world entrenched in the battle to forge this ground between East and West, old and new, all by appealing to the power of story.

It's a reminder of what the season of advent represents, largely walking through the space that informed second temple Judaism and the reality of exile. A world caught between the formative myth-telling on one side and the seeds of the west that Rome represents on the other. Both reflective of a world tasked with navigating this shared reality of both light and dark existing in tension. In this case Laconte does a masterful job of unpacking not just why the war for Middle-earth matters, but what that reveals about why our world matters. It's as much about the world of war that shaped their point of perspective as it is about the nature of hope that breaks through in its midst.

[Maria · Rating 3 out of 5]

An examination of how the circumstances and experiences of Tolkien and Lewis before and during WWII lead to their famous stories and published work.

Why I started this book: I had read and enjoyed A Hobbit, a Wardrobe, and a Great War: How J.R.R. Tolkien and C.S. Lewis Rediscovered Faith, Friendship, and Heroism in the Cataclysm of 1914-18 and was interested in what else I could learn about Tolkien and Lewis.

Why I finished it: I'm not sure how much of this is a rehash of the first book, but it was very interesting to place the writing in the full context of Tolkien's and Lewis's war experiences, responsibilities, family circumstances and perspectives. I loved that Loconte emphasized their deliberate choices to write stories of courage against unbeatable forces and the importance of doing your own small part.

[Eric Lussier · Rating 3 out of 5]

Admittedly this book drew my attention based on a great title and my love for Tolkien and Lewis as authors. I read The Hobbit and Lord of the Rings way back in my middle school years and also read Chronicles of Narnia perhaps near the same time period. I was drawn to the book for more glimpses as to specific writing sections and scenes as influenced by historical facts. You get this in the conclusion very well but I struggled with the first 50 pages or so to see how this was headed. This is a well researched historical perspective of what was going on when Tolkien and Lewis were becoming friends. I was expecting more narrative rather than historical facts which is simply my own preference. For me this wasn’t exactly what I was expecting or looking for but that’s personal preference. I wanted more chapters like the conclusion and summary and less historical scene setting and background. I’m glad I read it but it was a bit of a slog at first to get through for where my expectations and interests were.

[Brianne Schreck · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you Netgalley for the opportunity to read this book. I was really intrigued to read this as a fan of Tolkien (not really a fan of Lewis) as well as being a historian whose focus is both World Wars and the inter-war period. I think the author showed that they were well researched and they did delve deep into what was occurring in Tolkien and Lewis’ lives that influenced their writings.

I would say as someone who does read academic papers, it did feel similar to something I would find in an academic journal. I think they also tackled a very complex time period and topic well. I learned more than I had previously about both authors and where their lives fit in the wars.

For me, I was a perfectly good in depth analysis of the two authors lives during the interwar period. It did feel presented like it would be more Tolkien based, while including Lewis, but it felt the opposite. I did not check to see what statistically the balance of both authors were, it just felt more like it was slightly more Lewis focused. Perhaps this may be why I feel like I could not rate this higher as I enjoy Tolkien more than Lewis.

[Justin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thought-provoking. Would recommend for those who’ve found appreciation for Lewis or Tolkien’s works and are curious to learn more about their influences and drivers. The author approaches the book from a very specific worldview, which is very apparent in his analysis.

—Mild spoiler re: thesis—

Loconte’s major claim is that Lewis and Tolkien’s fantasy writings conveyed a message of purpose, nobility, and virtue against the chaos, secularism, and cynicism of the post-WWI world. Current events might have us believe the chaos and cynicism has only deepened, and that ideals of virtue are indeed “fanciful” or disingenuous. However, can we truly say we have known chaos or uncertainty more than what that generation endured?

[Greg Kerr · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having read Loconte’s first book”A Hobbit, a Wardrobe, and a Great War”, I was anxious to read this sequel. My copy was a pre-release kindle version from NetGalley with minimal functionality.

This is a great book to understand what was transpiring in Europe between the end of WW1 and the start of WW2. The book focuses on how England stood against Hitler by themselves before America was forced to enter the war.

And, of course, the primary focus is on how Tolkien and Lewis became friends that helped each other to write the classic stories of fantasy and common individuals becoming the heroes of these stories.

[J Tea · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not a perfect book but couldn't give 4.5 stars. Very relevant for the world today. Makes one wish for such wise sages in the public sphere and sadly not only are they lacking but the conversation in the arts of print and movies has devolved for the most part to the worst of what these 2 amazing authors warned us about. It seems that popular media, politics and public discourse has been invaded by "the makers of misery (destroying) in others the happiness they reject for themselves" (Lewis; The Great Divorce) This author provides a great reminder of the impact these 2 authors have made in my life for more than 60 years.

[Oleg G · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you think The Lord of the Rings and Narnia are just "escapist" fairy tales, this book will change your mind.

Wigard shows how Tolkien and Lewis used their friendship and their fiction to process the absolute chaos of WWII. While Hitler was rising and bombs were falling on England, these two were at the pub, pushing each other to write stories about hope and standing up to darkness.

The takeaway: Middle-earth and Narnia weren't just made-up worlds; they were how two buddies tried to make sense of a world on fire. It's a quick, fascinating read that makes you want to re-read the classics with fresh eyes.

[Russel Henderson · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a survey of the interwar years and those of WWII in Britain it was fine. As a survey of the respective outputs of Lewis and Tolkien in this period, it was also solid. It was less effective, however, at demonstrating the real connections between that writing and the experience of both authors as participants in the First World War and as spectators throughout the Second. Those connections were more speculative than they were proven, and most of those connections were drawn first and in greater depth by other scholars. Enjoyable to read (or in my case listen), but not treading much new ground.

[Kevin Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

Setting the fiction of Tolkien and Lewis in the context of the World Wars, their deep roots in Western literature/mythology, and their friendship with one another illuminates the lasting importance of their work. In this book, Loconte doesn't bring new insights that unlock some esoteric meaning behind the works. Instead, he weaves together a fascinating narrative of the world events, biographical details, and other lesser known writings that should provide a deeper appreciation for these authors.

[Carrie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book reveals in great detail the ways that World Wars I and II, as well as the deep friendship between C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien, informed and inspired their greatest writing. Seeing the timeline of their writing set in context of world events makes their work even more powerful and moving. Their bold idea, to re-infuse the world with the Moral Law and the Good, ignites the same passion in this reader’s heart for a return to the days when we remembered that some things are worth giving your all—even your life.

[Jake Burritt · Rating 5 out of 5]

So dang good! makes me want to read all of CS Lewis and JRR Tolkien's books!
I love everything about this book. The way he related the author's development to their circumstances....having both fought in WWI and lived in England through WWII and had children fighting in that war. This was just so well done, I enjoyed every moment.
I listened to the audiobook, mostly in the car and at the gym. Greg Marston, the Narrator, did amazing.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

For fans of Tolkien and C.S. Lewis, this well-researched book explores the impact of the wars and politics of the years 1914-1945 on their writings. It also delves into the other people who had a major influence on them, as well as the context of society at the time. There are anecdotes, names of authors and books that I now want to read, and history. I really enjoyed it. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC.

[Tim Thurston · Rating 5 out of 5]

That Lewis and Tolkien were colleagues and close friends is not necessary to explain their iconic place in the written word. While they could each stand on their own, once you understand their close relationship, they seem inseparable. The author does an excellent job of bringing their collective life experiences into the origins of their literary achievements. However many times you have read each, this compels you to once again read their works.

[Cole · Rating 1 out of 5]

Bait and switch. It's less about Tolkien and Lewis than about aggressively propagandizing Catholicism. Advertise biases and intent honestly on the book covers and when advertising the book. No one loves feeling catfished. Just be honest about what this - or any book - is really about so you don't waste readers' time.