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Tolkien: How an Obscure Oxford Professor Wrote The Hobbit and Became the Most Beloved Author of the Century
J.R.R. Tolkien transformed his love for arcane linguistic studies into a fantastic world of Middle Earth, a world of filled with characters that readers the world over have loved and learned from for generations.
Devin Brown focuses on the story behind how Tolkien became one of the best-known writers in the history of literature, a tale as fascinating and as inspiring as any of the fictional ones he would go on to write. Weaving in the major aspects of the author's life, career, and faith, Brown shares how Tolkien's beloved works came to be written.
With a third follow-up film and the book's release the same month, there's a large interest in the faith values for these works. This book addresses that deep hunger to know what fuels the world and worldview of The Hobbit's celebrated author, Tolkien.
Devin Brown focuses on the story behind how Tolkien became one of the best-known writers in the history of literature, a tale as fascinating and as inspiring as any of the fictional ones he would go on to write. Weaving in the major aspects of the author's life, career, and faith, Brown shares how Tolkien's beloved works came to be written.
With a third follow-up film and the book's release the same month, there's a large interest in the faith values for these works. This book addresses that deep hunger to know what fuels the world and worldview of The Hobbit's celebrated author, Tolkien.
162 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 1, 2014
7 people are currently reading
339 people want to read
About the author
Devin Brown
49 books48 followersDevin Brown (PhD, University of South Carolina) is a Lilly scholar and professor of English at Asbury University. A C. S. Lewis aficionado, Brown has written, taught, and lectured on Lewis extensively for more than ten years. He has written a number of books related to Lewis, including Inside Narnia and Inside Prince Caspian, and lives in Kentucky. In 2008 Brown was invited to serve as scholar-in-residence at the Kilns, Lewis's home in Oxford.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews
May 10, 2020
«У жовтні Толкін повідомив листом про закінчення розділу 11 і, роблячи одне з найбільших применшень в історії літератури, заявив: „Я досі живу надією, що можу подати її на розгляд на початку наступного року“.
10 лютого 1939 року Толкін написав до Ферта, обіцяючи, що докладе особливих зусиль, щоб «доробити її» до 15 червня.
Через десять років та дев’ять місяців, у жовтні 1949 року, після численних відтермінувань, спричинених збільшенням обов’язків в Оксфорді, сімейними питаннями, не однією, а серією хвороб і травм, Другою світовою війною та періодами вичерпання енергії або ідей (або і того, і того), Толкін нарешті завершив «Володаря перснів».
Книга просто чудова: є основні біографічні точки і аналіз того, які життєві досвіди вилилися в які сцени «Гобіта» чи «Володаря перснів». Мені навіть не хотілося робити жодних нотаток, хотілося просто послухати, як Толкін став тим, ким зараз є для мільйонів людей, як, намагаючись створити нову міфологію для своєї країни, він зміг порушити кордони і створити дещо більше!
Єдиний недолік цієї біографії – її малий обсяг. Він ніби тільки розбурхує вашу спрагу дізнатися більше. Але насправді я дуже ціную це в книжках, адже саме цей ефект веде мене до нових досліджень і творів!
10 лютого 1939 року Толкін написав до Ферта, обіцяючи, що докладе особливих зусиль, щоб «доробити її» до 15 червня.
Через десять років та дев’ять місяців, у жовтні 1949 року, після численних відтермінувань, спричинених збільшенням обов’язків в Оксфорді, сімейними питаннями, не однією, а серією хвороб і травм, Другою світовою війною та періодами вичерпання енергії або ідей (або і того, і того), Толкін нарешті завершив «Володаря перснів».
Книга просто чудова: є основні біографічні точки і аналіз того, які життєві досвіди вилилися в які сцени «Гобіта» чи «Володаря перснів». Мені навіть не хотілося робити жодних нотаток, хотілося просто послухати, як Толкін став тим, ким зараз є для мільйонів людей, як, намагаючись створити нову міфологію для своєї країни, він зміг порушити кордони і створити дещо більше!
Єдиний недолік цієї біографії – її малий обсяг. Він ніби тільки розбурхує вашу спрагу дізнатися більше. Але насправді я дуже ціную це в книжках, адже саме цей ефект веде мене до нових досліджень і творів!
April 22, 2017
This is such a fantastic little book! Devin Brown (author of
The Christian World of The Hobbit
) takes you on a whirlwind tour through Tolkien's life in a delightful and inspirational style.
This book is best understood as an introductory Tolkien biography. It's short, easy, and is a blast to read. Devin Brown avoids the dry writing style that too many biographers can get stuck in of just stating the facts. Instead, this book is written in a very quickly paced and even inspiring way. For example, when dealing with Tolkien's longtime work on The Lord of the Rings, he awes you with the fact that Tolkien could write it, taking twelve years, and create a worldwide phenomenon. The book seems to always imply that, hey, you could do this too if you tried!
It's fun and heartwarming to see how Tolkien at age 16 fell in love with a 19-year-old girl who would eventually become his wife. Or how Tolkien would finally begin writing The Hobbit down because when he would tell bits of it to his children they would hop up and tell him when the story was being inconsistent!
All in all, Tolkien is a simple, fun, and inspiring read for anyone who is even slightly interested in the author of The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings.
This book is best understood as an introductory Tolkien biography. It's short, easy, and is a blast to read. Devin Brown avoids the dry writing style that too many biographers can get stuck in of just stating the facts. Instead, this book is written in a very quickly paced and even inspiring way. For example, when dealing with Tolkien's longtime work on The Lord of the Rings, he awes you with the fact that Tolkien could write it, taking twelve years, and create a worldwide phenomenon. The book seems to always imply that, hey, you could do this too if you tried!
It's fun and heartwarming to see how Tolkien at age 16 fell in love with a 19-year-old girl who would eventually become his wife. Or how Tolkien would finally begin writing The Hobbit down because when he would tell bits of it to his children they would hop up and tell him when the story was being inconsistent!
All in all, Tolkien is a simple, fun, and inspiring read for anyone who is even slightly interested in the author of The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings.
January 3, 2021
Перша книга року, як завжди - проста, казкова й вчасна. Згадала собі, що одна з моїх читацький таємниць - насправді я ніколи не читала ні Гобіта, ні Володаря перстнів, жваво цікавлячись усім, що було навколо них - мовами, мапами, фільмами й легендами. Тож, можливо, нехай це буде маленькою ціллю на 2021 - закрити прогалину, розміром з Середзем'я.
January 16, 2020
Обережно! Після цієї книги ви відкините усе, аби читати "Гобіта" або "Володаря перстнів"
Я маю певну особливість – обожнюю читати біографії видатних особистостей. Особливо мені цікаві частини про дитинство та юність, коли розумієш – яких би висот не досяг письменник/винахідник/художник/композитор, він був зазвичай звичайною дитиною. Ніхто не народжується одразу відомим – визнання треба заслужити. Це мотивує.
Біографія «Толкін. Як невідомий Оксфордський професор написав «Гобіта» и став найулюбленішим автором століття» Девіда Брауна повністю відповідає моїм критеріям «ідеальної» біографії. У легкій формі читач дізнається про життя Джона Рональда Руела Толкіна від його самого народження і до смерті. Для мене було відкриттям, що народився Толкін не у Великій Британії, а у Південній Африці. Більше того, ми могли б і не отримати видатне фентезі, бо у віці 4 рочків маленького Джона Рональда Руела вкусив тарантул, і лише швидка реакція дорослих змогла врятувати світові майбутнє фентезійного простору.
Ця книга досить невелика, але не треба недооцінювати її обсяг, адже наповнення є ідеальним. Кожен великий розділ розповідає про певний час життя Толкіна – дитинство, навчання, солдатські роки, роки професорства. Після прочитання біографії у мене з’явилось бажання перечитати «Гобіта» та «Володаря перстнів», бо багато моментів у книзі отримували натхнення з життя автора. І коли все це розумієш, увесь світ Середзем’я стає ще більш наповненим і реальним.
Я маю певну особливість – обожнюю читати біографії видатних особистостей. Особливо мені цікаві частини про дитинство та юність, коли розумієш – яких би висот не досяг письменник/винахідник/художник/композитор, він був зазвичай звичайною дитиною. Ніхто не народжується одразу відомим – визнання треба заслужити. Це мотивує.
Біографія «Толкін. Як невідомий Оксфордський професор написав «Гобіта» и став найулюбленішим автором століття» Девіда Брауна повністю відповідає моїм критеріям «ідеальної» біографії. У легкій формі читач дізнається про життя Джона Рональда Руела Толкіна від його самого народження і до смерті. Для мене було відкриттям, що народився Толкін не у Великій Британії, а у Південній Африці. Більше того, ми могли б і не отримати видатне фентезі, бо у віці 4 рочків маленького Джона Рональда Руела вкусив тарантул, і лише швидка реакція дорослих змогла врятувати світові майбутнє фентезійного простору.
Ця книга досить невелика, але не треба недооцінювати її обсяг, адже наповнення є ідеальним. Кожен великий розділ розповідає про певний час життя Толкіна – дитинство, навчання, солдатські роки, роки професорства. Після прочитання біографії у мене з’явилось бажання перечитати «Гобіта» та «Володаря перстнів», бо багато моментів у книзі отримували натхнення з життя автора. І коли все це розумієш, увесь світ Середзем’я стає ще більш наповненим і реальним.
April 20, 2020
з кожною сторінкою хотілося перечитати сильмариліон, гобіта. чув дуже багато позитивних відгуків на цю книжку.
і вона хороша. та.
*не стосується змісту*
саме видання мені не сподобалося. формат надто великий. книжечка широка і від того мені гадається незграбною.
і вона хороша. та.
*не стосується змісту*
саме видання мені не сподобалося. формат надто великий. книжечка широка і від того мені гадається незграбною.
August 20, 2022
Легковажний вступ у біографію Дж.Толкіна. Читається зі швидкістю польоту кулі, не залишає осаду і може бути хорошою нагодою зазирнути за лаштунки Гобіта та Володаря перснів.
January 29, 2015
It is no secret that I am a massive Tolkien fan. He has inspired thousands of people and his work is one that connects generations. A lot has been written about this man and his life, at varying academic levels. Devin Brown now adds his own, pleasant work to the mix.
What Devin Brown has done in Tolkien is create a story about Tolkien rather than a biography. His book reads a little bit like a fairy tale, rather than a year by year account of Tolkien's whereabouts. What this means is that rather than go into masses of detail and thereby crowding the reader, Brown focuses on those moments in Tolkien's life which were crucial and formative. I found the chapters on Tolkien's time especially interesting because Brown found a way to make this philological genius sounds like every other student I know, myself included. Whereas many biographies idolize Tolkien (as he admittedly deserves to be) and thereby distance him, Brown brings him close and humanizes him.
For someone like myself who already knows quite a lot about J.R.R. Tolkien (because I'm a nerd), Tolkien doesn't hold a lot of surprises. He touches upon everything without claiming to in any way be the ultimate source on Tolkien. But Brown's style means that even the familiar information is fascinating to read. There were tidbits and facts as well which were completely new and added to my knowledge of who Tolkien was. I now feel like I know more about Tolkien as a person rather than him as a professor or author. However, there were times in the book at which I would have liked Brown to have been a bit more detailed. Some people just seem to disappear from Tolkien's life, most notably his wife, until she becomes "relevant" again. Although I understand why, for the sake of style and simplicity, the detail didn't become enormous, some extra depth here and there would have been great.
I did enjoy Tolkien, mainly because of the style in which Brown wrote. It is, in some ways, a great introductory biography of Tolkien. However, for those looking for an in-depth account on Tolkien and his work, I'd recommend looking towards good old Shippey.
What Devin Brown has done in Tolkien is create a story about Tolkien rather than a biography. His book reads a little bit like a fairy tale, rather than a year by year account of Tolkien's whereabouts. What this means is that rather than go into masses of detail and thereby crowding the reader, Brown focuses on those moments in Tolkien's life which were crucial and formative. I found the chapters on Tolkien's time especially interesting because Brown found a way to make this philological genius sounds like every other student I know, myself included. Whereas many biographies idolize Tolkien (as he admittedly deserves to be) and thereby distance him, Brown brings him close and humanizes him.
For someone like myself who already knows quite a lot about J.R.R. Tolkien (because I'm a nerd), Tolkien doesn't hold a lot of surprises. He touches upon everything without claiming to in any way be the ultimate source on Tolkien. But Brown's style means that even the familiar information is fascinating to read. There were tidbits and facts as well which were completely new and added to my knowledge of who Tolkien was. I now feel like I know more about Tolkien as a person rather than him as a professor or author. However, there were times in the book at which I would have liked Brown to have been a bit more detailed. Some people just seem to disappear from Tolkien's life, most notably his wife, until she becomes "relevant" again. Although I understand why, for the sake of style and simplicity, the detail didn't become enormous, some extra depth here and there would have been great.
I did enjoy Tolkien, mainly because of the style in which Brown wrote. It is, in some ways, a great introductory biography of Tolkien. However, for those looking for an in-depth account on Tolkien and his work, I'd recommend looking towards good old Shippey.
March 23, 2016
I have read the Hobbit and the Lord of the Rings, but I never really read anything about the author, JRR Tolkien. I admired him and his brain and admired his friend and colleague CS Lewis, but never read about them.
I didn't want to lose my childhood admiration for them. I have found that sometimes when one reads about the authors whose works they admire, that the author is found lacking and then the work seems to lose it's luster.
Thankfully, that was not the case with this biography. I still admire Tolkien and might even go so far as to say I admire him more now then before I read this book.
The book is rather slim, it's not a comprehensive work by any stretch of the imagination, but it was a good starter book. An introduction to the man who was Tolkien and how his books came to be.
I would highly recommend this book if you enjoy Tolkien's work, but don't know much about the man and how little things made a big difference in getting his works published.
4.5 stars, rounded down because I'm greedy and wanted more to the book. A little longer maybe.
My thanks to NetGalley and Abingdon Press for an eARC copy of this book to read and review.
I didn't want to lose my childhood admiration for them. I have found that sometimes when one reads about the authors whose works they admire, that the author is found lacking and then the work seems to lose it's luster.
Thankfully, that was not the case with this biography. I still admire Tolkien and might even go so far as to say I admire him more now then before I read this book.
The book is rather slim, it's not a comprehensive work by any stretch of the imagination, but it was a good starter book. An introduction to the man who was Tolkien and how his books came to be.
I would highly recommend this book if you enjoy Tolkien's work, but don't know much about the man and how little things made a big difference in getting his works published.
4.5 stars, rounded down because I'm greedy and wanted more to the book. A little longer maybe.
My thanks to NetGalley and Abingdon Press for an eARC copy of this book to read and review.
November 5, 2014
(I received a copy of this from Abingdon Press via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.)
As a fan of Tolkien and The Lord of the Rings, I was extremely excited to read this book. At only 192 pages (the last few only contain trivia), it doesn't go into too much detail, but it was surprisingly informative, nonetheless.
The author briefly touches on Tolkien's childhood and time at Oxford, and spends a little time discussing his friendship with C. S. Lewis, as well as focusing on how The Hobbit came to be.
It was an interesting and quick read, and I learned a few things about the Professor that I was surprised I didn't already know. Though not an in-depth biography, this is a good introduction to Tolkien's life, and I would highly recommend it to anyone interested in learning more about him.
As a fan of Tolkien and The Lord of the Rings, I was extremely excited to read this book. At only 192 pages (the last few only contain trivia), it doesn't go into too much detail, but it was surprisingly informative, nonetheless.
The author briefly touches on Tolkien's childhood and time at Oxford, and spends a little time discussing his friendship with C. S. Lewis, as well as focusing on how The Hobbit came to be.
It was an interesting and quick read, and I learned a few things about the Professor that I was surprised I didn't already know. Though not an in-depth biography, this is a good introduction to Tolkien's life, and I would highly recommend it to anyone interested in learning more about him.
January 19, 2015
I expected this book to be a rich history, rivaling that of Toklien's great works. Instead, this is a lightweight, dissatisfiying offering from Devin Brown who seems to have made a history of offering depth-free books about Tolkien and C.S. Lewis.
The frustration here is that every chapter left me with a dozen questions left unanswered. His brother vanishes early in the story and his wife of 55 years is similarly relegated to the background until she dies. Tolkien's relations with others, notably his children, is also absent without leave.
Once LOTR is published, he is greatly acclaimed, the books sell, and he dies. His entire final two decades is glossed over as is his legacy and the works brought to light through his youngest son Christopher's efforts.
The disappointment felt by this work looms large and I cannot recommend it.
The frustration here is that every chapter left me with a dozen questions left unanswered. His brother vanishes early in the story and his wife of 55 years is similarly relegated to the background until she dies. Tolkien's relations with others, notably his children, is also absent without leave.
Once LOTR is published, he is greatly acclaimed, the books sell, and he dies. His entire final two decades is glossed over as is his legacy and the works brought to light through his youngest son Christopher's efforts.
The disappointment felt by this work looms large and I cannot recommend it.
July 18, 2021
Щиро кажучи очікував трохи більшого. Фактаж непоганий, формує доволі виразний образ Толкіна, як письменника, а також добре демонструє, що процес роботи над Гобітом та Володарем перснів був дуже далеким від легкого чи добре продуманого. Все, як в справжньому житті, з купою сумнівів, переписувань, листувань, переговорів і тому подібних рутинних речей. З цим в книзі все добре.
З чим, нмд, не дуже добре, так це з авторським стилем подачі. Він, нмд знов таки, часом штучно драматизований, водянистий (і це на 160 сторінках!) та подекуди подається з претензією на сенсаційність, що мені також важко сприймати як щось хороше. Власне, ці стилістичні нюанси епізодично заважали читати і тому не можу сказати, що книжка справді кльова. Двічі прикро, тому що постать самого Толкіна доволі цікава і достатньо потужна, але нмд текст тут явно не дотягує до цього рівня. Окремим пунктом шкода, що не було ілюстрацій, хоч вони подекуди й згадуються в тексті, але це вже важко поставити автору в претензію, оскільки тут могли бути вимоги видавництва чи проблеми авторського права.
Саме видання, між тим, цілком непогане, ніяких серйозних вад я не відмітив, а обкладинка навіть сподобалась)
Резюмуючи, книжка непогана і годиться для першого біографічного знайомства з Толкіном, але не більше ніж це. Хочу кращу про Толкіна з̶ ̶к̶у̶р̶т̶и̶з̶а̶н̶к̶а̶м̶и̶ ̶т̶а̶ ̶б̶л̶е̶к̶д̶ж̶е̶к̶о̶м̶ з ширшим фактажем, витриманішим стилем та ілюстраціями.
P.S. Ось тут трохи детальніше про вищезгадане: https://youtu.be/6nq4EURkl_w
З чим, нмд, не дуже добре, так це з авторським стилем подачі. Він, нмд знов таки, часом штучно драматизований, водянистий (і це на 160 сторінках!) та подекуди подається з претензією на сенсаційність, що мені також важко сприймати як щось хороше. Власне, ці стилістичні нюанси епізодично заважали читати і тому не можу сказати, що книжка справді кльова. Двічі прикро, тому що постать самого Толкіна доволі цікава і достатньо потужна, але нмд текст тут явно не дотягує до цього рівня. Окремим пунктом шкода, що не було ілюстрацій, хоч вони подекуди й згадуються в тексті, але це вже важко поставити автору в претензію, оскільки тут могли бути вимоги видавництва чи проблеми авторського права.
Саме видання, між тим, цілком непогане, ніяких серйозних вад я не відмітив, а обкладинка навіть сподобалась)
Резюмуючи, книжка непогана і годиться для першого біографічного знайомства з Толкіном, але не більше ніж це. Хочу кращу про Толкіна з̶ ̶к̶у̶р̶т̶и̶з̶а̶н̶к̶а̶м̶и̶ ̶т̶а̶ ̶б̶л̶е̶к̶д̶ж̶е̶к̶о̶м̶ з ширшим фактажем, витриманішим стилем та ілюстраціями.
P.S. Ось тут трохи детальніше про вищезгадане: https://youtu.be/6nq4EURkl_w
April 25, 2025
A short, basic but delightful biography of Professor Tolkien. A great read for anyone wanting to know more about his life and the writing of The Hobbit and LOTR.
November 30, 2014
Find this and other reviews at:
http://flashlightcommentary.blogspot....
Picking of Devin Brown's Tolkien: How an Obscure Oxford Professor Wrote the Hobbit and Became the Most Beloved Author of the Century was a self-indulgent decision. I've loved Tolkien's work since I discovered it in high school and though I know a lot about him, I've never read a biography and was curious to see his life presented in a single volume.
To get straight to the point, I liked this book. It is a quick read and rather entertaining for what it is. Brown's voice comes through very distinctly and while I think the tone somewhat bias, his views don't detract from or overwhelm the material.
Not having experienced Shippey or Carpenter's larger biographies, I can only speculate on how Brown's effort compares, but I can say this particular volume is very brief and perhaps best suited to those looking at Tolkien for the first time. I feel the information comprehensive, but cursory and can't help feeling there is room to elaborate further than Brown did here.
http://flashlightcommentary.blogspot....
Picking of Devin Brown's Tolkien: How an Obscure Oxford Professor Wrote the Hobbit and Became the Most Beloved Author of the Century was a self-indulgent decision. I've loved Tolkien's work since I discovered it in high school and though I know a lot about him, I've never read a biography and was curious to see his life presented in a single volume.
To get straight to the point, I liked this book. It is a quick read and rather entertaining for what it is. Brown's voice comes through very distinctly and while I think the tone somewhat bias, his views don't detract from or overwhelm the material.
Not having experienced Shippey or Carpenter's larger biographies, I can only speculate on how Brown's effort compares, but I can say this particular volume is very brief and perhaps best suited to those looking at Tolkien for the first time. I feel the information comprehensive, but cursory and can't help feeling there is room to elaborate further than Brown did here.
July 9, 2020
Історія автора найкращої книги століття. Біографія Джона Роналда Руела Толкіна цікава і нудна водночас. З одного боку він був генієм, який створив міфологію Англії, вигадав цілий світ з мовами, безліччю персонажів та вплетених історій, які ми знаємо під назвами "Гобіт" та "Володар перснів". З другого боку - Толкін був дотошним професором, який роками займався викладацькою роботою та заробляв перевіркою екзаменаційних робіт.
Книга написана легко та цікаво, тут розповідається про ключові віхи життя Толкіна, згадано людей, які мали визначальне значення у його житті та творчості. Девід Браун змальовує радше не життя Толкіна, а життя його славнозвісних творів.
Книга на один вечір, досить лаконічна. Мені бракувало деталей, все дуже коротко, на жаль. Хотілося б прочитати справжнє дослідження життя Толкіна, а не коротенький нарис.
Книга написана легко та цікаво, тут розповідається про ключові віхи життя Толкіна, згадано людей, які мали визначальне значення у його житті та творчості. Девід Браун змальовує радше не життя Толкіна, а життя його славнозвісних творів.
Книга на один вечір, досить лаконічна. Мені бракувало деталей, все дуже коротко, на жаль. Хотілося б прочитати справжнє дослідження життя Толкіна, а не коротенький нарис.
February 2, 2019
A good basic biography of JRR Tolkien and how he 'came to fame's the author of two of the most popular works ever! Nice focus on the mutual influence Tolkien and CS Lewis had on each other.
October 25, 2020
I received this book as a prize in an online competition.
A fun and quick read on the journey Tolkien went through as he created and wrote his legendary books.
A fun and quick read on the journey Tolkien went through as he created and wrote his legendary books.
December 18, 2014
I received a copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review. Review originally posted 14 December 2014 on Falling Letters.
The subheading of Tolkien implies it's about how The Hobbit was published (I suppose to draw in new fans of The Hobbit films), but Tolkien is actually just a very succinct general biography. I was about 60% in before The Hobbit came up. When I checked my progress, I was surprised to see I was that far into the book* and had only been reading basic biographical information about Tolkien one can find repeated in many places. There is nothing new to be found here. So, why would one read this instead of anything else that touches upon Tolkien's life? I suppose this book fills a gap in Tolkien literature for those are newly introduced to Tolkien and just want learn a bit about his life. It's a fine enough book if you come at it from that perspective - a good introduction to Professor Tolkien for those who have little knowledge about him (and perhaps this is a growing audience now again due to the films), but pass by if you've ever read anything about the Professor.
Brown attempts to distinguish his narrative by pointing out "If this one person didn't do this one thing..." many times to show the unlikeliness of Tolkien's Middle-earth being introduced to the public. Once or twice is a nice reminder of how everything really must fall in place, but after reading it numerous times I got a bit weary and started thinking "Well, isn't that the case with everything in life? One tiny change and everything could be different".
There isn't anything wrong or bad about this book beyond the minor note above; I'm just not the target audience. I still intend to check out Brown's The Christian World of the Hobbit. I hear a lot about Christianity and The Lord of the Rings but not so much about The Hobbit, so the subject caught my attention.
The Bottom Line: Nothing about this book makes it stand out, but it's still a solid if brief introduction that could be a good read for those with no knowledge of Tolkien.
*This is both the trouble and delight with ebooks - it's easy not to notice how far in you are or aren't. Although I find it's usually trouble - "Oh what, that's the end already?" "Oh what, I'm already that far in?" "Oh wait, the book is THAT long?"
The subheading of Tolkien implies it's about how The Hobbit was published (I suppose to draw in new fans of The Hobbit films), but Tolkien is actually just a very succinct general biography. I was about 60% in before The Hobbit came up. When I checked my progress, I was surprised to see I was that far into the book* and had only been reading basic biographical information about Tolkien one can find repeated in many places. There is nothing new to be found here. So, why would one read this instead of anything else that touches upon Tolkien's life? I suppose this book fills a gap in Tolkien literature for those are newly introduced to Tolkien and just want learn a bit about his life. It's a fine enough book if you come at it from that perspective - a good introduction to Professor Tolkien for those who have little knowledge about him (and perhaps this is a growing audience now again due to the films), but pass by if you've ever read anything about the Professor.
Brown attempts to distinguish his narrative by pointing out "If this one person didn't do this one thing..." many times to show the unlikeliness of Tolkien's Middle-earth being introduced to the public. Once or twice is a nice reminder of how everything really must fall in place, but after reading it numerous times I got a bit weary and started thinking "Well, isn't that the case with everything in life? One tiny change and everything could be different".
There isn't anything wrong or bad about this book beyond the minor note above; I'm just not the target audience. I still intend to check out Brown's The Christian World of the Hobbit. I hear a lot about Christianity and The Lord of the Rings but not so much about The Hobbit, so the subject caught my attention.
The Bottom Line: Nothing about this book makes it stand out, but it's still a solid if brief introduction that could be a good read for those with no knowledge of Tolkien.
*This is both the trouble and delight with ebooks - it's easy not to notice how far in you are or aren't. Although I find it's usually trouble - "Oh what, that's the end already?" "Oh what, I'm already that far in?" "Oh wait, the book is THAT long?"
May 5, 2016
Ok, spoiler alert, on the title.
When this book was offered on NetGalley, I requested it, because I live in a house of Tolkien lovers. On the scale of fans in my house, I am probably the least enthusiastic, having read only The Hobbit, and some of The Lord of the Rings. (Shhh, don’t tell them. In my house, you are required to read the book, if there is one, before seeing the movie, and I’ve seen all of the movies.) I read a good bit of it, anyway, and I did love The Hobbit, but truthfully, I got it for my husband to read. Sadly, he hasn’t gotten around to it yet, and, because I waited for him, it has been a long time since I got this copy.
Last weekend had one of those perfect, reading days — a confluence of unusual circumstances including no carpooling activities, a rainy, damp day, and plenty of time to disappear on the couch with a book. I was hardly expecting to be so engrossed in this, but I truly enjoyed it. Tolkien’s story is an amazing collection of “what ifs”, and serendipitous meetings, so many opportunities that could have been missed, so many reasons for it not to have gone the way it did. Brown tells Tolkien’s story with wit and intelligence, and gives the backstory for a man who went from complete obscurity into the author of the most beloved books of the century. Seriously, with such a tempting title, I should have known Devin Brown would deliver. I especially loved that even though Brown is also a C.S. Lewis scholar, and Tolkien and Lewis’ lives overlapped in friendship, Brown kept this story wholly about Tolkien. To be honest, if you were not familiar with Lewis’ work (I guess it’s possible, right, snob that I am) you might not even know he was a writer by this work — everything about their friendship in this is in support of Tolkien’s talent. Honestly, I loved everything about this book. I recommend this to Tolkien fans, and I recommended it to my daughter, who needed a biography for her eighth grade English class. She is a reader herself, and, as I said before, a fan, but this was even more compelling — a good story, well-told, and also, did I mention, not very long. Perfect for a Saturday afternoon on the couch right before an afternoon nap.
When this book was offered on NetGalley, I requested it, because I live in a house of Tolkien lovers. On the scale of fans in my house, I am probably the least enthusiastic, having read only The Hobbit, and some of The Lord of the Rings. (Shhh, don’t tell them. In my house, you are required to read the book, if there is one, before seeing the movie, and I’ve seen all of the movies.) I read a good bit of it, anyway, and I did love The Hobbit, but truthfully, I got it for my husband to read. Sadly, he hasn’t gotten around to it yet, and, because I waited for him, it has been a long time since I got this copy.
Last weekend had one of those perfect, reading days — a confluence of unusual circumstances including no carpooling activities, a rainy, damp day, and plenty of time to disappear on the couch with a book. I was hardly expecting to be so engrossed in this, but I truly enjoyed it. Tolkien’s story is an amazing collection of “what ifs”, and serendipitous meetings, so many opportunities that could have been missed, so many reasons for it not to have gone the way it did. Brown tells Tolkien’s story with wit and intelligence, and gives the backstory for a man who went from complete obscurity into the author of the most beloved books of the century. Seriously, with such a tempting title, I should have known Devin Brown would deliver. I especially loved that even though Brown is also a C.S. Lewis scholar, and Tolkien and Lewis’ lives overlapped in friendship, Brown kept this story wholly about Tolkien. To be honest, if you were not familiar with Lewis’ work (I guess it’s possible, right, snob that I am) you might not even know he was a writer by this work — everything about their friendship in this is in support of Tolkien’s talent. Honestly, I loved everything about this book. I recommend this to Tolkien fans, and I recommended it to my daughter, who needed a biography for her eighth grade English class. She is a reader herself, and, as I said before, a fan, but this was even more compelling — a good story, well-told, and also, did I mention, not very long. Perfect for a Saturday afternoon on the couch right before an afternoon nap.
September 20, 2014
Disclaimer: ARC via Netgalley.
It’s hardly surprising that the success of the Lord of Rings movie trilogy and the first two Hobbit films (though why you need more than one boggles my mind) has lead to an increase in the amount of work about the great J.R. R. Tolkien.
So why read this one?
To be honest, if you have read Carpenter's work or Shippey’s, you really won’t find much new here. In fairness, that is true of must biographies. The famous story about the Hobbit review is here as is the process of writing the Rings.
But that is also the book’s strong point.
Brown focuses primary on the process of the story being written. In other words, the events and seeming coincidences are what the book is concerned with. It is not a detailed biography; it doesn’t pretend to be. It’s true that there is emphasis on Tolkien’s religious beliefs, but this wouldn’t be the first book to do so. Considering how religious Tolkien was, it isn’t surprise. The focus on the process is actually more detailed than many other looks at his work and is retold in a later enjoyable way. More detail is offered than the story of the Hobbit book review, for instance.
This book is a nice introduction to Tolkien’s life. It is more in depth then quick half an hour reads, and it does offer up quite a bit in terms of relating that life to the master’s work. If you have a young adult or someone who is new to Tolkien who wants to read a biography, this is a good one to give them. For a long time and knowledgeable Tolkien reader, while there isn’t much new, it does serve as a quickly read refresher.
.
It’s hardly surprising that the success of the Lord of Rings movie trilogy and the first two Hobbit films (though why you need more than one boggles my mind) has lead to an increase in the amount of work about the great J.R. R. Tolkien.
So why read this one?
To be honest, if you have read Carpenter's work or Shippey’s, you really won’t find much new here. In fairness, that is true of must biographies. The famous story about the Hobbit review is here as is the process of writing the Rings.
But that is also the book’s strong point.
Brown focuses primary on the process of the story being written. In other words, the events and seeming coincidences are what the book is concerned with. It is not a detailed biography; it doesn’t pretend to be. It’s true that there is emphasis on Tolkien’s religious beliefs, but this wouldn’t be the first book to do so. Considering how religious Tolkien was, it isn’t surprise. The focus on the process is actually more detailed than many other looks at his work and is retold in a later enjoyable way. More detail is offered than the story of the Hobbit book review, for instance.
This book is a nice introduction to Tolkien’s life. It is more in depth then quick half an hour reads, and it does offer up quite a bit in terms of relating that life to the master’s work. If you have a young adult or someone who is new to Tolkien who wants to read a biography, this is a good one to give them. For a long time and knowledgeable Tolkien reader, while there isn’t much new, it does serve as a quickly read refresher.
.
October 9, 2014
There’s nothing wrong with Devin Brown’s biography of J.R.R. Tolkien. It’s well written and covers the essentials. It’s just that it feels like a “CliffsNotes” version. It’s very short, shorter even than the 192 pages would imply (several pages near the end are filled with lists of trivia). It’s a pretty bare bones recounting of Tolkien’s life and his time writing “The Hobbit” and “The Lord of the Rings.”
There are already so many excellent biographies of Tolkien, not the least of which include Tom Shippey’s books and Humphrey Carpenter’s biography. Those books not only provide more detailed accounts of Tolkien’s life, but also insights into the storytelling process. All of the most insightful parts of Devin’s book came directly from those other sources.
So, what is the point of this book? I could see this being an attractive option for casual fans who want to learn more about Tolkien but don’t want to wade through the more scholarly work of Shippey or Humphrey. I think that would be a massive mistake on their part, but perhaps that’s the raison d’être. Or perhaps fans who have read Humphrey’s book could use this as a refresher.
Ultimately, I don’t feel I can give this book a low rating because it is well written and could prove useful to casual Tolkien fans. It’s just that with so many other excellent books on the subject Devin’s latest entry does nothing to excel.
[I received an advance version of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.]
There are already so many excellent biographies of Tolkien, not the least of which include Tom Shippey’s books and Humphrey Carpenter’s biography. Those books not only provide more detailed accounts of Tolkien’s life, but also insights into the storytelling process. All of the most insightful parts of Devin’s book came directly from those other sources.
So, what is the point of this book? I could see this being an attractive option for casual fans who want to learn more about Tolkien but don’t want to wade through the more scholarly work of Shippey or Humphrey. I think that would be a massive mistake on their part, but perhaps that’s the raison d’être. Or perhaps fans who have read Humphrey’s book could use this as a refresher.
Ultimately, I don’t feel I can give this book a low rating because it is well written and could prove useful to casual Tolkien fans. It’s just that with so many other excellent books on the subject Devin’s latest entry does nothing to excel.
[I received an advance version of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.]
September 17, 2014
Tolkien
Tolkien How an Obscure Oxford Professor Wrote The Hobbit and Became the Most Beloved Author of the Century
Devin BrownAbingdon Press
Abingdon Press
Pub Date Oct 21 2014
This is a brief but well written biography of Tolkien. It shows how he was able to go from an obscure Oxford Professor to one of the best loved authors of all time.
I love the way this book allows us to get a glimpse into Tolkiens life and his work. We learn The Hobbit may have been published by accident but it would become a happy accident for Fans of the Hobbit.
I would recommend that if you are a fan of Tolkien you should read this book to learn more about how he got his start.
Five out of five Stars for a well written biography
Tolkien How an Obscure Oxford Professor Wrote The Hobbit and Became the Most Beloved Author of the Century
Devin BrownAbingdon Press
Abingdon Press
Pub Date Oct 21 2014
This is a brief but well written biography of Tolkien. It shows how he was able to go from an obscure Oxford Professor to one of the best loved authors of all time.
I love the way this book allows us to get a glimpse into Tolkiens life and his work. We learn The Hobbit may have been published by accident but it would become a happy accident for Fans of the Hobbit.
I would recommend that if you are a fan of Tolkien you should read this book to learn more about how he got his start.
Five out of five Stars for a well written biography
September 15, 2014
Many thanks to Abingdon Press and Netgally for the ARC! Several reasons to like this book: 1) nice trim accounting of Tolkien's life and major influences, 2) more fuel for my ever-building Oxford wanderlust, and 3) hobbits. If I could offer a critique that echoes Tolkien's take on his own works: it seems a bit short.
November 12, 2019
In reading this book I am reminded that there are a great many people who might want to read a biography but do not want to read one that is particularly long or detailed. They may not want to know a lot of information about the author but still have a fondness for Tolkien thanks to his writing and do not want to take too much time to get at least some understanding of how it was that he became famous and how he lived his life when he wasn't writing about elves, orcs, hobbits, and the like. And this book certainly does provide some information about the providential publishing of Tolkien's works as well as just praise of C.S. Lewis for encouraging the work. One cannot help but think that there is a lot more about Tolkien that could that could have been written here that wasn't. This just isn't a very long and detailed book for all of its focus on the publishing history of the Hobbit and Lord of the Rings, and though that isn't a bad thing, it is hard to avoid wanting more from a biography of Tolkien that somehow manages to be less than 150 pages.
This book is a short one of about 150 pages or so that begins with a prologue that looks at the current popularity of Tolkien and his body of writing. This book was, perhaps unsurprisingly, published in the midst of the film trilogy of the Hobbit that showed the enduring mass appeal of Tolkien's writing to the contemporary generation. After that the author provides a three-chapter biography of Tolkien that is immensely short, beginning with Tolkien's life as a son and schoolboy examining how he was born in South Africa and was orphaned during childhood after first his father and mother died, and how he made friends with a group of other students before going to Oxford. After that the author discusses Tolkien's career as a scholar and soldier switching from Classics to English and then serving as an officer in the trenches of World War I until trench fever knocked him out of active service. After that the author discusses Tolkien's long career as a storyteller and mythmaker while also working as an Oxford professor. An epilogue follows and then there are supplementary materials included that provide curious facts of Tolkien's life and writing as well as fourteen Tolkien sites that can be visited by the interested reader, as well as suggestions of additional resources.
I suppose there are far worse things about a book than to want more form it. This book is enjoyable to read and for what it is it is certainly not bad as a first taste of biographical material about Tolkien. Obviously, someone who is a fan of Tolkien and wants to understand the context of his life is going to want a far larger biography than this one. And it is rather telling that a man who wrote long and difficult books and one of the most sprawling collections of legendaria in the entire history of epic literature would have a biography this short to discuss why it was that the series was almost never published in the first place because of Tolkien's perfectionism as well as the fact that publishers thought that there was not a huge market for his material. Obviously, as this book points out, things have changed in a big way and Tolkien regularly tops readers' lists for favorite books of all time. All of that means that there is a market for plenty of books, big and small, about Tolkien and his writing.
This book is a short one of about 150 pages or so that begins with a prologue that looks at the current popularity of Tolkien and his body of writing. This book was, perhaps unsurprisingly, published in the midst of the film trilogy of the Hobbit that showed the enduring mass appeal of Tolkien's writing to the contemporary generation. After that the author provides a three-chapter biography of Tolkien that is immensely short, beginning with Tolkien's life as a son and schoolboy examining how he was born in South Africa and was orphaned during childhood after first his father and mother died, and how he made friends with a group of other students before going to Oxford. After that the author discusses Tolkien's career as a scholar and soldier switching from Classics to English and then serving as an officer in the trenches of World War I until trench fever knocked him out of active service. After that the author discusses Tolkien's long career as a storyteller and mythmaker while also working as an Oxford professor. An epilogue follows and then there are supplementary materials included that provide curious facts of Tolkien's life and writing as well as fourteen Tolkien sites that can be visited by the interested reader, as well as suggestions of additional resources.
I suppose there are far worse things about a book than to want more form it. This book is enjoyable to read and for what it is it is certainly not bad as a first taste of biographical material about Tolkien. Obviously, someone who is a fan of Tolkien and wants to understand the context of his life is going to want a far larger biography than this one. And it is rather telling that a man who wrote long and difficult books and one of the most sprawling collections of legendaria in the entire history of epic literature would have a biography this short to discuss why it was that the series was almost never published in the first place because of Tolkien's perfectionism as well as the fact that publishers thought that there was not a huge market for his material. Obviously, as this book points out, things have changed in a big way and Tolkien regularly tops readers' lists for favorite books of all time. All of that means that there is a market for plenty of books, big and small, about Tolkien and his writing.
April 7, 2020
читаю я дуже повільно, але цю знямкала за кілька днів, бо вона чудовезна)
єдине, що у книзі абсолютно безглуздими здались останні розділи, як от "цікаві факти з життя та творчості толкіна" та "чотирнадцять місць, пов'язаних з толкіном", бо це ж просто стислий переказ всього, що було згадано раніше, і неодноразово.
окрім цієї дурниці, (на мій погляд), книга абсолютно прекрасна. з тих, які нагадують, аби ти сам не здавався, й продовжував рухатись вперед, нехай навіть маленькими крочками.
дивовижно, як деякі батьки, що мають своє видавництво, довіряють вибір книг для друку своїм дітям, навіть якщо це може обернутись відчутними втратами.
тішить погляд на буття людей того часу.
вражає, як людина, що втратила батька у 4 роки, а матір у 12-ть - виросте в такого відкритого та щирого науковця, який все життя віритиме у вогонь людського серця й велич прадавніх історій.
традиційно, трішки улюблених моментів:
• йому було 24, їй - 27, і вони знали одне одного вісім років. щоправда, три з цих восьми років вони не підтримували зв'язку [через заборону прийомного батька], і навіть після возз'єднання проводили разом відносно мало часу. під час навчання Толкіна в Оксфорді Едіт бачилася зі своїм майбутнім чоловіком лише між семестрами та час від часу на вихідних. (..)
• як і багато представників того покоління, яке пережило бійню Першої світової, Толкін говоритиме про свій досвід доволі мало. (..)
<до 1918 року усі мої близькі друзі, окрім одного, були мертві>
• (..) заснувати Лідський клуб вікінгів - неформальну організацію, присвячену співу та зачитуванню давньоісландських саг, а також чималою мірою питтю пива та веселощам, коли члени клубу цитували оригінальні пісні а поеми, деякі серйозні, але багато комічних, староанглійською, готською, давньоісландською та іншими зниклими германськими мовами.
• лише у свій другий рік роботи Толкін дав 136 занять або лекцій, на сто більше, ніж вимагали його посадові обов'язки. (..) заохочувати ентузіазм серед студентів було легко, тому що Толкін і сам з ентузіазмом ставився до предметів, які викладав, ще відтоді як був хлопчиком.
• <довгий час він був моїм єдиним читачем> (..)
можна впевнено сказати, що без Люїсового заохочення не було б "Володаря перснів", бо коли у Толкіна пропадало бажання писати і він зупинявся, Люїс завжди був поруч, наполягаючи на продовженні. (Люїс, що творець Нарнії)
• (..) Толкін написав до Стенлі Анвіна, що продовження тепер має три розділи, але ненавмисно змінило напрямок і вийшло з-під контролю :D
(..) затримка у завершенні твору була здебільшого викликана періекціонізмом самого Толкіна: саме через цю рису його епос рухався до завершення вкрай повільно, оскільки кожен розділ він повністю переписував щонайменше двічі (..). 29 липня 1954 року, незважаючи на усі затримки та перешкоди, "Братство персня" було видано. минуло майєе 17 років відтоді, як він почав працювати над цим так званим продовженням, коли йому було сорок п'ять. тепер йому виповнилось шістдесят два.
єдине, що у книзі абсолютно безглуздими здались останні розділи, як от "цікаві факти з життя та творчості толкіна" та "чотирнадцять місць, пов'язаних з толкіном", бо це ж просто стислий переказ всього, що було згадано раніше, і неодноразово.
окрім цієї дурниці, (на мій погляд), книга абсолютно прекрасна. з тих, які нагадують, аби ти сам не здавався, й продовжував рухатись вперед, нехай навіть маленькими крочками.
дивовижно, як деякі батьки, що мають своє видавництво, довіряють вибір книг для друку своїм дітям, навіть якщо це може обернутись відчутними втратами.
тішить погляд на буття людей того часу.
вражає, як людина, що втратила батька у 4 роки, а матір у 12-ть - виросте в такого відкритого та щирого науковця, який все життя віритиме у вогонь людського серця й велич прадавніх історій.
традиційно, трішки улюблених моментів:
• йому було 24, їй - 27, і вони знали одне одного вісім років. щоправда, три з цих восьми років вони не підтримували зв'язку [через заборону прийомного батька], і навіть після возз'єднання проводили разом відносно мало часу. під час навчання Толкіна в Оксфорді Едіт бачилася зі своїм майбутнім чоловіком лише між семестрами та час від часу на вихідних. (..)
• як і багато представників того покоління, яке пережило бійню Першої світової, Толкін говоритиме про свій досвід доволі мало. (..)
<до 1918 року усі мої близькі друзі, окрім одного, були мертві>
• (..) заснувати Лідський клуб вікінгів - неформальну організацію, присвячену співу та зачитуванню давньоісландських саг, а також чималою мірою питтю пива та веселощам, коли члени клубу цитували оригінальні пісні а поеми, деякі серйозні, але багато комічних, староанглійською, готською, давньоісландською та іншими зниклими германськими мовами.
• лише у свій другий рік роботи Толкін дав 136 занять або лекцій, на сто більше, ніж вимагали його посадові обов'язки. (..) заохочувати ентузіазм серед студентів було легко, тому що Толкін і сам з ентузіазмом ставився до предметів, які викладав, ще відтоді як був хлопчиком.
• <довгий час він був моїм єдиним читачем> (..)
можна впевнено сказати, що без Люїсового заохочення не було б "Володаря перснів", бо коли у Толкіна пропадало бажання писати і він зупинявся, Люїс завжди був поруч, наполягаючи на продовженні. (Люїс, що творець Нарнії)
• (..) Толкін написав до Стенлі Анвіна, що продовження тепер має три розділи, але ненавмисно змінило напрямок і вийшло з-під контролю :D
(..) затримка у завершенні твору була здебільшого викликана періекціонізмом самого Толкіна: саме через цю рису його епос рухався до завершення вкрай повільно, оскільки кожен розділ він повністю переписував щонайменше двічі (..). 29 липня 1954 року, незважаючи на усі затримки та перешкоди, "Братство персня" було видано. минуло майєе 17 років відтоді, як він почав працювати над цим так званим продовженням, коли йому було сорок п'ять. тепер йому виповнилось шістдесят два.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 28, 2018
Devin Brown presents a quick, 5 minutes guide to Tolkien's life, beginning with his birth, while focusing mainly on his years at Oxford, and his time with Allen and Unwin Publishers. Some complained that the work did a poor job of probing into Tolkien's personal life, but it isn't meant to be a long, draw out examination of the man. I see it as an easy, enjoyable entrance into John Tolkien's history, and I think Brown does his job well.
April 28, 2024
This is an easy to read biography on Tolkien's remarkable and literary life! Tolkien was a man of genius, and is rightly so-called the father of fantasy. I think what attracts readers to both The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings is simply the fact that the characters are lovable and they all have problems to deal with. Also, the Catholicism undertones in both of the stories is captivating!
October 12, 2020
A brief but terrific description of Tolkien's life, and how The Hobbit, and The Lord of the Rings came to be published. I could have read twice the length. This book is also written with great affection and emotion for Tolkien.
September 24, 2022
Як би сказав сам Толкін: "Ця книжка є занадто короткою". Написано легко, цікаво, але хочеться більше.
Окремо хочеться зазначити просто мерзенну вичитку: "дзеркало Галадріеля", "Галадріел" (ага, це ж чувак, канєшна), "Мордон", "Токлін". Ой всьо.
Окремо хочеться зазначити просто мерзенну вичитку: "дзеркало Галадріеля", "Галадріел" (ага, це ж чувак, канєшна), "Мордон", "Токлін". Ой всьо.
April 28, 2025
I found this book to be a quick, inspiring read. I leaned so many new things about Tolkien, his life and his career. The author did a great job of sharing things that can inspire others and keeping it true to Tolkiens life. Highly recommend
December 3, 2018
Very thorough and interesting account of Tolkien's life and traces of how his life experiences contributes to his great literature success.
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