Tree of Tales: Tolkien, Literature, and Theology

by Trevor A. Hart (Editor), Ivan Khovacs (Editor)

This work examines the theological relationship between creation and creativity in the works of J.R.R. Tolkien. It does so by bringing together a synthesis of various disciplines and perspectives to the creativity of J.R.R. Tolkien. Hart and Khovacs provide a fresh reading of these important themes in Tolkien, and the result captures the multi-faceted nature of Tolkien's own vivid theology and literary imagination.

Genres: Nonfiction

144 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2007

Reviews

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

A generally readable and interesting collection of essays centering on the work of J.R.R. Tolkien. Several were excellent, a few left me closer to skimming. Overall worth the read - I found it very informative and engaging.

[Jeremy]

Read some or all of Wood's article, probably in Fall 2012. Read Johnson's article on June 13, 2014. Free copy here.

[Kris]

Footnoted by McGrath.

[Sem · Rating 3 out of 5]

One or two weak essays and one or two that meandered somewhat but, on the whole, a solid collection.

[Amanda Witt · Rating 3 out of 5]

A bit hard in parts as one needs to know Tolkien's works a bit better. This book is seven people's views of how Tolkien saw the world and wrote his stories.

[Leslie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Tree of Tales is a collection of papers given at a symposium held to mark the 65th anniversary of Tolkien's Andrew Lang Lecture at the University of St. Andrews, a lecture that was later published as the classic essay "On Fairy Stories." The papers discuss Tolkien's Catholicism and its relationship to the world of Middle Earth; his theory of "sub-creation"; the importance (and impending loss) of the literary foundation, particularly the Bible, that is necessary to understanding so much classic literature; and the (possibly unavoidable) failures of the film version of LOTR to convey his full vision. As with any collection, the quality and interest (at least for this reader) varies, but for the most part I found them very enlightening.

[Adam Shaeffer · Rating 4 out of 5]

As with any essay collection, there are standouts and others that are lacking. This collection is good overall and the standouts for me were without doubt those from Trevor Hart, Loren Wilkinson, and Ralph Wood. These three especially are well worth reading though the others also provide good food for thought.

[R. Fox · Rating 3 out of 5]

A decent introduction to the subject matter from an academic perspective.

[Leaflet · Rating 4 out of 5]

Several good essays in this collection. I think it's time for me to re-read Tolkien again.

[Jenny · Rating 3 out of 5]

*3.5 Stars*

[Melody Schwarting · Rating 4 out of 5]

A helpful, short, collection of essays on Tolkien. Some were stronger than others (I found Loren Wilkinson’s essay on “Tolkien and the Surrendering of Power” particularly wonderful), but I didn’t feel that the seven authors fit well together. The varied lengths and depths of their essays was jarring. Overall, though, there are fresh insights that make it work a look-through.