An Unexpected Journal: The Worlds of Tolkien: Explore the imagination and joy in the worlds created by J.R.R. Tolkien

by C.M. Alvarez, Donald W. Catchings Jr., Donald T. Williams

J.R.R. Tolkien was the British author who fired the imagination of a generation with his beloved The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings. In this collection of essays, short stories, and poems, we explore the magic of Tolkien’s works that defined high fantasy and illustrate the underlying Christian themes that are so essential to the joy his work brings. C.M. "Melchizedek, Bombadil, and the Numinous in The Lord of the Rings, " an essay on the parallels between the mysterious figures found in the Bible and The Lord of the Rings and what they represent. Donald W. Catchings, "The Hero from Bagshot Row," a poem dedicated to the heroism of Sam in The Lord of the Rings . Annie "Courage at the Crossroads" on how the journey of the Fellowship illustrates the truth of the Gospel message. S. "The Common Good in Tolkien's Rural Communities," an essay on the importance of community drawing from illustrations in The Lord of the Rings by Tolkien and In Search of the Common Christian Fidelity in a Fractured World by Jake Meador. Karise "One Theme to Rule Them All," an essay on a collection of Catholic essays in Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings . Korine "Awakening Joy," an essay on the Christ-inspired joy which infuses The Lord of the Rings Seth "Tolkien and Princess Mononoke and The Lord of the Rings in Conversation," an essay on the fight against evil in The Lord of the Rings by Tolkien and the animated film, Princess Mononoke . Annie "Finishing Well," an essay on purpose as illustrated in "Leaf by Niggle;" "The Finished Work," a sonnet based on "Leaf by Niggle;" and "A Passage to Something Better," an essay on death in The Lord of the Rings. Josiah "Supernatural Words" on the importance of language in the creation of Tolkien's Middle-earth. George "Melkor and Illuvatar" on the Christian hope in The Silmarillion . Zak "The Beauty of a Growing Friendship," an essay on the importance of fellowship and community illustrated in The Lord of the Rings and a book review on An Encouraging Thought Clark "Tom The Value of an Enigma," an essay on the importance of mystery. Donald T. "Loth Lorien" and "To J.R.R. Tolkien, poems inspired by Tolkien's work. An Unexpected Journal is a quarterly publication that presents the truth of Christianity using reason and imagination. Spring 2020, Volume 3, Issue 1

228 pages, Paperback

Published March 3, 2020

Reviews

[Amy Black · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely outstanding contribution to the discussion of Tolkien’s works from an apologetic angle. Amongst the most significant thoughts I’ve ever encountered on the topic. My favourite essays were the first one “Supernatural Words”, “Awakening Joy” and “A Passage to Something Better”… also there were significant thoughts in the Catholic perspective about lembas or waybread being connected to communion- communion strengthens us on our way as lembas did for Frodo and Sam to sustain them and strengthen on their journey. Outstanding read, one of my favourites of all time!