Book description
The definitive critical study of Tolkien's greatest works by the
respected and world renowned Tolkien scholar Professor T. A. Shippey.
Following the unprecedented and universal acclaim for The Lord of the
Rings, the respected academic and world-renowned Tolkien scholar,
Professor Tom Shippey, presents us with a fascinating and informed
companion to the world of J. R.R. Tolkien, in particular focusing on The
Hobbit, The Lord of the Rings and The Silmarillion.
Written in a clear and accessible style, Tolkien: Author of the Century
reveals why all of these books will be timeless, and shows how even such
complex works as The Silmarillion can be read enjoyably. Taking issue
with the uninformed criticism that has often been levelled at Tolkien
and fantasy in general, Professor Shippey offers a new approach to
Tolkien, to fantasy and to the importance of language in literature, and
demonstrates how his books form part of a live and continuing tradition
of storytelling that can trace its roots back through Grimm's Fairy
Tales to the Elder Edda and Beowulf.
Note that it has not been possible to include the same picture content
that appeared in the original print version. 'Shippey's exploration of
Tolkien's themes, especially the nature of evil, is superb' Independent
'A timely, erudite and eminently readable book' Evening Standard
'Shippey's research seems limitless. He writes with unusual clarity and
presents his arguments well' Sunday Times
'Scholarly and thorough examination of Tolkien's work…a definitive
study' Catholic Herald Professor Tom Shippey taught at Oxford,
overlapping chronologically with Professor Tolkien and teaching the same
syllabus, giving him an intimate familiarity with the poems and the
languages which formed the main stimulus to Tolkien's imagination. He
subsequently held the same Chair of English Language and Medieval
Literature at Leeds University which Tolkien held early in his career,
and currently holds the Walter J. Ong Chair of Humanities at Saint Louis
University, USA.
