Book description
Amazing & Extraordinary Facts: J. R.R. Tolkien is the
authoritative collection of the man behind Middle-earth, and his
remarkably detailed imaginative world of Hobbits and
Elves.
Though undoubtedly an academic, there was much more to J.
R.R. Tolkien. He was 'kidnapped' as a baby in South Africa, orphaned,
and mentally scarred from the bloody Battle of the Somme of World War
I. and preferred ordinary family life and seaside holidays to his
later celebrity. His major book, The Lord of the Rings, one of the
most popular and successful stories of our time, was expected by its
doubting publisher to make a big loss.
From ordinary places that
inspired Tolkien, to imaginary creatures or settings, or from his
world of scholarship to the faith that sustained him, wherever you go,
you will be certain to find clues and insights that explores all
aspects of the incredible Tolkein phenomenon.
Colin Duriez writes books, edits and lectures. He has appeared
as a commentator on extended version film DVDs of Peter Jackson's The
Lord of the Rings, BBC's The Worlds of Fantasy, the bonus DVD for
Focus on the Family Radio Theatre's audio dramatisation of The
Screwtape Letters (which has Andy Serkis as Screwtape), and the Sony
DVD Ringers about Tolkien fandom and the impact of Tolkien on popular
culture. His books include J. R. R. Tolkien and C. S. Lewis: The
Story of Their Friendship, Tolkien and The Lord of the Rings. As
well as being a long-time member of The Tolkien Society he has had an
important role in Festival in the Shire. Colin lives in the Lake District.
