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J. R. R. Tolkien

The Making of a Legend

by Colin Duriez

  • Paperback
  • 240 pages
  • Publisher: Lion Hudson
  • 12.7 x 19.4 x 1.6 cm

£8.79

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This essential addition to your Tolkein bookshelf takes you on a journey of discovery through the life of a literary master-craftsman, and exlpores the connection between his faith and the world he created for 'The Hobbit' and 'The Lord of The Rings'. J.R.R. Tolkien has a reputation in the world of both Christian and commerecial literature as the undisputed champion of the fantasy genre through his creation of the world of world of Middle Earth. This book to commemorate a significant anniversary is a milestone reassessment of how everything falls into place when you understand the man himself through this fascinating new biography.

Reasons to buy or give 'J.R.R Tolkien: Making of a Legend'

• Fascinating life story of the creator of 'Lord of the Rings' and the world of 'Middle Earth'
• Essential reading for Tolkien fans - especially Christian readers of his work
• Learn how his life events and fatih influenced his writing
• Answer the most puzzling questions of the connection between his beliefs and his work
• Gain a deeper understanding of the elements of faith that shine through his stories
• Engage more meaningfully with nonChristians about the films and books and faith
• Give a gift to Tolkein fans and open a door to conversation about life and faith

More about J.R.R Tolkien: Making of a Legend

Even before ‘The Lord of the Rings Trilogy’ movies, directed by Peter Jackson, the books have been read over and over by millions of avid fans. Colin Duriez, the Tolkien expert, has documented every influence and inspiration that contributed to the making of the legend. Inside the book you will read all you want to know about the author, in particular:

• his troubled childhood,
• his friendships,
• his scholarly life,
• his faith,
• his many inspirations,
• his forbidden love,
• his love for European History,
• his experience in the First World War

Staying respectful throughout, this unique biography will open your eyes to a life that has inspired generations. A must-get present for any Tolkien fan, this highly recommended book is the key to unlocking the wonders of Middle Earth.

Drawing on many years of fruitful scholarship, Colin Duriez has become the literary companion to Tolkien’s life and works. Having commentated on numerous shows, including BBC’s ‘The World of Fantasy’ and on the extended edition of ‘The Lord of the Rings’ DVD, he has proved his worth as Tolkien's biographer. He is also the author of ‘The Inkling Handbook’, ‘J.R.R. Tolkien and C.S. Lewis: The Story of their Friendship’ and ‘Tolkien and The Lord of the Rings’.

J. R. R. Tolkien and C. S. Lewis
C. S. LewisJ. R. R. Tolkien

  • Author

    Colin Duriez

  • Book Format

    Paperback

  • Publisher

    Lion Hudson

  • Published

    October 2012

  • Weight

    259g

  • Page Count

    240

  • Dimensions

    12.7 x 19.4 x 1.6 cm

  • ISBN

    9780745955148

  • ISBN-10

    0745955142

  • Eden Code

    4037491

Featured in

'The life and work of J.R.R. Tolkien has inspired readers, followers, and fans since the middle of the last century. Avid interest in the brilliant mind of a literary genius, whose legacy has proved lasting, has led to a number of biographies being compiled. The first of these biographies was compiled in the 1970s, but since then much more of Tolkien's life and work has been revealed. Colin Duriez is a Tolkien enthusiast who has studied the author's life in much detail, now presented in this comprehensive new work 'J. R. R. Tolkien: The Making of a Legend'.
Ever wanted insight into the mind and person behind ‘The Lord of the Rings’ and the history of ‘Middle Earth’? In this biography Colin Duriez shares his expertise, giving a detail account of the life of J.R.R. Tolkien. Reading through 240 pages of biographical material requires focus, but it’s a thrilling tale of a life that was really quite unique. Tolkien’s story of African beginnings, English sufferings, trench misery and scholarly brilliance is sure to inform and enthrall. I recommend that you read this biography of J.R.R. Tolkien, because the enthusiasm and wit of the biographer is present on every page.

Long before the successful "The Lord of the Rings" films, J.R.R. Tolkien's creations, imagination, and characters had captured the attention of millions of readers. But who was the man who dreamt up the intricate languages and perfectly crafted world of Middle-earth?

Tolkien had a difficult life for many years. Orphaned and poor, his guardian forbade him to communicate with the woman he had fallen in love with, and then he went through the horrors of the First World War. An intensely private and brilliant scholar, he spent over fifty years working on the languages, history, people and geography of Middle-earth. With a consistent mythology and body of legends inspired by a formidable knowledge of early northern European history and culture, J. R. R. Tolkien became a legend by creating an imaginary world that has enthralled and delighted generations.

This delightful and accessible biography brings him to life. Colin Duriez has appeared as a commentator on DVDs of Peter Jackson's "The Lord of the Rings", and BBC television's "The Worlds of Fantasy". He is also the author of "The Inklings Handbook" (with the late David Porter), "J. R. R. Tolkien and C. S.Lewis: The Story of Their Friendship", and "Tolkien and The Lord of the Rings", and has contributed to definitive reference works, "The Tolkien Encyclopedia" and a number of other tomes relating to Tolkien.

Colin Duriez has appeared as a commentator on extended DVD's of Peter Jackson's 'The Lord of the Rings', BBC television's 'The World of Fantasy'. He is also the author of 'The Inklings Handbook' (with the late David Porter), 'J. R. R. Tolkien and C.S. Lewis: The Story of their Friendship', and 'Tolkien and The Lord of the Rings', and has contributed to definitive reference works, 'The Tolkien Encyclopedia' and a number of other tomes relating to J.R.R. Tolkien.

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  • TGBS

    The Good Book Stall

    Average rating of0.0

    This was a beautifully gentle biography of an incredibly well known fantasy writer and scholar, and indeed it could almost be said that there was a story-like feel to this wonderful retelling of Tolkien's life from cradle to grave. I rather suspect that may well have been the intent too given the subtitle of the book, The Making of a Legend, and if so then full credit must be given to Colin Duriez for this. I can heartily recommend this book to anyone new to Tolkien's work that wants to find out more about the man himself. Here we have a well written and engaging work that, though factual, is not laboured or academic in tone, something which can occassionally happen with many biographies of such esteemed authors like Tolkien. Instead this book sets the tone and balance of sharing the insights of his life around his work, of opening up the balance of real person and author in equal measure so we see how the work reflects the artist and is in turn reflected back. There was nothing new in this book I had not read of Tolkien before, but there was a wonderful measured pace that made me truly enjoy reading about him and coming to know him all over again. One for any Tolkien fan and especially the newer ones.

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