The Monsters and the Critics

A Complete Collection of Tolkien’s Essays

This collection brings together seven essays by J.R.R. Tolkien, spanning nearly three decades—from six years before the publication of The Hobbit to five years after The Lord of the Rings. These essays, with one exception, were originally delivered as general lectures on specific occasions. While they are deeply rooted in Tolkien’s work in medieval literature, they remain accessible to all readers.

Key Highlights of the Collection:

• Beowulf Essays: Includes two essays on Beowulf, including the renowned lecture that provides the title for this book.
• Sir Gawain and the Green Knight: Features a lecture given at the University of Glasgow in 1953.
• English and Welsh: A lecture exploring the relationship between the two languages.
• Invented Languages: A 1931 paper discussing Tolkien’s passion for invented languages, supported by examples from his Elvish poems.
• On Fairy-Stories: Perhaps the most famous essay in this collection, this piece delves into the nature of fairy tales and fantasy, offering valuable insight into Tolkien’s approach to the genre.
• Valedictory Address: Tolkien’s farewell address to the University of Oxford in 1959.

These essays provide a fascinating glimpse into Tolkien’s academic and creative mind. The collection begins with a unique lecture on his invention, titled A Secret Vice, and concludes with his final address as a professor, marking the end of an era in his career.