Name: The Road to Middle-earth: How J. R. R. Tolkien created a new mythology
SKU: 9780261102750
Price: 10.99 GBP
Availability: InStock

The Road to Middle-earth: How J. R. R. Tolkien created a new mythology

£10.99

SHIPPEY, TOM

Product Details

ISBN: 9780261102750

Author: SHIPPEY, TOM

Pages: 432

A detailed and fascinating journey to the roots of The Lord of the Rings, by award-winning Tolkien expert Professor Tom Shippey.

Overview

The Road to Middle-earth is a fascinating and accessible exploration of J.R.R. Tolkien’s creativity and the sources of his inspiration. Tom Shippey delves into how Tolkien’s professional background led him to write The Hobbit, creating a work of timeless charm for millions of readers.

Key Features:

Exploration of Tolkien’s Mythology:
Shippey discusses the contributions of The Silmarillion and Unfinished Tales to Tolkien’s great myth-cycle, showing how these more ‘complex’ works can be read enjoyably and seriously by readers familiar with his earlier books.
Insight into the Creative Process:
Examines the remarkable 12-volume History of Middle-earth by Tolkien’s son and literary heir, Christopher Tolkien, which traces the creative and technical processes through which Middle-earth evolved.
Focus on The Lord of the Rings:
Concentrates on The Lord of the Rings as:
- A linguistic and cultural map.
- A twisted web of a story.
- A response to the inner meaning of myth and poetry.

Literary Tradition and Critique

By following Tolkien’s obsessions – the poetry of languages and myth – The Road to Middle-earth reveals how works like Beowulf, The Lord of the Rings, Grimm’s Fairy Tales, the Elder Edda, and many others form part of a live and continuing tradition of literature. Shippey challenges many basic premises of orthodox criticism, offering a fresh perspective on Tolkien, fantasy, and the importance of language in literature.

Revised and Expanded Edition

This new edition includes:

Revisions and expansions to the original text.
A previously unpublished, lengthy analysis of Peter Jackson’s film adaptations and their impact on Tolkien’s work.

Whether you are a dedicated fan of Tolkien’s works or a newcomer to Middle-earth, The Road to Middle-earth offers unparalleled insights into the mind and creativity of one of the greatest authors of the 20th century.

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