This richly illustrated book explores the huge creative endeavour behind Tolkien`s enduring popularity. Lavishly illustrated with over 300 images of his manuscripts, drawings, maps & letters, the book traces the creative process behind his most famous literary works
- The Hobbit, The Lord of the Rings & The Silmarillion & reproduces personal photographs & private papers (some of which have never been seen before in print). Tolkien drew on his deep knowledge of medieval literature & language to inform his literary imagination. Six introductory essays cover some of the main themes in Tolkien`s life & work including the influence of northern languages & legends on the creation of his own legendarium; his concept of ` Faerie` as a literary construct; the central importance of his invented languages in his fantasy writing; his visual imagination & its emergence in his artwork; & the encouragement he derived from the literary group known as the Inklings. This book brings together the largest collection of original Tolkien material ever assembled in a single volume. Drawing on the archives of the Tolkien collections at the Bodleian Libraries, Oxford, & Marquette University, Milwaukee, as well as private collections, this exquisitely produced catalogue draws together the worlds of J.R.R. Tolkien
- scholarly, literary, creative & domestic
- offering a rich & detailed understanding & appreciation of this extraordinary author.