num_pages: 347
description: The definitive critical study of Tolkien’s greatest works by the respected and world renowned Tolkien scholar Professor T.A. Shippey.Following the unprecedented and universal acclaim for The Lord of the Rings, the respected academic and world-renowned Tolkien scholar, Professor Tom Shippey, presents us with a fascinating and informed companion to the world of J.R.R. Tolkien, in particular focusing on The Hobbit, The Lord of the Rings and The Silmarillion.Written in a clear and accessible style, J.R.R. Tolkien: Author of the Century reveals why all of these books will be timeless, and shows how even such complex works as The Silmarillion can be read enjoyably. Taking issue with the uninformed criticism that has often been levelled at Tolkien and fantasy in general, Professor Shippey offers a new approach to Tolkien, to fantasy and to the importance of language in literature, and demonstrates how his books form part of a live and continuing tradition of storytelling that can trace its roots back through Grimm's Fairy Tales to The Elder Edda and Beowulf.
language: English
title: J.R.R. Tolkien: Author of the Century
titlecomplete: J.R.R. Tolkien: Author of the Century
genres: Writing, Biography, Books About Books, British Literature, Nonfiction, Literature, Biography Memoir, Criticism, History, Literary Criticism
ratings_count: 5490
awards: awardedAt: 1483257600000
name: Grand Prix de l'Imaginaire
category: prix spécial du jury, awardedAt: 978336000000
name: Mythopoeic Scholarship Award
category: Inklings Studies
publisher: HarperCollins Publishers