J. R. R. Tolkien: Architect of Middle Earth: A Biography by Daniel Grotta

From Barnes & Noble

One of this century's most beloved and enigmatic writers, J.R.R. Tolkien lived most of his life in a cloistered academic community, politely protesting that his elaborate, highly imaginative stories had no "inner meanings," and somewhat embarrassed by both the success of The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings and the cult that grew around them. This biography illuminates the secret corners of Tolkien's life, showing how his traumatic childhood and his experiences in the trenches during WWI helped to fuel the fertile imagination that created such wondrous tales. 9" x 10". Color illus.

From the Publisher

J. R. R. Tolkien is one of the most beloved and enigmatic writers of the twentieth century, yet surprisingly little is known about the personal life of the author of The Hobbit and Lord of the Rings. After a traumatic childhood, Tolkien experienced the bloody trenches of World War I, then lived most of his life as an Oxford scholar in a cloistered academic community. In this fascinating illustrated biography, author Daniel Grotta examines how much of Tolkien's personal experience fired his incredible imagination and led to the creation of Middle-earth and its inhabitants.

Library Journal

With the feature film version of The Two Towers making Star Wars-size box office bucks, anything related to Tolkien is as hot as the Crack of Doom. While Humphrey Carpenter's portrait of the writer is still considered the standard, readers not requiring as much detail would find this 1992 volume more suitable. This release also features gorgeous cover art by the Brothers Hildebrandt. Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information.

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