Daniel Grotta: JRR Tolkien: Architect of Middle Earth

By MARGIE THOMSON

First published in 1976, this highly accessible, enjoyable biography successfully reveals much about the man behind the cult figure and, with its full-page mythical illustrations by the Hildebrant brothers, is also extremely beautiful (although if you want photos of the great man and his family and friends you must go elsewhere).

Born in South Africa, Tolkien came to England as a 3-year-old to live in a green, idyllic spot outside Birmingham that was the inspiration for the Shire (it's gone now, swallowed up by a changing world that Tolkien lamented in person and in fiction). He was orphaned young, and brought up by a Catholic priest before fighting in the horrific trenches of the First World War. He lived most of his adult life as an Oxford scholar and, while embarrassed by success, nevertheless wanted it. Ironically, The Lord of the Rings was rejected by publishers several times before being published by Allen and Unwin in 1954-55. Despite sad events, Tolkien lived a generally happy life, adored tobacco, mumbled incoherently and never lived ostentatiously, although he loved good clothes. He also loved peace and quiet and the comfortable life at home.

Some of this sounds distinctly hobbit-like, and indeed Tolkien once said, rather endearingly, "I am in fact a hobbit in all but size."

Running Press

$49.95