Tolkien: A Biography

by Michael White

Book Overview

This biography recounts Tolkien's early childhood in South Africa followed by his family's return to England after his banker father's death. The Tolkiens settled in the highly industrialized city of... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0451212428
• ISBN13: 9780451212429
• Release Date: November 2003
• Publisher: Berkley / Nal
• Length: 304 Pages
• Weight: 0.60 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.7" x 5.3" x 8.0"
• Age Range: 18 years and up
• Grade Range: Postsecondary and higher

Customer Reviews

The man behind Middle Earth

Over 100 million copies of the Lord of the Rings and 60 million copies of the Hobbit have been sold around the world. Each of these books have been translated into 30 languages including Serbo-Croat, Icelandic, Hebrew and Russian. Tolkien's works were a major component of 1960's hippie culture, and hundreds of Tolkien societies have flourished all over the world. With the release of the smash hit Lord of the Rings movie series, a new wave of Tolkienmania has swept the world, and a welcome development too. With the blurring of moral values we have seen in recent years, we need an influence that makes the distinction between good and evil, that shows that the forces of evil threatening the free world, do not have to win. In this work, Michael White delves into hte life of the creator of Middle Earth, his birth in Bloemfontein, South Africa, the idyllic childhood in Sarehole, England ,and his mother's conversion to Catholic Church, and the tragic early death of his parents. Tolkien's Catholic faith would be a major part of his entire life. The book covers the development of Tolkien's thought and literary tastes, his romance with Edith Bratt, who was to be his wife for over 50 years, his action in the British Army during the First World War, and his academic career, his long years as an Oxford Don and Professor of Anglo-Saxon. It also covers the process behind the creation of Tolkien's most famous works, the Hobbit, the Lord of the Rings and the Silmarillion, and his lifelong creation, the world of Middle Earth and the Undying Lands. It also tells of his membership of the club the Inklings, which met for many years, in the pub, the Eagle and Child. The book tells much of Tolkien's character and of the acclaim and criticism of Tolkien's work, including the recent malicious libel against 'Tolkien the racist', 'Tolkien the sexist' and 'Tolkien the fascist' , by narrow minded politically correct bigots. Ultimately the massive following of Tolkien's works and the spin-offs they have inspired, speak for themselves. Long live the spirit of JRR Tolkien.

interesting

I thought the book, being short, was well done. I'm not a tolkien, the man, fan, myself, I just like the books he wrote. It was short enough to keep me interested and didn't go into tolkien worship. He was a man just like any of us. White didn't go into intense depth like some of the other authors, who border on tolkien worship. This book is for those who want to skim his life, his associations, like C.S. Lewis, his wife, etc., to see who he really is really quickly and go on. The few supposed 'errors' as some other reviewers put it, are completely outweighed by the many facts put forth by the author that paint the picture as it is done in other works, but at 30,000 feet. Like I said before if you want more depth and concise tolkien history go to some other book.

Quick down and dirty on Tolkien

Have you read and re-read LOTR over the years, purchased all of the movies but don't know much about JRR Tolkien's background and personal life? If so, then this book may be the ticket. It's not a big biography and can actually be read in a day or two. But what a wealth of info and personal tidbits! 1) Tolkien was a devoted father of four. But he had some personal baggage. For example he had a somewhat rocky relationship with his wife. After teaching all day and grading papers, he hung out at the local pub with C.S. Lewis and crew to drink brewskis after work. Tolkien did however spend a lot of time with his kids and he was a doting father of four..one wonders where he found the time to write. Apparently, he would work after everyone was asleep (10 pm) and then delve into his writing until around 2 am! An increadible schedule which seems to be a typical success pattern for achievers. They always seem to find the time. 2) His relationship with C.S. Lewis was strained after 20 years which by then they scarcely aknowledged one another. Tolkien was both jealous and resentful of CS Lewis. For example, Tolkien hated "the Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe". But the Inklings in the 50's was where he got his muse.3) Tolkien was a strict Roman Catholic...he hated the Church of England and didn't exactly have a lot of tolerance for non-catholics. He was a man of his times..very conservative and opinionated.4) The section on his war experience is pretty good too. Many people are not aware that Tolkien served in WWI trenches.Overall, this biography is a wealth of info on J.R.R. Tolkien and a real eye-opener. I highly recommend it to Tolkien lovers.

Short and concise

I read this book in just one day, wanting to know more about Tolkien. The chapters are all interestig. The author spent a great time going about his most famous book, The Lord Of The Rings. Altough White clearly loves Tolkien's writing, he does not worship him, and manages to produce well balanced commentaries.

Skye Rockets

I'm a major Tolkien fan, thanks to my dad, and I thought reading this book would be a great way to learn more about Tolkien's life and what influenced his writing and ideas. It started off as a great read, until I got to the end of page 86, where it suddenly skipped to page 119!!!!!!!!!!! The middle of chapter five turns into the middle of chapter 7. I bought the book at a Borders bookstore in Michigan and I have already gone back and placed an ordered for another copy, but I am hoping other copies are not missing pages. I did enjoy reading this book because the author delves deep into Tolkien's life to give the reader all aspects. I recommend this book to any Tolkien fan. Hopefully, I will get another copy soon!!