| The Lord of the Rings
by J.R.R. Tolkien |
|
Few books have enjoyed as much international and long lasting popularity
as J.R.R. Tolkien's
The Lord of the Rings, a three volume epic that traces the adventures
of hobbits, elves, dwarfs, wizards and men and their quest to destroy an all powerful ring.
Tolkien, who was a Professor of
Anglo-Saxon languages at the University of Oxford, specializing
in Old and Middle English, began writing his epic after the publication in 1938 of his highly
acclaimed children's book
The Hobbit. Drawing upon his familiarity of Norse myths and legends
as well as other ancient literatures Tolkien created a multidimensional world world known as
Middle Earth, complete with its own language, history and traditions.What gives The Lord
of the Rings depth is its strong character development (from the self-invented
hobbits, the tragedy of the elves to inner conflicts of men), as well as a strong philosophical
tone, for The Lord of the Rings has a lot to say about power, and how it is used, the value of
friendship and service to others.
With The Lord of the Rings, Tolkien has created a work of fiction that is timeless. Though many critics have put it under the genre of fantasy literature, what sets it apart is its spellbinding narrative, strong character development and attention to detail, all of which are the hallmarks of classic literature. With its continuing appeal of the last forty years, The Lord of the Rings must be seen as a work of classic literature. The Lord of the Rings is located on the second floor of the Library at call number PR 6039.O32 L6 1994. The Library also has Tolkien's The Silmarillion (PR 6039.032 S5) a collection of writings that deal with the early history of Middle Earth. Also recommended is J.R.R. Tolkien: Artist & Illustrator (N 6797.T64 H36 1995) by Wayne G. Hammond and Christina Scull, which contains many of Tolkien's illustrations for The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit. Also in the Library is Tolkien:a biography (PR6039.O32 Z58x 1977) by Humphrey Carpenter. This Monthly Book Spotlight was written by Jonathan Coe.
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