This book takes readers to the places that inspired J.R.R. Tolkien to create his fictional locations in 'The Lord of the Rings', 'The Hobbit', and other classic works. Written by John Garth, it features a wealth of illustrations, including Tolkien's own drawings, contributions from other artists, rare archival images, and color photos of contemporary locations. Garth identifies the locales that served as the basis for Hobbiton, Rivendell, the Glittering Caves of Helm's Deep, and many other settings in Middle-earth. He reveals the rich interplay between Tolkien's personal travels, wide reading, and deep scholarship as an Oxford don, shedding light on the processes of invention behind Tolkien's works of fantasy and debunking popular misconceptions about the inspirations for Middle-earth.
The book follows the narrative of George Sherston, Sassoon's alter ego, as he experiences the trenches of World War I between 1916 and 1917. It details his physical bravery, emotional struggles, and intellectual coming of age. Sherston is wounded at the Battle of Arras and sent home to convalesce, where he begins to question the war and considers speaking out against it, despite the potential severe consequences. The novel portrays the monotony, confusion, and uncertainty of trench warfare and the fatalistic attitude of the soldiers, highlighting the futility and suffering of the war.
Published in 1928, 'Undertones of War' is a memoir that recounts Edmund Blunden's experiences as an infantry officer on the Western Front during World War I. The book is characterized by its poetic and pastoral style, describing the war's effects on the landscape and the people involved. Blunden, who served in the Royal Sussex Regiment and participated in battles such as the Somme and Passchendaele, writes about the war with a unique blend of elegance and stark realism. His narrative includes vivid descriptions of nature, the camaraderie among soldiers, and the dark humor that emerged in the trenches. Despite the horrors of war, Blunden's account is marked by a reflective and elegiac tone, highlighting the lasting impact of his experiences on his life and writing.
This book is part of 'The History of Middle-earth' series and presents the earliest versions of the myths and legends that would eventually become 'The Silmarillion'. It includes stories such as 'The Cottage of Lost Play', 'The Music of the Ainur', and 'The Coming of the Valar and the Building of Valinor'. The tales are set within a narrative frame where a mariner named Eriol learns the true history of the Elves from the inhabitants of Tol Eressëa. The book provides an insightful look into Tolkien's creative process and the development of his mythological world.
This book, published in 1970, examines how the trauma and tragedy of World War I were reflected in literature. Fussell focuses on the British experience at the Western Front, analyzing the works of writers such as Siegfried Sassoon, Robert Graves, Edmund Blunden, David Jones, Isaac Rosenberg, and Wilfred Owen. He grounds literary texts in the actual conditions of the war, showing how the cataclysm of the Great War brought about significant changes in language and literature. The book is acclaimed for its accessible scholarship, ambition, and detailed research, and it remains a landmark study in understanding the impact of World War I on modern society and literature.
The Silmarillion is a comprehensive narrative that details the creation of Tolkien's universe, Eä, and the history of the First Age. It includes the legend of the Silmarils, jewels crafted by Fëanor that contain the essence of the Two Trees of Valinor. The book covers the creation of the world, the history of the Elves and Men, the wars against Morgoth, and the legendary love story of Beren and Lúthien. Edited and published posthumously by Christopher Tolkien with the assistance of Guy Gavriel Kay, it is a foundational work that underpins the stories of 'The Hobbit' and 'The Lord of the Rings'[3][4][5].
The novel is narrated by Paul Bäumer, a young German soldier who enlists in the army along with his classmates. It vividly depicts the horrors of trench warfare, the disillusionment with patriotic ideals, and the psychological toll of war on the soldiers. The book follows Paul's experiences from the brutal training to the front lines, where he witnesses the death of his friends and grapples with the meaninglessness of war. The novel is a powerful anti-war statement, highlighting the futility and devastating consequences of war on individuals and society.
The Lord of the Rings, written by J.R.R. Tolkien, is an epic high fantasy novel set in Middle-earth. The story follows Frodo Baggins, a hobbit who inherits the One Ring from his uncle Bilbo. The Ring, forged by Sauron, holds the power to control all other Rings of Power and must be destroyed in the fires of Mount Doom to prevent Sauron's return. Frodo is joined by a fellowship of other characters, including Gandalf the Grey, Samwise Gamgee, Aragorn, Legolas, Gimli, and Boromir, as they embark on a dangerous quest across Middle-earth. The novel explores themes of good vs. evil, the corrupting influence of power, and the struggle between fate and free will[3][4][5].
Published in 1872, this novel is one of the first in the modern fantasy genre. It tells the story of Princess Irene, who lives a lonely life in a castle with her nursemaid, and Curdie, a young miner. Irene discovers a magical world through her great-great-grandmother, who is invisible to others. Together, Irene and Curdie thwart the goblins' plans to abduct the princess and flood the mines. The story emphasizes themes of faith, bravery, and the importance of believing in what is invisible. The novel is known for its imaginative and innovative ideas, beautiful descriptions, and its influence on later fantasy writers[2][4][5].
Published in 1937, 'The Hobbit' is a children's fantasy novel that introduces readers to the richly imagined world of Middle-earth. The story follows Bilbo Baggins, a home-loving hobbit, who is persuaded by Gandalf to join Thorin and his twelve dwarves on a quest to reclaim their treasure from the dragon Smaug. During the journey, Bilbo encounters various creatures, including trolls, goblins, and the mysterious Gollum, and discovers a magical ring that renders the wearer invisible. The novel is a prequel to 'The Lord of the Rings' and explores themes of personal growth, courage, and unexpected heroism[2][4][5].
J.R.R. Tolkien's Middle-earth is perhaps the most captivating fantasy world ever created. His mythology and folklore continue to influence the work of writers, filmmakers, musicians and artists to this day. He first conceived of the idea during the First World War and built his world to examine the fear and courage, despair and hope that he witnessed. So how exactly did this brutal, bloody war help to shape Middle-earth? Dan is joined by John Garth, an award-winning Tolkien biographer and author of Tolkien and the Great War, to tell us about Tolkien's life and how the conflict influenced his writing.
Produced by James Hickmann and edited by Dougal Patmore.
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