J. R. R. Tolkien The Making of a Legend

Perfect for Tolkien enthusiasts of all shapes and sizes, this delightful and accessible biography brings the enigma behind The Lord of the Ringsfranchise to life Long before the successful The Lord of the Ringsfilms, J.R.R. Tolkien's creations, imagination, and characters had already captured the hearts and minds of millions of readers. But who was the man who dreamt up the intricate languages and perfectly crafted world of Middle-earth? Tolkien had a difficult life for many yearsorphaned and poor, his guardian forbade him from communicating with the woman he had fallen in love with, and he also suffered through the horrors of the First World War. An intensely private and brilliant scholar, he spent more than 50 years working on the languages, history, peoples, and geography of Middle-earth, with a consistent mythology and body of legends inspired by a formidable knowledge of early northern European history and culture. J.R.R. Tolkien became a legend by creating an imaginary world that has enthralled and delighted generations.

Colin Duriez is a widely-respected authority on Tolkien and is a regular speaker at Tolkien conferences. He is the author of The C.S. Lewis Ensyclopedia; A Field Guide to Narnia; The Inklings Handbook; Tolkien and C.S. Lewis: The Gift of Friendship; and Tolkien and the Lord of the Rings, among others.