Tolkien A Cultural Phenomenon

This comprehensive and discriminating account of Tolkien's work has been revised and expanded to take account both of recent developments in scholarship, and of the recent films directed by Peter Jackson. Tracing the development of Tolkien's creative technique over several decades, it explores the bewildering profusion of shorter works, as well as devoting an extended analysis to The Lord of the Rings. Chapters consider Tolkien's contribution to the history of ideas, and review the critical reception of the Lord of the Rings film adaptations and other popular adaptations of his work.'Brian Rosebury's book offers a compelling analysis of Tolkien as a thinker. Especially convincing are his accounts of Tolkien's views on free will, moral choice, and creativity, as these are woven into The Lord of the Rings and The Silmarillion. Rosebury also deftly exposes Tolkien's often disregarded skills in narrative and description, and he does it, like Tolkien, in plain English. The chapter on Tolkien's reception and transformation into the movies is the best available.' - Dr Tom Shippey, Walter J. Ong, S.J., Chair, Saint Louis University