Why read J.R.R. Tolkien?

Book cover of J.R.R. Tolkien

Book description

The definitive critical study of Tolkien's greatest works by the respected and world renowned Tolkien scholar Professor T.A. Shippey.

Following the unprecedented and universal acclaim for The Lord of the Rings, the respected academic and world-renowned Tolkien scholar, Professor Tom Shippey, presents us with a fascinating and informed companion…

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Why read it?

1 author picked J.R.R. Tolkien as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?

Avalyn Hunter

Author

This book is a deep dive into Tolkien's contributions to twentieth-century literature. It masterfully portrays his work as not only foundational to the modern fantasy genre but as a serious contribution to English-language literature regardless of genre. Of necessity, much of the work explores Tolkien's vast legendarium surrounding his fictional world of Middle-earth, but it also reviews his other writings, particularly Beowulf and his short stories and novellas, and shows the influences of his upbringing, his World War I military service, his religious faith, and his lifelong study of philology in the development of his writing. The result is a…

From Avalyn's 3 favorite reads in 2025.