J. R. R. Tolkien: Author of the Century. A Philological Journey in Middle-earth

Professor Tom Shippey, one of the most authoritative Tolkien scholars of our time, offers an engaging exploration of the works of J. R. R. Tolkien. He argues why Tolkien, despite the unseriousness of the fantasy genre, can lay claim to... the title of author of the century; discusses the secret of his powerful influence on literature, what served as a source of inspiration for the Professor, and what problem he addressed with his texts; explains the literary function of hobbits and where the line is drawn between myth and reality, ancient texts and modern life; as well as fairly unusually interprets the connection of Tolkien's world with Christianity. The book promises an intellectual adventure, immersing the reader in philological, linguistic, and historical contexts, while being written for a broad audience.