When J.R.R. Tolkien published The Fellowship of the Ring in 1954, it was the beginning of one of the most revered and beloved fantasy series that would forever make its mark on the genre. Tolkien’s inventive series became a literary phenomenon, but the story behind its maker is equally as fascinating. Here are some nonfiction reads about both the life of the literary figure and his inspirations behind the acclaimed Lord of the Rings series. They are sure to satisfy Ringers and Tolkien novices alike.
The Letters of J.R.R. Tolkien Edited by Humphrey Carpenter
If you are interested in delving into the mind of this literary genius, there is no better way to get that insight than through reading his letters. Spanning from his time as a student at Oxford to his death, this collection provides a holistic account of the author’s interior life, centering on the unfolding of his creation of Middle-Earth. The collection contains 354 letters, was edited by a premiere Tolkien scholar, and contains contributions from Tolkien’s son.
The Road to Middle Earth by Tom Shippey
For the Tolkien fanatic, The Road to Middle-Earth is a scholarly text that provides an in-depth account of the technical ways in which Tolkien created his world and mythology of Middle-Earth. It outlines the author’s literary practices and unpacks some of his creative influences. Any Ringer knows Tolkien’s genius world-building extends far beyond the Lord of the Rings series. The work situates Tolkien’s other world, such as the Silmarillion, explaining its importance in the Middle-Earth literary canon. It aims to help readers connect with and understand the significance of Tolkien’s more complicated works.
Tolkien On Fairy-Stories by Verlyn Flieger & Douglas A. Anderson
If you wanted more words straight from the author himself, Tolkien’s essay On Fairy-Stories provides a fascinating insight into the author’s opinions on the fantasy genre. It tackles the significance of imagination within literature and explains his philosophy on mythbuilding. The essay was originally written to be given as a lecture at the University of St. Andrews and is a defense of the importance of the fantasy genre within the wider literary canon.
The Fellowship: The Literary Lives of the Inklings by Philip Zaleski and Carol Zaleski
Throughout history, groups of authors and artists have flocked to each other. In Tolkien’s case, he was part of the Inklings, a group of writers and thinkers that would meet throughout Oxford pubs. Most famous of the group were Tolkien and C. S. Lewis, but it also included fascinating figures such as Owen Barfield and Charles Williams. The book outlines the relationships among the group and how they inspired and pushed each other to become the great thinkers they’re remembered as today. It will particularly fascinate those who are curious about how religious backgrounds influenced each of the writers in various ways. The work will make you wish you could share a pint with this storied group of individuals.
The Wisdom of Hobbits by Matthew J. Distefano
Moving away from Tolkien himself, this book focuses on one of the author’s most adored creations — the Hobbits. This book looks at what endears Hobbits to readers, discussing how they touch parts of our humanity. Distefano pulls lessons from the lives of these creatures, teaching us how we can apply them to our own lives. By learning about the Hobbits in this work, readers are learning about the human experience. I’m sure anyone who has read the books or watched the film franchise has, at one point or another, desperately wished they could live in the idyllic Shire. Imagine this book as a guidebook on how to make that dream a reality.
The Making of Middle Earth by Christopher Snyder
This stunning book is about connecting Tolkien’s varied influences on Middle-Earth. From ancient Greece, medieval Europe, and World War I battles, Tolkien’s in-depth worldbuilding is rooted in mythology, literature, and history that spans the ages. The work also discusses the influence that Middle-Earth has since had on modern culture. All of this is beautifully explored in this edition filled with gorgeous illustrations and artwork.
Tolkien and the Great War by John Garth
This biographical look at Tolkien’s life specifically deals with how formative World War I was for the author. The experience defined not only Tolkien’s life but an entire generation. It aims to situate Tolkien within this wartime and post-war literary canon. Part war history and part literary criticism, it’s an amazing biography for those seeking this specific snapshot of the author’s life.
J.R.R. Tolkien: A Biography by Humphrey Carpenter
For those wanting an in-depth look at Tolkien’s life, there is no better biography than that by Humphrey Carpenter. It’s an authorized account of the author’s private life, with Carpenter having complete access to Tolkien’s personal papers and research through interviews with his friends and family. It traces his birth and impoverished upbringing in South Africa, his time in academia, his war experience, and his rebirth as an author. This complete view of the elusive author will fascinate even the most casual Ringer.
Tolkien is without a doubt one of the literary greats. Whether you want a compelling piece of literary criticism, an engrossing biography, or even if you want to become a Hobbit, there is something on this list to satisfy every type of Tolkien fan. It may inspire a Lord of the Rings reread or push you to pick it up for the first time.
To explore fantasy reads Tolkien would enjoy today, click here!
To discover some of the Bookstr Team’s favorite fantasy reads, click here!
