J.R.R. Tolkien Encyclopedia: Scholarship and Critical Assessment - Hardcover

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0415969425 ISBN 13: 9780415969420

Publisher: Routledge, 2006

Synopsis

A detailed work of reference and scholarship, this one volume Encyclopedia includes discussions of all the fundamental issues in Tolkien scholarship written by the leading scholars in the field.

Coverage not only presents the most recent scholarship on J. R. R. Tolkien, but also introduces and explores the author and scholar's life and work within their historical and cultural contexts. Tolkien's fiction and his sources of influence are examined along with his artistic and academic achievements- including his translations of medieval texts- teaching posts, linguistic works, and the languages he created. The 550 alphabetically arranged entries fall within the following categories of topics: adaptations; art and illustrations; characters in Tolkien's work; critical history and scholarship; influence of Tolkien; languages; biography; literary sources; literature; creatures and peoples of Middle-earth; objects in Tolkien's work; places in Tolkien's work; reception of Tolkien; medieval scholars; scholarship by Tolkien; medieval literature; stylistic elements; themes in Tolkien's works; Theological/ philosophical concepts and philosophers; Tolkien's contemporary history and culture; works of literature.

About this title

About the Author

Michael D. C. Drout

Reviews

The J. R. R. Tolkien Encyclopedia is a substantial volume incorporating both Tolkien's works and critical, scholarly analysis. For example, the entry on Aragorn begins with the character's first appearance in The Fellowship of the Ring, chronicles his further activities throughout the trilogy, explains his history as it appears in Tolkien's works, and explores his role as the hero of the Lord of the Rings saga. In terms of scholarship, his sword, Narsil, is discussed in relationship to both Arthuriana and Old Norse sagas. This is just one example of the more than 500 thoughtful, well-written, and just plain interesting entries. Covering all aspects of Tolkien studies from Old Norse influences to his colleagues, the Inklings, in addition to information about all aspects of Middlearth, this is a truly comprehensive source. The inclusion of scholarly studies will make it valuable as an academic resource. And it is refreshingly easy to use. Every entry has a further reading list, and most have references to related entries. There are alphabetical thematic lists of entries at the front of the volume in addition to the numerous cross-references throughout the text and the exhaustive 50-plus page index at the end of the volume. Even better, this work is not limited to the books. The recent movies are referenced throughout, and the entry on Peter Jackson is one of the longest ones in the encyclopedia. Useful to anyone at any level studying Tolkien and any iterations of his works and of equal interest to fans. Highly recommended for academic and large public libraries. Moyer, Jessica

Edition details

• Publisher: Routledge
• Publication date: 2006
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0415969425
• ISBN 13: 9780415969420
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 808
• Editor: Drout Michael D.C.