Master of Middle-Earth: The Fiction of J.R.R. Tolkien - Softcover

Kocher, Paul H.

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0345465601 ISBN 13: 9780345465603

Publisher: Del Rey, 1977

Synopsis

As is the case with all great works of art, J. R. R. Tolkien’s masterpieces generously repay close attention and study. In this thoroughly entertaining and perceptive volume, winner of the prestigious Mythopoeic Society Scholarship Award, Professor Kocher examines the sources that Tolkien drew upon in fashioning Middle-earth and its inhabitants—and provides valuable insights into the author’s aims and methods. Ranging from The Hobbit to The Lord of the Rings to The Silmarillion and beyond, Master of Middle-earth opens the door to a deeper and richer appreciation of Tolkien’s magnificent achievement. Inside you will discover

· Why Aragorn is the most misunderstood character in The Lord of the Rings . . . and its true hero.
· The origin of Sauron—and the nature of evil in Tolkien’s universe.
· The opposing forces of destiny and free will in Frodo’s quest.
· The Cosmology of Middle-earth—is it our world at an earlier time, or does it exist in a fantastic Elsewhere?
· How Tolkien’s ideas of morality, religion, and social order underlie every aspect of his life’s work.
Plus a fascinating look at such lesser-known works of Tolkien’s as “Leaf by Niggle,” “Smith of Wootton Major,” and many others!

About this title

From the Back Cover:

“Mr. Kocher marks out the ground on which we should take Tolkien seriously. He is a sensible, unpedantic guide.”
—The New York Review of Books

“Without a doubt, the very best book on Tolkien’s fantasy.”
—The University Bookman
“A WINNER . . . IMPELS THE READER TO RETURN AND REREAD TOLKIEN WITH NEW INSIGHT.”
—Library Journal

About the Author:

Paul Kocher was born in Trinidad, but became an American citizen after moving to New York with his family. He taught English literature at a number of American colleges and universities, including the universities of Washington, Nebraska and Stanford (California). After retiring from Stanford, his chief preoccupation was research for this book about Tolkien's works, which he admired for many years. His other books include Christopher Marlowe and Science and Religion in Elizabethan England.

About this edition

• Publisher: Del Rey
• Publication date: 1977
• ISBN 10: 0345465601
• ISBN 13: 9780345465603
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 256