J.R.R. Tolkien Encyclopedia

Michael D.C. Drout, Editor

Key Features Publication Details/Order Online

Few authors have created a world as rich and multifaceted as J.R.R. Tolkien's Middle-earth. From the complex invented languages and thousands of years of history to the beloved characters and creatures, Tolkien's writings continue to delight readers and inspire writers. With the recent blockbuster success of Peter Jackson's adaptation of The Lord of the Rings trilogy, the writings of Tolkien are more popular now than ever.

Tolkien's achievements were not limited to his fiction. He is considered to be one of the most influential scholars of the twentieth century, not only in regard to Beowulf and Anglo-Saxon studies, but also on children's literature, fantasy literature, and philology.

The J.R.R. Tolkien Encyclopedia presents the latest scholarship on Tolkien written by the leading scholars in the field. This detailed work brings together the two separate fields of Tolkien scholarship: Tolkien studies, the examination of Tolkien's life, art, scholarship, and history and the culture in which his work was written, read, and adapted and Middle-earth Studies, the examination of Tolkien's imaginary world—the histories, languages, creatures, etc. The author's life and work are introduced and explored 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.

A fascinating work that brings together the most recent scholarship on Tolkien and delves into the meticulously detailed world of Middle-earth, this reference resource is essential for students, scholars, as well as the general reader interested in Tolkien's scholarship and epic stories.

The J.R.R. Tolkien Encyclopedia is edited by Michael D.C. Drout, from Wheaton College, U.S., with the participation of Tom Shippey, Verlyn Flieger, Marjorie Burns, and Douglas Anderson.

Entries range from concise descriptions of characters, places, and creative works to longer analytical approaches to Tolkien’s life, scholarly works, and context
Clear and accessible writing in an easy to navigate A-to-Z format
Helpful research tools including a thorough, analytical index and an extensive network of cross-references
Thematic and alphabetical lists of entries
Entries are thoroughly cross-referenced and include bibliographies at the end of each entry for further reading and research
Citations to Tolkien’s works are listed so a reader can find quotations of interest regardless of which edition of the books they have

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