J.R.R. Tolkien: The Man Behind the Hobbits

Millions of readers and movie fans worldwide know Bilbo Baggins. The title character of The Hobbit, and featured in The Lord of the Rings, Bilbo and his world of elves, dwarves, orcs, and men has captured the imaginations of several subsequent generations. Bilbo’s adventures in Middle-Earth make for a powerful story of friendship and good versus evil. But while Bilbo feels like an old friend, what do you know of his creator? J.R.R. Tolkien is only a name to many people. However, his genius for language and storytelling in the midst of the 20th century’s violence and upheaval make for a powerful story. Tolkien’s life journey is an adventure in itself, as seen in J.R.R. Tolkien: The man behind the Hobbits. Table of Contents: Introduction Chapter 1: Tolkien: Man Behind the Myth - Bradley J. Birzer The Most Married Man Chapter 2: Good and Evil in Middle-earth - Ralph C. Wood A Niggling Art Chapter 3: A Feeling for Language - Tom Shippey Chapter 4: Sacramental Imagination - Thomas Howard Chapter 5: An Unexpected Party - Michael Foster The “Idol” Speaks Chapter 6: Little Windows into Tolkien’s Life and Work - Chris Armstrong and Steven Gertz Chapter 7: A Gallery of the Inklings - Jennifer Woodruff Tait, Thomas Howard, and Edwin Tait Chapter 8: The Christian Humanists - Joseph Pearce Chapter 9: Tollers and Jack - Colin Duriez Chapter 10: One Truth, Many Tales - David Mills Epilogue: Meeting Professor Tolkien - Clyde S. Kilby Appendix 1: Timeline Appendix 2: Recommended Resources More Essentials!