Compiling information from several sources, Colin Duriez has put together a wonderful biography for the fans of J.R.R. Tolkien. The material spans Tolkien’s entire life, but concentrates more on the habits and studies that led to the creation of his most famous works: The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings, along with other tales from Middle-earth. Most importantly, his love of language and philology.
If I had one complaint, it would be that Duriez has a tendency to jump forward at times to address an event related to the one he’s discussing, then return to his chronological flow. It would be the only complaint, and a minor one. The information in this book is a great introduction into the life and work of one of the greatest and most beloved writers in history. I knew little of Tolkien’s life outside of The Inklings, and even there I didn’t know much beyond his friendship with C. S. Lewis.
The book also offers several pages of color photos of places Tolkien lived and frequented. His childhood homes, his place of worship, Oxford, meeting places of The Inklings, as well as places that may have been some inspiration for locations in Tolkien’s Middle-earth are all featured.
I would definitely recommend this biography to any Tolkien fan.
I give this one 5 out of 5.
I received a complimentary copy of this book for review purposes from Kregel Publications.
Jess Boudreaux 