Tolkien: A Look Behind The Lord of the Rings : Book Review

"Tolkien" by Lin Carter is a comprehensive exploration of the life and literary works of J.R.R. Tolkien, one of the most beloved fantasy authors of all time. Carter's book delves into various aspects of Tolkien's life, including his early years, his academic career, and, of course, his creation of the iconic Middle-earth universe.

One of the standout features of this book is Carter's extensive research and deep knowledge of Tolkien's work. He offers a wealth of details and anecdotes that provide readers with a deeper understanding of the man behind the mythology. It is clear that Carter not only admires Tolkien's writing, but also respects his craftsmanship and his ability to create a rich and immersive world.

Carter's love for Tolkien's writing shines through in his detailed analysis and engaging narrative style. He goes beyond simply summarizing the plots of Tolkien's books, delving into the underlying themes and symbolism that make them so enduring. This approach allows readers to gain a more profound appreciation for the depth and complexity of Tolkien's work.

Furthermore, Carter explores not only Tolkien's famous novels, but also his lesser-known works such as his academic papers and unpublished writings. This provides a well-rounded perspective on Tolkien's overall body of work and highlights his versatility as a writer. Carter's analysis of Tolkien's linguistic prowess, particularly his development of languages like Elvish, adds an insightful layer to the narrative structure of his stories.

Moreover, Carter contextualizes Tolkien's work within the larger landscape of fantasy literature. He discusses the lasting impact that Tolkien has had on subsequent generations of writers and the evolution of the genre as a whole. This wider perspective adds depth and allows readers to understand the broad influence of Tolkien's imagination.

What are readers saying?

Lin Carter's book about J.R.R. Tolkien has received a variety of reviews from readers, with the general consensus being that while the book offers interesting and informative content about Tolkien's life, it falls short in certain aspects.

Many readers appreciated the insights into Tolkien's life and the thorough analysis of his works provided by Carter. They found Carter's research impressive and enjoyed gaining a deeper understanding of the renowned author behind the beloved "Lord of the Rings" trilogy. These readers felt that Carter successfully captured the essence of Tolkien's writing style and offered valuable context to his works.

However, some readers felt that the book lacked depth and failed to provide a comprehensive understanding of both Tolkien's life and works. They found the book somewhat dry and lacking an emotional connection, and desired more detailed information and personal anecdotes about Tolkien, rather than a more academic approach.

A common criticism of the book was the inclusion of Lin Carter's own works and influences. Some readers felt that these self-promoting references were unnecessary and took away from the focus on Tolkien. They found this distracting and believed it potentially biased the narrative.

Additionally, the organization of the book was a point of contention for some readers. They found the chapters and sections disjointed and lacking a cohesive flow, making it difficult to follow along, and they felt that a more logical progression would have improved the reading experience.

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