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slferg's review against another edition
5.0
Love the introduction - how shocked all the "literati" are in the late 1990s that The Lord of the Rings is everyone's favorite book in countless polls.
A very good look at Tolkien's writing - his ideas and his inspiration. The author is a professor of Old English and Philology and held the chair that Tolkien did in languages. He taught according to Tolkien's curriculum that was set up, so he is very aware of and knowledgeable of Tolkien's learning.
A very good look at Tolkien's writing - his ideas and his inspiration. The author is a professor of Old English and Philology and held the chair that Tolkien did in languages. He taught according to Tolkien's curriculum that was set up, so he is very aware of and knowledgeable of Tolkien's learning.
carroq's review against another edition
5.0
This book gave me a much better appreciation for the Lord of the Rings. While the majority of the book focuses on The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings, Shippey does give attention to Tolkien's lesser known works as well, including the extensive mythology he created for Middle Earth. Tolkien has been voted as the best author of the 20th century many times. Shippey's analysis of his works show how justified that title is.
Tolkien is a master of language. He probably understood English and its roots better than anyone else. He even went so far as to create multiple languages for his stories. But The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings are just the tip of the iceberg. The mythology he created fills a gap in the English literary tradition. He also put a lot of thought into the structure of the books, which seems to be one of the reasons that people like it. It provides realistic elements that one might not notice immediately. Yet these elements give it a sort of authenticity that can be missing from mainstream literature.
Shippey's book is excellent, but I could only take it in small amounts at a time. There is so much to digest related to the influences that Tolkien drew on, from languages and stories to his own experiences. This is a great place to start to develop an understanding of what Tolkien was doing with his works.
Tolkien is a master of language. He probably understood English and its roots better than anyone else. He even went so far as to create multiple languages for his stories. But The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings are just the tip of the iceberg. The mythology he created fills a gap in the English literary tradition. He also put a lot of thought into the structure of the books, which seems to be one of the reasons that people like it. It provides realistic elements that one might not notice immediately. Yet these elements give it a sort of authenticity that can be missing from mainstream literature.
Shippey's book is excellent, but I could only take it in small amounts at a time. There is so much to digest related to the influences that Tolkien drew on, from languages and stories to his own experiences. This is a great place to start to develop an understanding of what Tolkien was doing with his works.
ladyvictoriadiana's review against another edition
5.0
An in-depth look at Tolkien's works that can help any reader who wishes to learn more about Lord of the Rings and the many other books that Tolkien either wrote or planned. While the analysis might not be particularly new, it can still offer the reader a first look into the analysis of Tolkien's works and a good starting point for more exploration or a personal analysis.
djinn_n_juice's review against another edition
4.0
A lot of interesting stuff going on in here, and this book made it clearer to me just how complex Tolkien's vision of Middle Earth was. For any fan of LOTR, this is a good read.
That said, the title is silly. What the shit does it mean to be "author of the century"? I was left unconvinced after finishing the book. Tolkien has made a contribution that created its own GENRE, and there's definitely something to be said for that. And the books have stood the test of time pretty well, say what you may about the characters and "Concerning Hobbits." Although it's lots of fun to sit around and debate what the best whatever (punk album from 1979, Marvel super hero, Greek deity, extra value meal) is, it's so subjective.
Anyway, lots of details about Tolkien's inspirations, earlier incarnations of characters, and details about how the languages of Middle Earth were developed that will blow your mind. It's trippy.
That said, the title is silly. What the shit does it mean to be "author of the century"? I was left unconvinced after finishing the book. Tolkien has made a contribution that created its own GENRE, and there's definitely something to be said for that. And the books have stood the test of time pretty well, say what you may about the characters and "Concerning Hobbits." Although it's lots of fun to sit around and debate what the best whatever (punk album from 1979, Marvel super hero, Greek deity, extra value meal) is, it's so subjective.
Anyway, lots of details about Tolkien's inspirations, earlier incarnations of characters, and details about how the languages of Middle Earth were developed that will blow your mind. It's trippy.
stephaniaesoterica's review against another edition
emotional
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
4.75
bahnree's review against another edition
4.0
A great analysis, discussion, and defense of Tolkien's books. It's good for both Tolkien super-geeks like me or just general fans: Shippey explains everything you need to know to enjoy the book, and get a lot more out of Tolkien. A lot of what he focuses on are different sources for the works, such as words since Tolkien was a super-philologist, themes of the books, and arguments against Tolkien which Shippy defends against.