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A review by nate_s
J.R.R. Tolkien: Author of the Century by Tom Shippey
4.0
This volume follows about 30 years on Shippey's other major work of Tolkien criticism, The Road To Middle-Earth, and shares much of its character: filled with expert philological insight, sharply perceptive for Tolkien's use of sources and creative process, and a really fun read for those who like this kind of thing.
Author of the Century is not quite as thorough, and rehearses material from the older work somewhat. Also, I don't know how necessary it is to establish Tolkien as an "author of the century," at least not with a dedicated book. (Shippey clarifies his meaning: not that Tolkien is *the greatest* author of the century, but that his works bear an unmistakably 20th century character). Though comparisons between Tolkien and Joyce, Orwell, and a few others do make the point well.
These minor matters don’t detract from the book's qualities though. I’d rate it more like a 4.5, simply because I feel the need to notch it down from the The Road To Middle-Earth, five-star tour-de-force that it is. Shippey is well established as required reading for Tolkien scholars and uber-fans, and while both books are easy for me to recommend, if you're going to choose one, read The Road To Middle-Earth.. Its thoroughness is unparalleled- a flat-out exciting read for any insatiable JRRT nerd.
Author of the Century is not quite as thorough, and rehearses material from the older work somewhat. Also, I don't know how necessary it is to establish Tolkien as an "author of the century," at least not with a dedicated book. (Shippey clarifies his meaning: not that Tolkien is *the greatest* author of the century, but that his works bear an unmistakably 20th century character). Though comparisons between Tolkien and Joyce, Orwell, and a few others do make the point well.
These minor matters don’t detract from the book's qualities though. I’d rate it more like a 4.5, simply because I feel the need to notch it down from the The Road To Middle-Earth, five-star tour-de-force that it is. Shippey is well established as required reading for Tolkien scholars and uber-fans, and while both books are easy for me to recommend, if you're going to choose one, read The Road To Middle-Earth.. Its thoroughness is unparalleled- a flat-out exciting read for any insatiable JRRT nerd.