A review by lightning_revolver
Tolkien and the Great War: The Threshold of Middle-earth by John Garth

4.0

Very detailed and focused, covering Tolkien’s school and university days, as well as his wartime experiences. Garth bravely attempts what Tolkien himself disliked (biographical analysis and exploration of personal sources), but provides a good look into the development of Tolkien’s early poetic efforts and mythology.

Not as engaging as other biographies, due to the minute detail, but Garth’s knowledge of WWI and his ability to piece together geographic, historical, and intellectual movements is on full display.