Read more
"Every page brings forth the elegiac tone of JRR Tolkien's work... It is a beautiful book, including many wonderful pictures by Tolkien himself... Garth's book made me realise the impact that Tolkien has had on my life."
The Times
A lavishly illustrated exploration of the places that inspired and shaped the work of J.R.R. Tolkien, creator of Middle-earth. This new book from renowned expert John Garth takes us to the places that inspired J.R.R. Tolkien to create his fictional locations in The Lord of the Rings, The Hobbit and other classic works. Featuring more than 100 images, it includes Tolkien's own illustrations, contributions from other artists, archive images, maps and spectacular present-day photographs.
Inspirational locations range across Great Britain - particularly Tolkien's beloved West Midlands and Oxford - but also overseas to all points of the compass. Sources are located for Hobbiton, the elven valley of Rivendell, the Glittering Caves of Helm's Deep, and many other key spots in Middle-earth, as well as for its mountain scenery, forests, rivers, lakes and shorelands.
A rich interplay is revealed between Tolkien's personal travels, his wide reading and his deep scholarship as an Oxford professor. Garth uses his own profound knowledge of Tolkien's life and work to uncover the extraordinary processes of invention, to debunk popular misconceptions about the inspirations for Middle-earth, and to put forward strong new claims of his own.
Organised by theme, The Worlds of J.R.R. Tolkien is an illustrated journey into the life and imagination of one of the world's best-loved authors, an exploration of the relationship between worlds real and fantastical, and an inspiration for anyone who wants to follow in Tolkien's footsteps.
List of contents
Introduction
1. England to the Shire
2. Four Winds
3. The Land of Lúthien
4. Shore and the Sea
5. Roots of the Mountains
6. Rivers, Lakes and Waterlands
7. Tree-woven Lands
8. Ancient Imprints
9. Watch and Ward
10. Places of War
11. Craft and Industry
Appendix
Endnotes
Select Bibliography
Index
Acknowledgements
About the author
John Garth is the author of the award-winning Tolkien and the Great War. Based in Hampshire, Garth gives talks and teaches courses internationally, has written for many major media titles, and also works as a consultant and editor.
Summary
An exploration of Tolkien’s influences by renowned expert John Garth.
Report
"A fascinating, gorgeously illustrated and thought-provoking examination of the landscapes, cities and architecture that inspired Tolkien during his lifelong creation of Middle-earth. Garth, a journalist as well as a Tolkien scholar, proves an exceptional guide to Middle-earth.... [A] masterful book." Elizabeth Hand Washington Post
