J.R.R. Tolkien: The Man Who Created the Lord of the Rings

This slim book is a fascinating look at John Ronald Reuel Tolkien, the author of the classic works, The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings. Starting with his birth in South Africa in 1892, the book shows his life, and the progression of his writing career. Along the way, the reader is given a real feeling for Mr. Tolkien, and the life that he lived.This book, though originally written for the younger reader, is a wonderful addition to anyone's library. I especially like the way that Catholicism is treated in such a sympathetic way, just the way that Tolkien would have presented it himself. I found this book to be informative and quite interesting to read, and highly recommend it to everyone.

Although "JRR - The Man Who Created ..." was aimed at young adults, I found it a good introduction for me as an older adult. It can be read in an evening, but I believe that it touches on all the main points. True, it does not go into the scholarly quarrels and quibbles or the lit crit, but I did not need that. I really just needed to know what type of a person Tolkien was. The book serves that purpose admirably. If I were cataloguing for a library, I would put one in the adult section too.

For all "Lord of the Rings" fans, this book is a must read. A great biography on that great orphan, scholar, soldier, professor, and author of what is considered by many to be the finest book of the 20th Century, J.R.R. Tolkien! There are 125 pages about the life of Tolkien, from when he was born in South Africa, January 3, 1892, to the day he died on September 2, 1973. The book is divided into seven chapters:Chapter 1) Beginnings: This chapter tells about how Tolkien's parents were married and they began their life in South Africa. When both his parents died he lived with Father Francis and when he was old enough, was accepted to Exeter College.Chapter 2) Oxford and Upward: Tolkien is now a man and has married his love, Edith Bratt. But then comes World War I and he is sent out as a second lieutenant. Luckily he comes back home safely.Chapter 3) Inklings: Now a professor, Tolkien starts becoming very popular among students and friends. This chapter talks mostly about Tolkien's professor life and about his friends, especially one of his greatest friends, C.S. Lewis. (author of the acclaimed "Narnia Chronicles".)Chapter 4) A Hole in the Ground: Tolkien finishes writing his first book, "The Hobbit". And quite to his surprise, he finds that many, many people simply loved it! Around that time, he also publishes "Farmer Giles of Ham" and "Mr. Bliss". He also beings writing "The Silmarillion", which he never really finished but his son, Christopher, did.Chapter 5) His Lordship of the Rings: After 12 years of writing, Tolkien finished his "Lord of the Rings" story. Published in three books, it won over people and Tolkien is now very popular.Chapter 6) Just Another Teacher: Even with his fame, Tolkien is still a wonderful teacher and family man. This chapter mostly focuses on his life afterwards.Chapter 7) End Times: This chapter deals on the last years of Tolkien's life.As I said a terrific book! Definitely for kids 11 and up and a worthy read for adults, too. A nice collection of around 28 pictures which, though black and white, are very clear pictures. A nice introduction in the beginning which I find very interesting. And also at the end of the book, there is a bibliography on books by Tolkien, his books which were edited by others, and also books about Tolkien. The index at the end was a good idea, too. A great read!

Michael Coren's biography of Tolkien is excellent.It is primarily aimed at a school-age audience (it's a Scholastic book, and the cover says "age 11 and up"). But readers of any age who want a short biography of Tolkien will agree that this is a great book.This book mostly focuses on Tolkien the man -- his upbringing, his family life, his religious beliefs, his friendship with C.S. Lewis, and his children. But it also discusses his work, especially "Lord of the Rings".If you haven't read "Lord of the Rings", you should do that first! Otherwise Coren's book may give some secrets away....