The Origins of Tolkien's Middle-Earth for Dummies

This is a special book for Christians and Tolkien fans. The author, Greg Harvey (a committed Buddhist) not only reveals the mythological Origins of Tolkien's Middle Earth but is just as faithful to Tolkien's beliefs to reveal the Christian origins of Tolkien's Middle Earth. Even as a committed Buddhist the author without a hint of any skepticism reveals the central role of Jesus Christ's death and resurrection to not only the life outlook of Tolkien but to the world view of the inhabitants of middle earth. I think his best verse that describes the common angst shared by the people of middle earth and us can be found on pg. 231 of Chapter 16: "Tolkien may be trying to give us a way to hear the Music of Creation and thereby know its Composer. In ennobling his characters and showing how some of them can maintain hope in the darkness of their pre-Christian world, he may be signaling a possible way for us to follow in our post-Christian one." The book is also written with a good grain of humor, wit, reverence and fondness. Highly recommended reference.

What a fascinating approach to the great depth of Tolkien's wonderful world! I grew up reading and rereading Lord of the Rings. His works inspired me to a great love of the Histories and Mythologies of Great Britain. But it has been many years since I have had the leisure to pour over his detailed histories, and indeed, some of the Lost and Unfinished Tales can be heavy reading. Therefore, I was intrigued to find a quick reference book in the familiar "dummies" format. And after reading through it, I am pleased to find any concerns that this might trivialize Tolkien's books were unfounded. On the contrary, Mr. Harvey approaches these works with great knowledge and respect. His observations are often informative and open more doors of ideas and learning. Yet all of this is presented lightly with deceptive ease and humor. Over all, a good companion book to add to my Tolkein and Lewis shelf.

Having read many books about Tolkien and the themes he so richly presents in "The Hobbit" and "The Lord of the Rings", I have been eagerly awaiting the release of this book for several months. I was not disappointed ! Greg Harvey has taken a very complex trilogy, and along with "The Hobbit", managed to put together an enjoyable and easily readable book which explores all the many facets of Tolkien's world and the characters in it. In the humorous and entertaining style of all the "Dummies" books, we are treated to detailed explanations of the places, beings, and beasts which inhabit the very imaginative mind of the greatest author of the 20th century. If this wasn't enough, Mr. Harvey goes into great detail about the underlying themes in the books, the motivations of the characters, and how the story is relative to our modern world. Touching on philosophy and religion, themes of friendship, good vs. evil, love and loyalty, human frailty, lust for greed and power --- it's all here, and in an intelligent, unbiased presentation. Not too hard to understand or follow, and not "dumbed down" for the lowest common denominator. A superb book that will entertain and provoke you to think. Not at all for dummies ! You'll be glad you bought a copy --- you won't be disappointed. Money well spent for the Tolkien fan !!!

Let's face it. Tolkien's books are hard. There are so many people and places to keep track of that it's hard to keep track of them. This makes reading them hard. Luckily we have the movies. The third Lord of the Rings movie will be out soon and I can hardly wait. This Dummies book promised to make Tolkien easier, but it's hard to read too. If they make a movie of this book, it'll be the best ever!