The JRR Tolkien Handbook

Rating: Rings

July 09, 2003

By Colin Duriez

List Price: $12.99

Baker Book House

Review by Linda Warren:

THE J. R. R. TOLKIEN HANDBOOK, by Colin Duriez, provides a guide to the life and writings of J.R.R. Tolkien, as well as the world of Middle-Earth. Set in an easily accessible dictionary format, which appealed to the teacher in me, it contains not only descriptions and explanations of the characters, places, and objects found in Tolkien's writings, but also details about the author's beliefs and works, complete with summaries of both. Other entries include Tolkien's life, as well as those friends and colleagues, such as C.S. Lewis and George MacDonald, who influenced him most. All important terms and characters are starred for reference and cross-reference purposes. Many entries also come with bibliographies of related works. Most of the important characters have brief chronologies attached to their stories, providing a quick overview of their lives.

So, do you have a certain theme or character by Tolkien that interests you? Or are you like me, trying to remember who's who and what's what as you read THE SILMARILLION or THE LOST TALES? Whichever you are, this book will make a welcome edition to your collection of Tolkien books, as it is designed to answer questions about the works, and provide insight into the thoughts of Tolkien himself.

I highly recommend this book as a wonderful reference for anyone fascinated by and immersed in the writings of Tolkien. I had been using a copy of THE COMPLETE GUIDE TO MIDDLE-EARTH, by Robert Foster, but when I saw this one included the philosophies of Tolkien; not only the "what" he wrote, but the "why" he wrote it, I did not hesitate to buy it. I am so glad I did. I keep it close when reading the series, THE HISTORY OF MIDDLE-EARTH, which I've just started, and also when rereading parts of THE SILMARILLION or THE LORD OF THE RINGS (which, of course, is such a chore!!). The entries concerning Tolkien's beliefs - like sub-creation, death, light, imagination, providence, consolation, and nature, to name a few - are fascinating, and I now catch myself thinking, "So that's why....!" I think Brian Sibley said it best in his FOREWORD to this book: "...it is impossible to read Mr. Duriez's book without wanting to read - or reread - Professor Tolkien's books...". That ability alone recommends this book.

Comments:

Sweet, I think I might buy this book now! Keep up the good work lads!

Posted by: Matt Mascarenhas at December 18, 2003 04:02 PM

you are boring

Posted by: doug at January 23, 2004 03:27 PM

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