The Twelve Tolkien's of Christmas
13 Dec, 2020
(edited)
2020-12-13 10:50:23 PM UTC
2020-12-13 10:50:23 PM UTC
Hi all, depending where we all are in the world we are roughly 12 days until Christmas so I wanted a fun simple thread listing our most useful books related to Tolkien research with links for UK and US for anyone who happens by the site. I am sure we have had more traffic of late and some may well benefit from a quick and easy guide to useful publications. It doesn't have to be anything lengthy or too complicated. Just a brief note and the publication, or go wild and give us a full on review.
So with that I will start off with an obvious one. I hope others will list theirs too.
The J.R.R. Tolkien Companion and Guide (2017 revised 3 volume edition) by none other than Christina Scull and Wayne G. Hammond. We all know this work but for those not familiar Scull and Hammond open their preface saying
It has become a box I use almost daily and I am still finding new and exciting pieces of information as my research continues into Tolkien's writings, life and times. Having these 3 volumes is like having a library at ones fingertips. Unlike most writers Scull and Hammond are never content to stop at the published texts and add updates to their WEBSITE where readers can find corrections and most impressive, updates and new additions. They also maintain a fantastic blog with a wealth of Tolkien related posts.
So with that I will start off with an obvious one. I hope others will list theirs too.
The J.R.R. Tolkien Companion and Guide (2017 revised 3 volume edition) by none other than Christina Scull and Wayne G. Hammond. We all know this work but for those not familiar Scull and Hammond open their preface saying
THIS BOOK has been designed, in both its original edition (2006) and the present revised and expanded edition, to serve as a reference of (at least) first resort for the study and appreciation of the works of J.R.R. Tolkien. It is meant to be a companion to his readers, and a basic guide to his writings and ideas, his life and times, his family, friends, and colleagues, and the places he knew and loved.
It has become a box I use almost daily and I am still finding new and exciting pieces of information as my research continues into Tolkien's writings, life and times. Having these 3 volumes is like having a library at ones fingertips. Unlike most writers Scull and Hammond are never content to stop at the published texts and add updates to their WEBSITE where readers can find corrections and most impressive, updates and new additions. They also maintain a fantastic blog with a wealth of Tolkien related posts.
For my next choice I am actually choosing two books that compliment each other perfectly. Both drawing on the fantastic Tolkien: Maker of Middle-earth exhibition that ran at the Bodeian in Oxford from June to October 2018. From their website the Bodleian says that the
This impressive exhibition bore two excellent publications that have enriched Tolkien readers the world over and deserve a place on any fans bookshelves.
Tolkien: Maker of Middle-earth with its richly illustrated pages presents over 300 images from Tolkien's manuscripts, drawings, maps, and letters and expertly its editor and author Catherine Mcilwaine leads the reader on a journey through the creative process from Tolkien's earliest writings through his most famous works. And with a wealth of information contained in introductory essays from Tolkien experts and scholars John Garth, Verlyn Flieger, Carl F. Hostetter, Tom Shippey, and Wayne G. Hammond & Christina Scull there is something for everyone. From casual readers wanting to learn the basics about Tolkien to many of us who desire new nuggets about his life and creative process, every reader no matter how advanced will find exciting facts to enjoy.
Tolkien: Treasures while not as extensive as its big brother Tolkien: Maker of Middle-earth it is every bit as useful. A great gift idea and a wonderful introduction to Tolkien's life and career. If Tolkien: Maker of Middle-earth is the full exhibition brought into book form then Tolkien: Treasures is the very best of the highlights. Though don't be fooled, Treasures may be small but it includes many illustrations that get up close and personal demonstrating how Tolkien was not only a brilliant writer but also a gifted artist.
Tolkien: Maker of Middle-earth explored Tolkien’s amazing legacy from his genius as an artist, poet, linguist, and author to his academic career and private life. The exhibition took you on a journey through Tolkien’s famous works, The Hobbit and The Lord of The Rings, displaying an array of draft manuscripts, striking illustrations and maps drawn for his publications. Discover Tolkien’s early abstract paintings from The Book of Ishness, the touching tales he wrote for his children, rare objects that belonged to Tolkien, exclusive fan mail; and private letters.
This impressive exhibition bore two excellent publications that have enriched Tolkien readers the world over and deserve a place on any fans bookshelves.
Tolkien: Maker of Middle-earth with its richly illustrated pages presents over 300 images from Tolkien's manuscripts, drawings, maps, and letters and expertly its editor and author Catherine Mcilwaine leads the reader on a journey through the creative process from Tolkien's earliest writings through his most famous works. And with a wealth of information contained in introductory essays from Tolkien experts and scholars John Garth, Verlyn Flieger, Carl F. Hostetter, Tom Shippey, and Wayne G. Hammond & Christina Scull there is something for everyone. From casual readers wanting to learn the basics about Tolkien to many of us who desire new nuggets about his life and creative process, every reader no matter how advanced will find exciting facts to enjoy.
Tolkien: Treasures while not as extensive as its big brother Tolkien: Maker of Middle-earth it is every bit as useful. A great gift idea and a wonderful introduction to Tolkien's life and career. If Tolkien: Maker of Middle-earth is the full exhibition brought into book form then Tolkien: Treasures is the very best of the highlights. Though don't be fooled, Treasures may be small but it includes many illustrations that get up close and personal demonstrating how Tolkien was not only a brilliant writer but also a gifted artist.
My next choice moves from the nature of reference but is no less informative. Tom Shippey's The Road to Middle-earth is in this readers opinion a vital volume that all interested in Tolkien simply must read. Exploring Tolkien's creative journey and his sources Shippey shows how Tolkien came to write his best known works published in his lifetime along side those after his death edited by Christopher Tolkien and published as The Silmarillion, Unfinished Tales, and the monumental The History of Middle-earth series. First published in 1982 it has been reprinted a number of times, and in the revised and expanded edition from 2005 film lovers will find Shippey discussing the impact of Peter Jackson's Lord of the Rings adaptations on the Tolkien world.
4
330