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Title: The Origins of Tolkien's Middle-earth for Dummies by Greg Harvey ISBN: 0-7645-4186-2 Publisher: For Dummies Pub. Date: 03 October, 2003 Format: Paperback Volumes: 1 List Price(USD): $19.99 |
Average Customer Rating: 4.17 (6 reviews)
Rating: 4
Summary: A useful resource for beginners
Comment: If you have read and thoroughly understood *The Lord of the Rings* and *The Silmarillion* and have already delved into the origins of Tolkien's world, then you probably won't find this book very helpful. However, if you are fairly new to Tolkien's world and are looking to get deeper into the mythology of Middle-earth, this is a great place to begin. Greg Harvey brings his own background as a scholar of language and myth to provide the reader with a solid (if somewhat sketchy) look at how Middle-earth came into being as well as a handy guide to places, characters, races, and events.
I did find a few errors along the way, and some of the author's interpretations may surprise you as they conflict with what other Tolkien scholars have written over the years. At any rate, contrary to what some might feel, there is a lot to know about Tolkien's creation that can't be gleaned from "just reading the books." A basic grasp of the story's real-world mythological and historical roots is endlessly valuable if you want to increase your enjoyment of the novels.
Buy this book if A) you loved the movies and are getting ready to read the novels, B) you've read the books and were confused by some of Tolkien's literary and mythological allusions, or C) you own a copy of *The Silmarillion* and couldn't get past the first twenty or so pages.
Rating: 3
Summary: Good Information, but too much babbling
Comment: The first two-thirds of this book is an excellent reference on the people, places, history, and languages of Middle-Earth. It reminded me of things I have forgotten, such as Elrond's brother being the first king of Numenor, and Galadriel being Elrond's mother-in-law. It made clear some things I was fuzzy about, such as why the three Elven rings are not evil. It is flawed only by the author's pathetic political correctness. The last third contains the author's worthless babbling about his interpretation of a book that needs no interpretation. He should have stuck to a more factual account of Tolkien's influences. Without the last third, I would have rated the book four stars. Without the political correctness, five.
Rating: 5
Summary: Written with humor and respect
Comment: 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.
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Title: The Return of the King Visual Companion: The Official Illustrated Movie Companion (The Lord of the Rings) by Jude Fisher ISBN: 0618390979 Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Co Pub. Date: 05 November, 2003 List Price(USD): $18.95 |
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Title: The Lord of the Rings Weapons and Warfare by Chris Smith, Christopher Lee ISBN: 0618390995 Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Co Pub. Date: 05 November, 2003 List Price(USD): $29.95 |
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Title: The People's Guide to J.R.R. Tolkien by TheOneRing.Net, Erica Challis ISBN: 1892975904 Publisher: Cold Spring Press Pub. Date: 20 May, 2003 List Price(USD): $16.95 |
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Title: The Road to Middle-earth : Revised and Expanded Edition by Tom Shippey ISBN: 0618257608 Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Co Pub. Date: 24 June, 2003 List Price(USD): $13.00 |
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Title: The Art of The Return of the King (The Lord of the Rings) by Gary Russell, Peter Jackson ISBN: 0618430296 Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Co Pub. Date: 02 January, 2004 List Price(USD): $35.00 |
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