J.R.R. Tolkien

Synopsis

The original authorised biography, and the only one written by an author who actually met J.R.R. Tolkien, reissued to mark Tolkien's 125th Anniversary.

In more than 40 years since Tolkien's death in September 1973, millions have read The Hobbit, The Lord of the Rings and The Silmarillion and become fascinated about the very private man behind the books.

Born in Bloemfontein in January 1892, John Ronald Reuel Tolkien was orphaned in childhood, brought up in near-poverty and almost thwarted in adolescent romance. He served in the First World War, surviving the Battle of the Somme, where he lost some of his closest friends, and returned to academic life, achieving high repute as a scholar and university teacher, eventually becoming Merton Professor of English at Oxford.

Then suddenly his life changed dramatically. One day while marking essay papers he found himself writing 'In a hole in the ground there lived a hobbit' - and worldwide renown awaited him.

Humphrey Carpenter was given unrestricted access to all Tolkien's papers, and interviewed his friends and family. From these sources he follows the long and painful process of creation that produced The Hobbit, The Lord of the Rings and The Silmarillion and offers a wealth of information about the life and work of the twentieth century's most cherished author.

Summary

Chapter 1: Shire-folk

Tolkien introduces the hobbits, a peaceful and isolationist people who live in the Shire. They are described as amiable, plump, and fond of food and drink. One such hobbit is Frodo Baggins, who inherits a magical ring from his uncle, Bilbo.

Chapter 2: The Shadow of the Past

Frodo learns that the ring is the One Ring, an evil artifact created by the Dark Lord Sauron. Sauron seeks to reclaim the One Ring and use its power to conquer Middle-earth. Frodo is tasked with taking the One Ring to Mount Doom, the only place where it can be destroyed.

Chapter 3: Three is Company

Frodo sets off on his journey with his companions: Samwise Gamgee, his gardener; Merry Brandybuck, his cousin; and Pippin Took, his fellow hobbit. They encounter many perils along the way, including the Nazgûl, Sauron's fearsome servants.

Chapter 4: A Knife in the Dark

At the Prancing Pony inn, Frodo and his companions are attacked by a Nazgûl. Frodo is stabbed, but Samwise saves him by using a kitchen knife to drive the Nazgûl away.

Chapter 5: Flight to the Ford

Frodo and his companions flee the Prancing Pony and head for the Ford of Bruinen. They are pursued by Nazgûl, but the Elf-lord Glorfindel comes to their aid and helps them cross the river safely.

Chapter 6: The Old Forest

Frodo and his companions enter the Old Forest, a mysterious and dangerous place. They encounter a talking willow tree, a giant spider, and a barrow-wight.

Chapter 7: In the House of Tom Bombadil

Frodo and his companions are rescued from the Old Forest by Tom Bombadil, an enigmatic and carefree creature. They spend several days at his house, recovering from their ordeal.

Chapter 8: Fog on the Barrow-downs

Frodo and his companions continue their journey and enter the Barrow-downs, a desolate and foreboding region. They are attacked by barrow-wights, but they are able to defeat them with the help of a sword that they find in a barrow.

Chapter 9: At the Sign of the Prancing Pony

Frodo and his companions reach Bree, a small town where they stay at the Prancing Pony inn. They meet Strider, a Ranger who agrees to guide them to Rivendell, the home of the Elves.