In his almost 1,000-page epic, “The History of the Hobbit,” John Rateliff documents how the beloved story came to be written.
Watching “The Two Towers” at the Royal Albert Hall
Watching a favorite movie like “The Two Towers” in Royal Albert Hall with a live soundtrack is an unforgettable experience.
Was Tolkien Influenced Only by the Middle Ages? Holly Ordway Says No
In “Tolkien’s Modern Reading,” Holly Ordway persuasively argues that the literary influences on J.R.R. Tolkien were broad and diverse.
Poetry Prompt: Poems of Experience
“The Hobbit” is more than a book for children. Callie Feyen considers how to learn from Bilbo and write poems of experience.
How J.R.R. Tolkien Met an Obligation – with Poetry
After his childhood friend Geoffrey Bache Smith died in World War I, J.R.R. Tolkien self-imposed an obligation to publish Smith’s poetry.
Buried in the Basement: “Tolkien’s Lost Chaucer” by John Bowers
A significant work by J.R.R. Tolkien on Chaucer sat unnoticed in a library basement for 60 years. “Tolkien’s Lost Chaucer” tells the story.
Editor of the Legendarium: Christopher Tolkien (1924-2020)
We owe a great debt to Christopher Tolkien, who as literary executor of his father’s estate unlocked the legendarium of Middle-earth.
Children’s Book Club: “Mr. Bliss”
What happened when J.R.R. Tolkien got a motorcar? He ran into the three bears—Archie, Teddy, and Bruno. Join author Megan Willome for a Children’s Book Club discussion of ‘Mr. Bliss.’
Memories Poetry Prompt: Something Lost
Is there something you remember that you wish you could return to? Join Callie Feyen in stirring your memories of lost things you wish you could find again—and put them in a poem!
The Abounding Creativity of Middle-earth: An Appreciation of J.R.R. Tolkien
With his stories of Middle-earth, J.R.R. Tolkien gave us a legacy of abounding creativity and imagination, explaining how myths are made.
The Last of the Tolkien Tales: “The Fall of Gondolin”
“The Fall of Gondolin,” the last of the tales of J.R.R. Tolkien, includes all of the author’s trademark themes and devices, including orcs and balrogs.
Great Friendship Tales: The Power of Sam and Frodo Starts With Tolkien
Some of the most enduring tales ever told rely on great friends, like Sam and Frodo in The Lord of the Rings. Where did Tolkien find inspiration for these characters? You might discover the answers starting with his own life.
A New Exhibition: Tolkien and the Making of Middle-earth
A new exhibition on J.R.R. Tolkien has opened at the Bodleian Library in Oxford, and the catalog book is a treasure in and of itself.
“The Fall of Arthur” – A Fragment by J.R.R. Tolkien
The legend of King Arthur has captivated imaginations for centuries. Geoffrey of Monmouth started it, and even J.R.R. Tolkien tried his hand at it.
Reading in the Wild: January’s Pages
Come learn the secrets of being a wild reader. Or just share your January pages. Megan Willome leads the way, with her January good reads.
Tales of the First Age: “Beren and Luthien” by J.R.R. Tolkien
“Beren and Luthien” by J.R.R. Tolkien is the latest story edited by his son and literary executor Christopher Tolkien, and one of the earliest he wrote.
“The Children of Hurin” and “The Lay of Aotrou & Itroun” by J.R.R. Tolkien
Before “The Hobbit” and “The Lord of the Rings,” there were “The Children of Hurin” and “The Lay of Aotrou & Itroun” by J.R.R. Tolkien.
Reading & Writing Workshops: Tolkien Lord of the Rings
A Tolkien Workshop focusing on The Lord of the Rings trilogy, that will lead you to the depths (and back!)
Poets and Poems: J.R.R. Tolkien and “Beowulf”
The newly published translation of “Beowulf” by J.R.R. Tolkien is both poetic prose and a reminder of the epic’s influence on “The Lord of the Rings.”
Tolkien I Workshop: Session 11–On Fairy Stories
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