jrr tolkien books

J R R Tolkien Books

Quite possibly the greatest fiction writer of all time, J R R Tolkien’s works have been given more honors than we could possibly list. Suffice it to say, his amazing tales of fantasy are rooted in Catholicism, individual liberty and a love of nature.

Unlike his good friend CS Lewis’ Narnia series, Tolkien’s works aren’t allegorical. They’re far more subtle.

Born John Ronald Reuel Tolkien, he was the eldest son of a banker. By the time he was 12 both his parents had died but not before his mother converted to Catholicism, a faith he fervently practiced through his life.

He served his country during World War I though not before completing his studies. He was admittedly reluctant. That experience did inspire his depiction of Mordor.

A professor of English, he was an avid writer, poet and philologist. His love of language is both obvious and central to his works, having not just created new worlds in his mind and books, but the entire language, history and cultures for the different peoples of Middle-earth. His writings are heavily inspired by his studies in Germanic, Celtic, Finnish and Greek language and mythology. He also specifically studied and drew inspiration from Old English literature such as Beowulf.

J R R Tolkien Books

The Hobbit – 1937

Leaf by Niggle – 1945

Farmer Giles of Ham – 1949

The Lord of the Rings

The Fellowship of the Ring: The Lord of the Rings -1954

The Two Towers: The Lord of the Rings – 1954

The Return of the King: The Lord of the Rings – 1955

The Adventures of Tom Bombadil – 1962

Smith of Wootton Major – 1967

The Silmarillion