Stunning slipcase containing the most comprehensive in-depth companion to Tolkien's life and works ever published, including synopses of all his writings, and a Tolkien gazetteer, who's who and chronology. Created to be the central reference work for readers and students of Tolkien, the two volumes contained in this boxed set approach his life from two different angles and give the most thorough analysis of Tolkien's work within the context of his life. The first volume includes brief but comprehensive introductions and notes on a wide range of topics, and points the way, through discussion and bibliographies, to further reading. It includes a Chronology and a Tolkien Who's Who, plus information about: · Tolkien's sources · political and social events through which Tolkien lived · the importance of poetry in Tolkien's work · his special interests such as astronomy, botany and calligraphy · the breadth of his reading · the importance of clubs and groups in his social life · his religious beliefs · his service in the 1914-18 war · his tendency to rewrite · his interest in every aspect of his books (covers, illustrations, lettering) · elements frequently found in his works: dragons, trees, etc. · the 'Tolkien cult' and fan mail The second volume is the ultimate 'one-stop' reference text detailing the parallel chronologies of Tolkien's personal and academic life, and of his writings. The book draws its information from a wide variety of reliable contemporary sources including biographies, Tolkien's letters, The Tolkien Family Album, correspondence with Allen & Unwin, C. S. Lewis' letters and the diaries of W. H. Lewis. Using these materials the book details, with tremendous accuracy, every aspect of Tolkien's life from births and deaths and moves of house to matters associated with Oxford University: Tolkien's visit to Rotterdam, his BBC broadcasts and significant Inkling meetings are all recorded and examined.
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