The author of this book writes it to prove that J.R.R. Tolkien is the author of the century. The core of the book examines The Lord Of The Rings as a linguistic and cultural map and as a response to the meaning of myth. It presents a unique argument to explain the nature of evil and also gives the reader a compelling insight into the unparalleled level of skill necesary to construct such a rich and complex story. Shippney also examines The Hobbit, explaining the hobbit's anachronistic relationship to the heroic world of Middle-earth, and shows the fundamental importance of The Silmarillion to the canon of Tolkien's work. He offers as well an illuminating look at the other, lesser-known works in their connection to Tolkien's life.
