This absorbing guide to the mind behind Middle-earth will introduce or remind readers of the abundance that exists in Tolkien's thought and imagination. Interweaving sections explore The Lord of the Rings and its history; the key themes, concepts, and images in Tolkien's work. At the heart of this book is an indispensable A-Z of Middle-earth, with detailed entries on Beings, Places, Things, and Events. Tolkien was deeply inspired by a broad range of spiritual and philosophical imagery, like angels, trees, the fall of humankind, the power of healing, the personification of wisdom, light and darkness, nature and grace, and the metaphysical portrayal of heroism and evil.
