The authorized biography of J. R. R. Tolkien, author of the epic "The Lord of the Rings."

"From the familiar to the less well-known, from earliest times to the present day, and from around the world, this unique work explores the fascinating development of literature for children. It is an indispensable reference work not only for teachers librarians, and collectors, but for all parents and children." "The range of literature covered includes traditional narrative material such as legends and romances; fairy tales; chapbooks; genres such...

What Tolkien's many admirer's suspect, but have so far been unable to confirm, is that he was as complicated and rewarding in his personal life as he was in his masterful literary fantasies. By turns thoughtful, impish, scholarly, impassioned, playful, vigorous, and gentle, Tolkien was an indefatigable letter writer who poured his heart and mind into a great stream of correspondence to intimate friends and unknown admirers all over the world.