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  • J. R. R. Tolkien

  • A Biography
  • Written by: Humphrey Carpenter
  • Narrated by: Roger May
  • Length: 11 hrs and 31 mins
  • 4.8 out of 5 stars (18 ratings)

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J. R. R. Tolkien

Written by: Humphrey Carpenter
Narrated by: Roger May
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Publisher's Summary

The original authorised biography, and the only one written by an author who actually met J. R. R. Tolkien.

In the 25 years since Tolkien’s death in September 1973, millions have read The Hobbit, The Lord of the Rings and The Silmarillion and become fascinated about the very private man behind the books.

Born in Bloemfontein in January 1892, John Ronald Reuel Tolkien was orphaned in childhood, brought up in near poverty and almost thwarted in adolescent romance. He served in the First World War, surviving the Battle of the Somme, where he lost some of his closest friends, and returned to academic life, achieving high repute as a scholar and university teacher, eventually becoming Merton Professor of English at Oxford.

Then suddenly his life changed dramatically. One day while marking essay papers he found himself writing 'In a hole in the ground there lived a hobbit' - and worldwide renown awaited him.

Humphrey Carpenter was given unrestricted access to all Tolkien’s papers and interviewed his friends and family. From these sources he follows the long and painful process of creation that produced The Lord of the Rings and The Silmarillion and offers a wealth of information about the life and work of the 20th century's most cherished author.

©2018 Humphrey Carpenter (P)2018 HarperCollins Publishers Limited

What the critics say

"One of the most interesting and readable biographies of a literary figure." (The Times)

"The story is rich and beautifully told." (Sunday Times)

"Absolutely fascinating." (Daily Mail)

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What listeners say about J. R. R. Tolkien

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Outstanding

I love Tolkien's work. It's wonderful to get a chance, even if only a little one, to peak into his life. After this I want a portrait of him on my wall.

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An interesting glimpse into the ordinary life of a

Really enjoyed the insight into the life of this brilliant man. How the books came to be and what else might have been produced in time.

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