J.R.R. Tolkien

"Delightful exploration of the relationship between Tolkien's fiction...scholarly work and the mythical, linguistic and philosiphical history underlying both." "Shippey is a rarity, a scholar well-schooled in critical analysis whose writing is beautifully clear." "Shippey presents a remarkably insightful account of the origins of Tolkien's use of language and myth." "Wonderfully readable...Shippey makes an impressive case for why the creator of Middle-earth is deserving of acclaim." "An invaluable study...It illuminates the text and enables the reader to better appreciate the works under discussion." "�Shippey� deepens your understanding of the work without making you forget your initial, purely instinctive response to Middle-earth and hobbits." "Full of things-we-hadn't-known...As scholarship, it's one of the more enjoyable works I've run across." "[Shippey] deepens your understanding of the work without making you forget your initial, purely instinctive response to Middle-earth and hobbits." "He is of all writers on Tolkien the one most worth reading" -- David Bratman, Mythprint "Professor Shippey's commentary is the best so far in elucidating Tolkien's lovely myth." Harper's Magazine

"Authoritative and timely." Boston Globe

"Wonderfully readable...Shippey makes an impressive case for why the creator of Middle-earth is deserving of acclaim." Publishers Weekly

"Shippey is a rarity, a scholar well-schooled in critical analysis whose writing is beautifully clear." Minneapolis Star-Tribune

"Delightful exploration of the relationship between Tolkien's fiction...scholarly work and the mythical, linguistic and philosiphical history underlying both." Salon

"[Tolkien] deserves his full due, and Shippey's appreciative assessment of his unique achievement provides it in full and satisfying measure." Philadelphia Inquirer

"Shippey presents a remarkably insightful account of the origins of Tolkien's use of language and myth." The Chicago Tribune

"Full of things-we-hadn't-known...As scholarship, it's one of the more enjoyable works I've run across." The San Diego Union-Tribune

"[Shippey] deepens your understanding of the work without making you forget your initial, purely instinctive response to Middle-earth and hobbits." The Houston Chronicle

"An invaluable study...It illuminates the text and enables the reader to better appreciate the works under discussion." The Washington Times