Few writers of this century have had as much impact on the public a J.R.R. Tolkien, whose epic The Lord of the Rings has transcended the limitations of time, age, and nationality to become required reading to millions. Even today, years after his death, letters, addressed to him in care of his publisher, continue to pour in, asking about himself and how he came to write about Middle-earth and the hobbits and wizards and dwarves and elves that lived there. To many readers, Tolkien still lives. This biography provides answers to many of their questions and clues to others. Humphrey Carpenter is a friend of the Tolkien sons and daughter, who have authorized him to write their father's biography and given him access to documents, letters, photographs, and their own memories of an extraordinary man. He traces Tolkien's life from early childhood in South Africa through the lonely years that followed the deaths of both parents and ended with his marriage, the quiet years of academic achievement as a distinguished Oxford professor, and the unforeseen popular acclaim that changed his life, to his last years as a famous literary figure.

This hardback is in very good condition with edge and corner wear. The dust jacket has considerable wear and tear, with a huge rip in the front.