With the appearance of the remarkable movie version of The Lord of the Rings, the works of J.R.R. Tolkien have risen to new heights of popularity, but Tolkien's literary reputation is still bitterly contested. This comprehensive introduction to Tolkien aims to explain his work clearly, to analyse the mixed reception he has received from critics, and to suggest a positive but level-headed view of his importance as a literary figure. Written in a fluent and accessible style, it is designed for both students and scholars, and for the general reader.

It includes:

- an extended...