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leesmyth's review
4.0
Enjoyable. Lovely illustrations, nice essays by Tolkien scholars, generally good commentary on the various exhibition items and other figures.
I did have to laugh a bit at this description of Tolkien's study, at 282, written as if by an anthropologist reporting on an exotic tribe:
"Tolkien always had a study at home. This was essential when he lived at Northmoor Road and had no rooms in college but even after he moved to Merton College and was given a spacious room, he still needed a study at home to accommodate all his books and papers. [...] His study was not a purely private space but one where he received students, researchers and visitors. There were numerous desks and writing tables in the Tolkien family home. Some were in the study and others were in his bedroom, which was really a private extension of his study, with bookcases, a writing desk and tables."
Good heavens, this academic had lots of books and papers, desks and writing tables? And needed places to store them? How extraordinary!
I did have to laugh a bit at this description of Tolkien's study, at 282, written as if by an anthropologist reporting on an exotic tribe:
"Tolkien always had a study at home. This was essential when he lived at Northmoor Road and had no rooms in college but even after he moved to Merton College and was given a spacious room, he still needed a study at home to accommodate all his books and papers. [...] His study was not a purely private space but one where he received students, researchers and visitors. There were numerous desks and writing tables in the Tolkien family home. Some were in the study and others were in his bedroom, which was really a private extension of his study, with bookcases, a writing desk and tables."
Good heavens, this academic had lots of books and papers, desks and writing tables? And needed places to store them? How extraordinary!
shrimpybear's review
5.0
Incredible!!! I learned so much and the quality of the documents shown is incredible. Really makes JRR Tolkien's life as a regular person more accessible and that much more special and remarkable. Super inspiring and I will definitely buy a copy to pore over forever, once I have enough money lmao.
iina's review
5.0
Just over two years ago I visited the Bodleian Library's Tolkien exhibition and was utterly enchanted by all the materials and Tolkien's imagination. I also bought this book there, which I then proceeded to put off reading – not entirely sure why – until now. I shouldn't have, as this was a beautiful and comprehensive look into both J. R. R. Tolkien as a person and into the creation of his Middle-earth. Absolutely loved it!
ivantable's review
5.0
It’s hard to overstate the influence of the Inklings on the shape of today’s cultural and imaginative life. While we grieve that we only have one surviving member of the original group—Tolkien’s son, Christopher, who in the last several decades has edited much of his father’s posthumously published work (don’t miss this exquisite profile of Christopher Tolkien)—latter-day Inklings can rejoice at the publication of Tolkien: Maker of Middle-earth, which draws together essays on Tolkien’s life, influences, and philology, and reproduces personal photographs and private papers. Tied to this publication, the Morgan Library and Museum in New York City will showcase a Tolkien exhibitionfrom January 25 through May 12, 2019. Not many of us will be able to visit, but this beautifully executed book is a satisfying alternative.
toad_maiden's review
4.0
A beautiful volume. I was fortunate enough to see the accompanying exhibition at the Morgan Library this spring. I read several of the enlightening essays in this book and thoroughly enjoyed the high-quality print reproductions of Tolkien's illustrations. All fans of LOTR, etc., should take a look at this lovely book!
alana_ellsworth's review
5.0
This book was an excellent contribution to the section of the library dedicated to one of the world’s most gifted authors. Complete with stimulating visuals and relevant text, it is as practically informative as it is delightfully engaging. I learned a plethora of facts I did not already know about Tolkien, (even as a huge fan), including the fact that he was so much of an artist. There are pictures upon pictures included that he drew in his journey creating Middle Earth. The book is also broken into sections such as a brief biography, maps, the writing of his most significant novels, etc., which makes it very easy to pick up and put down. I have no disappointments whatsoever; it was nothing less than excellent, and it will certainly become my coffee-table book.
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