Seven Novels

#2 The Lord of the Rings, by J.R.R. Tolkien

For vastness of canvas and of action, for brilliant description of geography, for imaginative creation of characters, Tolkien’s trilogy is the greatest fantasy ever written. I wrote my first research paper on it. By then I had already read it several times; and I have returned to it several times since.

I discovered Tolkien through C.S. Lewis. Knowing they were friends, I thought I would give him a try. Cautiously, I bought only the first volume of the trilogy. Big mistake! I had to drive 30 miles in a blizzard to purchase the two succeeding volumes; I couldn’t wait to devour them. My son can affirm I also read these aloud to him when he was young.

Consciously of unconsciously, Tolkien wove Biblical imagery and truth into his book. I documented hundreds of instances. Sometimes he quotes Scriptures almost verbatim as when he speaks of light and darkness.

As for flaws, he’s been accused of sexism, of endorsing patriarchial societies and other politically incorrect views. The book is still a masterpiece. My own biggest gripe is the tiresome speech of the riders of Rohan who invert normal English sentence structure.

Continue with the Countdown. Book #1.