Tolkien and the Invention of Myth: A Reader (Hardcover)

by Jane Chance (Editor) "The Lord of the Rings successfully illustrates J.R.R. Tolkien's principles and beliefs about mythology..." (more)
Key Phrases: semantic displacement, verbal magic, legendary narrative, Old English, New York, Old Norse (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Review
"The essays presented in Tolkien and the Invention of Myth: A Reader are both topically interesting and critically sophisticated. This volume is a must-have for Tolkien scholars and a good read for folklorists." -- Western Folklore

Review

"Well worth reading-- Modern Fiction Studies" -- Modern Fiction Studies

"The written-down equivalent of a roundtable discussion.... They trace his back (to Norse myth-to old England-to the classics) and have a wonderful time doing so.-- Rockland (ME) Courier-Gazette" -- Rockland (ME) Courier-Gazette

"Shows how Tolkien gathers ancient and medieval sources, transforming them into a work applicable to and approachable by a contemporary reader mostly ignorant of any myths beyond the Disney-fied versions.-- Seven" -- Seven

"A superb collection of insightful articles.... Provides valuable insight into the various traditions familiar to Tolkien, and from which he drew as he developed his personal mythology over the decades.-- The Historian" -- The Historian

"Every one of these articles provides valuable insight into the various traditions familiar to Tolkien, and from which he drew as he developed his personal mythology over the decades.-- The Historian" -- The Historian

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 360 pages
• Publisher: University Press of Kentucky (May 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0813123011
• ISBN-13: 978-0813123011
• Product Dimensions: 9.4 x 6.4 x 1.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.5 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #533,874 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Wide-ranging survey, September 22, 2004

By	Janet B. Croft (NORMAN, OK USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

A solid collection of articles on various sub-topics of Tolkien's relations with myth, particularly his sources and his aim of creating a mythology. There are several very good essays on the Finnish _Kalevala_ as an influence. Tom Shippey's essay on the _Edda_ and _Kalevala_ is one of his best, and a fine example of his typical clarity of style. Several of the reprinted articles, notably Catherine Madsen's essay on natural religion and Kathleen Dubs' on Boethian philosophy, are quite thought-provoking. Andrew Lazo's essay on the Kolbitar, precursor to the Inklings, is repetitive in sections but includes a good deal of very interesting material. Also noteworthy are the papers on oaths and oath-breaking by John Holmes and on Beowulf by Alexandra Bolitineanu. All in all, a useful collection.