One of the finest characteristics of Tolkien's work is that it is easily as enjoyable to think about as it is to read. And despite the completeness, volume and excruciating detail of his literature, his work in particular exhibits a singular ability to create the desire for even more among his readers. Given the depth and range of Tolkien's legendarium connections and inferences fly in all directions and the concentration required in tracking them down and relating them to the work is obviously why they call it Tolkien Scholarship. Consequently, there is almost no shortage of books, critical and scholarly works available to those interested in making the kind of connections capable of greatly expanding their appreciation and comprehension of Middle-earth, its sources, intricacies, meaning, philosophy, structure and context. And "Perilous Realms" is one of the finest.
Marjorie Burns has accomplished something a bit rare for readers of Tolkien. This is a book that remains inviting and accessible without sacrificing any intellectual weight. Her focus on linking narrative sources of "The Silmarillion", "The Hobbit" and "The Lord of the Rings" to Celtic and Norse mythologies does not narrow the field -- this approach proves more than adequate to the task of bringing the vastness of her subject within reach.
But there remains a nagging sense of Apologia, especially in her chapter on the technique Tolkien uses to add dimension to his principal characters. Here, as with the work of Shippey and others, the reader can't help but get the sense that there's some element geared at the appeasement of mainstream literature and literary critics who so often dismiss Tolkien's work, in many cases unread. Burns' critical insights are strong enough without the seemingly obligatory nod to those literati who choose, simply on the basis of their personal preference, to remain blind and deaf to Tolkien. Such critics' denial of the worth of this work isn't based on literary criteria anyway. So it's safe to assume they'll remain unswayed, whether they become aware of the intricacy and depth of these works or not. With or without them, Tolkien's work is hardly short of either advocates or legitimacy.
That said, Burns' language remains concise, her presentation remains linear even through the often less-than-linear ambles that make much of Tolkien so compelling. Her writing favors clarity over the overtly technical. And, perhaps most importantly, her insights are actually highly original, their exposition extremely convincing. This book complements and informs the content of many other works on Tolkien rather than merely burnishing already familiar ideas. Her ability to illuminate both the far-reaching and fundamental concepts within the literature makes this one of the most enjoyable and informative critical books you'll read on Tolkien's work.
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Anonymous Customer
Excellent. Marjorie Burns is fabulous.
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on January 14, 2020
