This title offers a very readable overview of Tolkien and his work, incorporating a brief biography, an examination of the books and a look at the process of filming his work, including ''''The Hobbit'''' and ''''The Lord of the Rings saga''''. It explores how Tolkien's background as a medievalist and linguist informed the languages of Middle - earth, the influence of his Catholicism and Tolkien's legacy in fantasy. This is a timely book to coincide with the first of Peter Jackson's two keenly awaited Hobbit films.