Tree of Tales [Tolkien, Literature, and Theology]

This excellent collection of international essays (England, Scotland, USA, Canada) was listed by Tolkien Library as one of "The Best Tolkien Books of 2007" -- a year prolific in publications. The accessible material draws the reader back into Tolkien for new adventures in familiar territory: you'll want to read the Trilogy all over again. The enjoyable chapters are quite diverse, and are excellent material for provoking discussion, whether in the classroom or around the dinner (or pub!) table. Some of the pieces should be required reading for students of this genre. The chapters cover: historical contexts, Tolkien's dragon sources, the relationship between Lewis and Tolkien, what Tolkien and Lewis meant by the word 'mythopoeia' / 'mythopoeic' , the concept of eucatastrophe, Tolkien's approach to the concepts of art & creation, Tolkien's concept of a hero, and Tolkien's understanding of Good and Evil. There are also several responses to Jackson's films within the chapters. While some of the essayists are new names, most are well established in the field of Inklings and/or Literature & Theolgy: Colin Duriez, David L. Jeffrey, Ralph Wood, Trevor Hart. Tolkien, St. Andrews, And Dragons -- The Fairy Story: J.r.r. Tolkien And C.s. Lewis -- Tolkien's Mythopoesis -- Tolkien, Creation, And Creativity -- Tolkien And The Future Of Literary Studies -- Tolkien And The Surrendering Of Power -- Tolkien's Augustinian Understanding Of Good And Evil: Why The Lord Of The Rings Is Not Manichean. Edited By Trevor Hart And Ivan Khovacs. Includes Bibliographical References (p. 121-125) And Index. "This work examines the theological relationship between creation and creativity in the works of J.R.R. Tolkien. It does so by bringing together a synthesis of various disciplines and perspectives to the creativity of J.R.R. Tolkien. Hart and Khovacs provide a fresh reading of these important themes in Tolkien, and the result captures the multi-faceted nature of Tolkien's own vivid theology and literary imagination." --Amazon.com Tolkien, St. Andrews, and dragons The fairy story: J.R.R. Tolkien and C. S. lewis Tolkien's mythopoesis Tolkien, creation, and creativity Tolkien and the future of literary studies Tolkien and the subversion of power Tolkien's Augustinian understanding of good and evil: why the Lord of the Rings is not Manichean.