About this item
Highlights
- In such classic works as The Hobbit, The Lord of the Rings, and The Silmarillion, J. R. R. Tolkien depicts a vast, complex world-system.
- About the Author: Robert T. Tally Jr. is a professor of English at Texas State University in San Marcos, Texas.
- 198 Pages
- Literary Criticism, Science Fiction + Fantasy
Description
About the Book
"J. R. R. Tolkien's classic works The Hobbit, The Lord of the Rings, and The Silmarillion comprise a legendarium with a complex world-system presented through an array of poetic forms. Through historical, geopolitical, and multicultural detail, combining elements of myth, romance, and the modern novel, Middle-earth is seen as much more than an adventure tale. This book analyzes Tolkien's narrative form and its relation to social contexts, while also exploring his broader philosophical conception of history and the role of individual and collective subjects within it. Tolkien's published and posthumous writing, the film adaptations, and recent scholarship are all examined to provide an enlarged and refined critical perspective of these major works. Drawing upon Marxist literary theory and criticism, traditional views of race, class, morality, escapism, and general fantasy are called into question. Close reading mixed with theoretical speculation lets readers see Middle-earth, as well as our own world, in a new way"--Book Synopsis
In such classic works as The Hobbit, The Lord of the Rings, and The Silmarillion, J. R. R. Tolkien depicts a vast, complex world-system. Tolkien's Middle-earth comes to life with intensely detailed historical, geographical, and multicultural content, which is presented through different poetic forms that combine elements of epic, romance, myth, history, and the modern novel. This book analyzes Tolkien's project, paying attention to narrative form and its relation to social contexts, while also exploring his broader philosophical conception of history and the role of individual and collective subjects within it. Tolkien's published and posthumous writings, the film adaptations, and recent scholarship are all examined to provide an enlarged and refined critical perspective of these major works. Drawing upon Marxist literary theory and criticism, Robert T. Tally Jr. calls into question traditional views of race, class, morality, escapism, and fantasy more generally. Through close readings mixed with theoretical speculation, Representing Middle-earth allows readers see Tolkien's world, as well as our own, in a new light.
Review Quotes
"[Readers] definitely gain a new and different understanding of Tolkien's work, which to me is a sign that Representing Middle-earth is an excellent work of scholarship."-Mythlore
"In this original and inspiring book, Robert Tally gives us the Marxist criticism of Tolkien that he has long deserved. Transcending stereotypes fostered equally by piously apostolic readings and academic snobberies, Tally shows us how Tolkien recognized social complexity, experienced history and modernity, and comprehended that even the Orcs want to get away from the Big Bosses. Written in an accessible, involving style, Representing Middle-earth shows us both a Tolkien we did not know before and a world that can tremendously gain from reading Tolkien wisely."-Nicholas Birns, New York University, author of The Literary Role of History in the Fiction of J. R. R. Tolkien
About the Author
Robert T. Tally Jr. is a professor of English at Texas State University in San Marcos, Texas.