Tolkien: Lighting Up the Darkness - by Willy Duraffourg (Hardcover)

Book Synopsis

JRR Tolkien was not always the old Oxford professor, pipe in the mouth, refining his extraordinary work.

In 1915, at age 23, he left for the front with his high school friends, whom he loved like brothers. They take part in the Battle of the Somme which will kill 450,000 people. The horror of war will brand his relationship to friendship, love and creation.

This graphic novel explores the youth of the author of The Lord of the Rings, and his traumatic experience of the battlefields of the First World War, which will forge the imagination of his literary work.

For fans of The Hobbit & Lord of The Rings looking to learn more about the genius behind their favorite epics.

Review Quotes

"Provides a glimpse into the beginning of some of Tolkien's most iconic creations. From the camaraderie of the fellowship in The Lord of the Rings to the desolate landscapes of Mordor, readers familiar with Tolkien's work will find intriguing connections between his wartime experiences and the fantasy realms he would go on to craft." - Geek-Network.com

"Succeeds in shedding light on a crucial but often overlooked period in the life of a literary giant. The graphic novel captures the essence of Tolkien's wartime service, offering readers a visual and emotional journey that enhances their appreciation for the man behind the fantasy masterpieces." --GEEK-NETWORK.COM

"The art has a clean and classic look, with visual elements of light and darkness neatly paralleling the story arc. Though diehard Tolkien fans might wish for a more thorough treatment, this still satisfies." - Publishers Weekly