Published By: Frances Lincoln
Pages: 336
Released On: 03/09/2024
This wide-ranging encyclopaedia covers all the characters, places, and objects included in the seminal book that first introduced the world of Middle-earth, highlighting the legendary sources from which Tolkien took inspiration.
With rich illustrations of action scenes and characters, this encyclopaedia has in-depth entries on such subjects as:
– The Arkenstone
– Azog and Bolg
– Dragons
– Elvish
– Faërie
– Girion
– Lake-town
– Pipes and pipe-weed
– The Quest of Erebor
– Wasterlands
The prequel to The Lord of the Rings (1954), The Hobbit (1937) is an extraordinarily rich work that first introduced us to the world of Middle-earth, and sets up the fantasy world that would be built upon at greater length in Tolkien’s later books. Peter Jackson’s trilogy of films based on this single work has helped to create a whole new generation of Tolkien fans.
This is the quintessential read for any Tolkien fan, young or old. It also acts as a base reference for those who have newly stepped into Tolkien’s world. With a Middle-earth-age period style, this visually appealing guide can be leafed through by topic or read cover to cover.
*****
Thanks to NetGalley and Frances Lincoln for the advanced copy of this title in return for an honest review.
This book has been on my radar for ages! I even put it on my 2023 Christmas list (yes, I still have a Christmas list) not realising it wasn’t out until 2024. And so I was thrilled to be sent an early copy.
I love J.R.R Tolkien. I have a dedicated bookcase for his books, which include five copies of The Hobbit, and three of Lord of the Rings, amongst literary evaluations from people like David Day, as well as other books by Tolkien such as The Silmarillion, Tolkien on Fairy-Stories, and Tales From the Perilous Realm. I even have a LOTR tattoo, so yeah, I’m a big fan.
There is so much in this book. I don’t know why I’m surprise, I mean it is an encyclopaedia after all. But it covers characters, creatures, types of people i.e. dwarves and, obviously hobbits, languages, writing systems, objects, places, notable events, and sources of inspiration. So there really is something for everyone and you can pick the particular bits that you’re most interested in.
There are some lovely illustrations in it, some colourised and others simple sketches, but they really help bring the words to life, and I have always been a fan of illustrations in grown-up books.
I was worried at first that it would simply be a regurgitating of facts from the books and wouldn’t actually bring anything new to Tolkien’s world. But, whilst there is obviously an element of repeating what we already know, Damien and his co-authors are clearly superfans and have done so much research to fill the chapters, it’s very impressive. Now I admit, whilst I have a lot of his book, I wouldn’t call myself a Tolkien superfan in the sense that I know the answer to any Hobbit question, and so it shouldn’t surprise me that a lot of what is writing is new to me. Even for the biggest of fans, I think it gives you enough new stuff to excite you.
It is very information heavy, which to be honest is what you expect from an encyclopaedia on any topic, but just note there’s a lot of reading involved and I think that would scare away younger or unconfident readers.
I’m not sure I got it’s full effect as a digital copy, but I think it would look really great in a physical form on your coffee table. If you’re a Tolkien fan or a Hobbit fan, then get this on your radar.
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