The most celebrated book of the 20th century is now a major motion picture.

This absorbing guide to the mind behind Middle-earth will introduce or remind readers of the abundance that exists in Tolkien's thought and imagination. Interweaving sections explore The Lord of the Rings and its history; the key themes, concepts and images in Tolkien's work; the people, and places in his life, and his other writings. At the heart of the book is an indispensable A-Z of Middle-earth, with detailed entries on Beings, Places, Things and Events.

Readers will also be introduced to Tolkien's deeply spiritual message, which was of great importance in his creation of Middle-earth.

Central to Tolkien's fiction, as Colin Duriez points out, is the creation of elves. These are representative of human spirituality and culture, and human spirituality itself has an elven quality. Just like C. S. Lewis, his close friend, Tolkien was deeply inspired by a broad range of spiritual and philosophical imagery, like trees, angels, the fall of humankind, the power of healing, the personification of wisdom, light and darkness, nature and grace, and the metaphysical portrayal of heroism and evil.

"A welcome addition to any Tolkien reader's bookshelf. It is impossible to read Colin Duriez's volume without wanting to reread Tolkien's books-an undoubted compliment to both authors." -Brian Sibley, author of 'The Lord of the Rings' Official Movie Guide