Tolkien's World from A to Z: The Complete Guide to Middle-Earth
by Robert Foster
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Book Summary Information
Author: Robert FosterEdition: Paperback
Audio: English (Unknown); English (Original Language); English (Published)
Published: 2001-12
ISBN: 0345449762
Number of pages: 569
Publisher: Del Rey
Book Reviews of Tolkien's World from A to Z: The Complete Guide to Middle-Earth
Book Review: Christopher Tolkien uses this book--`nuff said!
Summary: 4 Stars
I think the best recommendation for this book comes from Christopher Tolkien. He said that from "frequent use" he found it to be "an admirable work of reference." (Unfinished Tales, p. 4).
I heartily concur. Having read the Pentalogue (Silmarillion-Hobbit-Lord of the Rings) twice, and this book clears up many of the obscure people, places, and events. Sometimes I have found the indices in "The Return of the King" to be wanting, or have wanted to have more of a dictionary- or cyclopedia-type entry. This book meets this need.
(In plain English, if you have a term paper to write, then get this book and save your grade.)
In fact, this book has no equals, and only two rivals: Tolkien's own indices, and Peter Kreeft's philosophical concordance found in "The Philosophy of Tolkien." (ISBN: 1586170252).
I have only two critiques. The first problem is that we have too many editions of Tolkien. We have no "Standard Text" with a universal pagination. This is really a problem that only the estate of JRR can solve. To his credit, Foster has a conversion formula on page 569, which is on some help. However, I still find myself flipping pages with my newer film tie-in editions.
Secondly, I would have like to have an enlarged edition of this book. I would keep the entries, but also expand them. Entries would include literary aspects of the characters, Christian symbolism of the characters, and also "behind the scenes" information form the 12 Lost Tales books and Tolkien's letters. (Such as the comments on Tom Bombadil. ) A model for this book is the Star Wars Databank web-page. This may require a multi-volume encyclopedia. So be it--Tolkien is worth it.
Until this big book get compiled, we can count upon Foster's book to do the job that we need it to do, and this is to enliven Tolkien's masterwork.
Summary of Tolkien's World from A to Z: The Complete Guide to Middle-Earth
For the millions who have already ventured to Middle-earth, and for the countless others who have yet to embark on the journey?here is the one indispensable A-to-Z guide that brings Tolkien?s universe to life.EVERY CHARACTER
From Adaldrida Brandybuck to Zaragamba?every Hobbit, Elf, Dwarf, Man, Orc, or other resident of Middle-earth is vividly described and accurately located in proper place and time.
EVERY PLACE
Colorfully detailed descriptions of geographical entries allow you to pick up the action anywhere in Middle-earth and follow it through all five volumes.
EVERY THING
From stars and streams to food and flora, everything found in Middle-earth is alphabetically listed and, when necessary, cross-referenced.
HERE IS TRULY A MASTER KEY
TO TOLKIEN?S MIDDLE-EARTH
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