"J.R.R. Tolkien" By Marke Horne

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Mark Horne.J.R.R. Tolkien (Christian Encounters Series). Thomas Nelson, 2011. 160 pgs.

Christian Encounters, a series of biographies from Thomas Nelson Publishers, highlights important lives from all ages and areas of the Church.This particular book is, obviously, a highlight of the life of J.R.R. Tolkien. It is not a full biography, rather it is the outline of his life and a chance for you to 'meet' this famous author. The book is organized chronologically, with heavier emphasis on the early parts of Tolkien's life. It concludes with a brief look at his legacy.

As a 'Christian Encounter' this is a decent book. Horne writes well, and one feels as if one gets to know Tolkien a little bit by the end of the book. As far as I know, though I am no expert, this is an accurate look at Tolkien's life, and it was certainly interesting. My only complaint was that I felt as if Horne worked a little bit too hard to relate nearly all of Tolkien's life to The Lord of the Rings. In some ways J.R.R. Tolkien is as much the story of the writing of that epic tale as it is the story of Tolkien's life. And while this is certainly interesting, I would have liked to catch a glimpse of the man behind the work instead of the work behind the man. 

Conclusion: 4 Stars. Conditionally recommended. This was a fun book, the only condition is that you would like to get to know more about J.R.R. Tolkien. But let's face it, you should want that! 


This book was provided by Thomas Nelson for review. 

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