Defending Middle-earth: Tolkien: Myth and Modernity - Tapa blanda

Acerca del autor

Canadian-born Patrick Curry lives in London and has a PhD in the history and philosophy of science. An independent writer who reviews for the ‘Times Literary Supplement’ and the ‘New Statesman,’ his previous books include ‘Machiavelli for Beginners’.

De la contraportada

A spirited defence of Tolkien's mythological creation and its increasing relevance for the real world.

Acclaimed by the largest reader's survey ever conducted as 'the greatest book of the century', J.R.R. Tolkien's 'The Lord of the Rings' has cast the spell of its storytelling for over 40 years and continues to enthral new generations of readers. Yet it has also been widely labelled as reactionary and escapist by hostile critics.

Patrick Curry asks why a book that is so loved by readers continues to attract such criticism. In a spirited defence of Tolkien's mythological creation, this new study holds that far from being reactionary and 'escapist', 'The Lord of the Rings' addresses the most important conflict of our time – the struggle of community, nature and spirit against the modern union of state-power, capital and technology.

Quoting extensively from Tolkien's works, Patrick Curry argues that Tolkien addresses hard global realities and widely justified fears. In this way, his story has transcended its English roots to achieve universal relevance, and his imaginary world gives people everywhere hope for the future of the real world.

"Draws stimulating analogies with Tolkien and today's Green movement. This book deserves to be read."
Independent