Rating: 
Summary: A study to find the real Man behind the Myth: Tolkien
Review: "The Lord of the Rings is of course a fundamentally religious and Catholic work" (Tolkien, in a letter to Robert Murray)These words might not be to the liking of many Tolkien critics, analysts or pseudo-writers that have been trying to unravel the Tolkien Myth. I believe that many of them have been at least partially unsuccessful due to the simple fact that they underestimated or totally overlooked the main essence of Tolkien's life which was his spiritual faith as a Catholic. Of course, this is by no means popular for a writer. Indeed , being a Catholic can mean instant "unpopularity" in certain cases; a paradox considering that Tolkien is by all means an extremely popular personality. Probably popularity has been helped by misunderstanding the man as a consequence of so many superfluous opinions by wrongly called "Tolkien experts". It is thus with great enthusiasm that I read this essay by Joseph Pearce. It is a well documented and objective work that reaches on to the very deep roots of Tolkien's motivations and perceptions of the world which were based on his Christian beliefs and his life as a convinced Catholic. The essay begins with a lively description of the turbulence caused when several reader polls established Tolkien as "The Author of the Century". Although this is an interesting (even fun) part, the most valuable comes from the rest of the book where we discover a proper view of Tolkien as essentially a Catholic author. Pearce , convincingly achieves this through an impartial presentation of documents, facts and original testimonials that permits us to glimpse the "Real Tolkien".
Written in an agile and practical style, it permits a clear and pleasant reading without falling into the usual dull academicism of many essays. I consider this, along with "The Letters of J.R.R. Tolkien" a most illuminating source to enjoy and truly understand the creator of such beauty as "The Lord of the Rings". Regarding beauty, let me end quoting Tolkien again: "...Our Lady, upon which all my own small perception of beauty both in majesty and simplicity is founded"
Rating: 
Summary: Not much new here. . .
Review: I have been a devotee of Tolkien's works for nearly 20 years. As a theologian, I have long been interested in the philosophical/theological ramifications of the man and his work. I was hoping for much more than Mr. Pearce provided in this book. As I was reading it, I kept getting the feeling that I had read it before -- and much of it, I had, in Carpenter's biography and collection of letters. Frankly, in my opinion, far more material than was appropriate was culled from Carpenter for this to be considered a truly original work. Oh well! I guess if I want the definitive philosophical/theological work on Tolkien, I'll have to write it myself!
Rating:
Summary: Not much new here. . .
Review: I have been a devotee of Tolkien's works for nearly 20 years. As a theologian, I have long been interested in the philosophical/theological ramifications of the man and his work. I was hoping for much more than Mr. Pearce provided in this book. As I was reading it, I kept getting the feeling that I had read it before -- and much of it, I had, in Carpenter's biography and collection of letters. Frankly, in my opinion, far more material than was appropriate was culled from Carpenter for this to be considered a truly original work. Oh well! I guess if I want the definitive philosophical/theological work on Tolkien, I'll have to write it myself!
Rating:
Summary: Tolkien the Devout
Review: I highly recommend this book to anyone who wants to know more about the man behind the LOTR, The Hobbit, and the Silmarillion. Largely based on Tolkien's own letters, as well as perspectives from critics, friends and family, Pearce's book offers a fresh and insightful perspective of Christianity's influence on Tolkien's philosophy and use of myth. I have seen no other work that provides such an articulate and well documented linkage between the man's faith and his works. Pearce succinctly and effectively dismantles claims that Tolkien is either reactionary or escapist, while furthering the case that the creative genius is one of the most important and influential authors of this century. As a Christian, I am inspired by Pearce's description of Tolkien's Theocentric approach to life and to his work. Traveling in Christian "fundamentalist" circles, I too often see Tolkien's name associated with occult and New Age activity. Of all criticisms leveled at the man and his works, I'm sure that these unfair allegations would hurt this devout Christian more than all others. Only a profound misunderstanding of the man and his myth ( and Myth, in general ) could lead to such a confused opinion. T:M&M also educated me as to the profound impact Tolkien had on his fellow Inkling, C.S. Lewis, the renowned Christian apologist, whose own works, including the Narnia tales ( which were heavily influenced by Tolkien), are staples in every Christian bookstore. And yet Tolkien's name is often pronounced with contempt in Christian circles. Again, this book may help to silence this kind of calumny. Furthermore, Pearce's book has prompted me to read the works of G.K. Chesterton ( another noted apologist ) , as well as more of the letters, essays, and unfinished tales of Tolkien himself. T:M&M reminded me of my early days as a born again Christian. Having discovered Tolkien two years before I "discovered" Christ, I now recall the odd sense of familiarity and recognition when I read the Bible for the first time. At the time I simply attributed this to a primitive recognition of the Truth which is hardwired into the hearts of all men. I still believe that, but I also recognize that I was "remembering" my previous experience with Tolkien. His myths were just as he had intended them - a variation on the theme of the "True Myth" of Christ Jesus. Thanks to Mr. Pearce for helping me recognize this.
Rating:
Summary: The Man With the Myth
Review: If you have never read a biography of J.R.R. Tolkien, purchase this one. Biographies often tend toward the overly factual without great attention to the question of "Why?" What motivates the subject of the biography? Here we find that J.R.R. Tolkien was motivated in life and in his work by his Catholic faith. He used the power of creative myth to demonstrate his truths. These two concepts are Pearce's theses regarding Tolkien. This are not difficult theses. Tolkien wore his faith on his sleeve and he was very direct and forthright in stating that the Lord of the Rings is indeed a Catholic work. What I found very refreshing about Pearce's biography is that it is colored throughout by the influence of Tolkien's friends. These men (Chesterton, C.S. Lewis etc.) had an immediate and lasting impact on Tolkien's work and his world view. Giving the details here would spoil the biography for you, however. To that end, I recommend you pick this book up. It reads quite quickly and is far from difficult in its purposes and intent. You will not be disappointed if you are even the slightest bit interested in Tolkien, the man with the myth.
Rating:
Summary: The Man With the Myth
Review: If you have never read a biography of J.R.R. Tolkien, purchase this one. Biographies often tend toward the overly factual without great attention to the question of "Why?" What motivates the subject of the biography? Here we find that J.R.R. Tolkien was motivated in life and in his work by his Catholic faith. He used the power of creative myth to demonstrate his truths. These two concepts are Pearce's theses regarding Tolkien. This are not difficult theses. Tolkien wore his faith on his sleeve and he was very direct and forthright in stating that the Lord of the Rings is indeed a Catholic work. What I found very refreshing about Pearce's biography is that it is colored throughout by the influence of Tolkien's friends. These men (Chesterton, C.S. Lewis etc.) had an immediate and lasting impact on Tolkien's work and his world view. Giving the details here would spoil the biography for you, however. To that end, I recommend you pick this book up. It reads quite quickly and is far from difficult in its purposes and intent. You will not be disappointed if you are even the slightest bit interested in Tolkien, the man with the myth.
Rating:
Summary: The True Myths
Review: Joseph Pearce's biography on J.R.R. Tolkien is a short, yet fully engrossing and insightful read about one of the greatest literary minds of anytime. For those who disagree with my statement, imagine a man who not only rights a fantasy, but creates a new world even to the extent in creatng a language, and yet, thoroughly entertaining and teaching his readership. Pearce's book delves into the reasons why Tolkien developed the art he did while avoiding teh overly Freuden' psychological pitfalls of reading too much into the subject. There are no deep secrets here, just good common sense by listening to Tolkien's life, letters and writing. One gets to pierce Tolkien's Middle Earth and his Roman Catholic life and how is religious faith ineteracted with everything he did, from his marriage to his friendships. This is not a re-hash of facts and show-and-tale sensasonalism, but instead, a look into the man and the true nature of myths. An outstanding read!
Rating:
Summary: The True Myths
Review: Joseph Pearce's biography on J.R.R. Tolkien is a short, yet fully engrossing and insightful read about one of the greatest literary minds of anytime. For those who disagree with my statement, imagine a man who not only rights a fantasy, but creates a new world even to the extent in creatng a language, and yet, thoroughly entertaining and teaching his readership. Pearce's book delves into the reasons why Tolkien developed the art he did while avoiding teh overly Freuden' psychological pitfalls of reading too much into the subject. There are no deep secrets here, just good common sense by listening to Tolkien's life, letters and writing. One gets to pierce Tolkien's Middle Earth and his Roman Catholic life and how is religious faith ineteracted with everything he did, from his marriage to his friendships. This is not a re-hash of facts and show-and-tale sensasonalism, but instead, a look into the man and the true nature of myths. An outstanding read!
Rating:
Summary: An Insightful Look Into A Rich Life
Review: The further I delved into Tolkien: Man and Myth, the more I realized that calling it a "biography" is a misnomer. I came to this conclusion because only a minor portion of the book presents biographical information. Instead, the book could better be described as a work of "apologetics". Apologetics, in its most classic sense, uses writings and examples to both clarify a philosophy and refute critical comments about that philosophy. This method is exactly what Pierce employed to near perfection in Tolkien: Man and Myth. Pierce uses the writings of Tolkien and others to refute the criticisms of Tolkien's works. In the process, he provides the reader with a thorough understanding of the philosophy that shaped Tolkien's writings, how Tolkien arrived at this philosophy, and how it influenced his interactions with others. The result is a deeper appreciation for Tolkien's efforts. Pierce deserves much credit for using the writings of the "man" to dispel many of the "myths" surrounding Tolkien and his books. By taking an apologetics approach to Tolkien's life and works, Pierce provides the reader with a better understanding of his subject than any standard biography could provide. Consequently, Tolkien: Man and Myth is an essential work for anyone studying the life of this literary giant.
Rating:
Summary: An Insightful Look Into A Rich Life
Review: The further I delved into Tolkien: Man and Myth, the more I realized that calling it a "biography" is a misnomer. I came to this conclusion because only a minor portion of the book presents biographical information. Instead, the book could better be described as a work of "apologetics". Apologetics, in its most classic sense, uses writings and examples to both clarify a philosophy and refute critical comments about that philosophy. This method is exactly what Pierce employed to near perfection in Tolkien: Man and Myth. Pierce uses the writings of Tolkien and others to refute the criticisms of Tolkien's works. In the process, he provides the reader with a thorough understanding of the philosophy that shaped Tolkien's writings, how Tolkien arrived at this philosophy, and how it influenced his interactions with others. The result is a deeper appreciation for Tolkien's efforts. Pierce deserves much credit for using the writings of the "man" to dispel many of the "myths" surrounding Tolkien and his books. By taking an apologetics approach to Tolkien's life and works, Pierce provides the reader with a better understanding of his subject than any standard biography could provide. Consequently, Tolkien: Man and Myth is an essential work for anyone studying the life of this literary giant.
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