Rating: 
Summary: A Dummies Guide to the Middle-earth
Review: This isn't one of the most detailed books about middel-earth. However, it is the most easiest to understand,, and does cover important topics in the story. It's good for some one who wants to brush over Tolkien or someone who is new to the middel-earth world.
Rating: 
Summary: A useful resource for beginners
Review: What a fascinating approach to the great depth of Tolkien's wonderful world! I grew up reading and rereading Lord of the Rings. His works inspired me to a great love of the Histories and Mythologies of Great Britain. But it has been many years since I have had the leisure to pour over his detailed histories, and indeed, some of the Lost and Unfinished Tales can be heavy reading. Therefore, I was intrigued to find a quick reference book in the familiar "dummies" format. And after reading through it, I am pleased to find any concerns that this might trivialize Tolkien's books were unfounded. On the contrary, Mr. Harvey approaches these works with great knowledge and respect. His observations are often informative and open more doors of ideas and learning. Yet all of this is presented lightly with deceptive ease and humor. Over all, a good companion book to add to my Tolkein and Lewis shelf.
Rating: 
Summary: Written with humor and respect
Review: What a fascinating approach to the great depth of Tolkien's wonderful world! I grew up reading and rereading Lord of the Rings. His works inspired me to a great love of the Histories and Mythologies of Great Britain. But it has been many years since I have had the leisure to pour over his detailed histories, and indeed, some of the Lost and Unfinished Tales can be heavy reading. Therefore, I was intrigued to find a quick reference book in the familiar "dummies" format. And after reading through it, I am pleased to find any concerns that this might trivialize Tolkien's books were unfounded. On the contrary, Mr. Harvey approaches these works with great knowledge and respect. His observations are often informative and open more doors of ideas and learning. Yet all of this is presented lightly with deceptive ease and humor. Over all, a good companion book to add to my Tolkein and Lewis shelf.
Rating:
Summary: Well done Greg Harvey
Review: When you travel to a foreign land you want to carry a guide to help you. It should contain maps and terms. More than that you want enough information to feel comfortable and that you have been there before, not just some dictionary of terms.Well this is your true guide from nanes to themes to understanding the ages and the aged. As with all guides even if you know the information it is niece to have it presented differently to give you new insights. One such presentation is the periodic depictions by "The 5th Wave" One of my favorite is the one with the lumber jack with his arm around the young female Ent; parents looking on say "I'm sure he is a nice lumberjack. I just don't like the idea of our daughter dating one." Bottom line is that the reading of any of Tolkien's books will be more enjoyable if you do not have to stop and look things up or gloss them over and miss some concept in exchange for reading time.
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