Myth & Middle-Earth: Exploring the Medieval Legends Behind J.R.R. Tolkien's Lord of the Rings

Rating:
Summary: Holiday winner
Review: "As a long-term fan of JRR Tolkien and all things Middle-earth, I was very happy to pick up this concise and readable book tracing the main mythic sources that inspired Tolkien. Most books focus on the Norse and Germanic myths to the exclusion of all else, and while Dr. Jones covers these areas, she also goes well beyond to look at the Celtic myths of Ireland and Wales to complete the picture. Put this on your holiday shopping list if you're a fan of The Lord of the Rings!"

Rating:
Summary: Holiday winner
Review: "As a long-term fan of JRR Tolkien and all things Middle-earth, I was very happy to pick up this concise and readable book tracing the main mythic sources that inspired Tolkien. Most books focus on the Norse and Germanic myths to the exclusion of all else, and while Dr. Jones covers these areas, she also goes well beyond to look at the Celtic myths of Ireland and Wales to complete the picture. Put this on your holiday shopping list if you're a fan of The Lord of the Rings!"

Rating:
Summary: A must read for fans
Review: I just finished reading this wonderful book about the Northern European myths that Tolkien borrowed and reshaped to make the lands, people, and languages of Middle-earth come alive. For the price and content, this is a great value. I highly recommend it to anyone interested in Tolkien's fiction!"

Rating:
Summary: Mediocre mythic study of Tolkien
Review: Juggles large numbers of mythic references with some skill but not full confidence or accuracy, and doesn't really have a lot of insight. The book is also burdened with a Hildebrandt cover. I recommend David Colbert's "The Magical Worlds of The Lord of the Ring" for juvenile readers, or Anne C. Petty's "Tolkien in the Land of Heroes" for adults.

Rating:
Summary: Mediocre mythic study of Tolkien
Review: Juggles large numbers of mythic references with some skill but not full confidence or accuracy, and doesn't really have a lot of insight. The book is also burdened with a Hildebrandt cover. I recommend David Colbert's "The Magical Worlds of The Lord of the Ring" for juvenile readers, or Anne C. Petty's "Tolkien in the Land of Heroes" for adults.