Rating: 
Summary: Good stuff
Review: As a long-time Tolkien reader, I enjoyed this book's exploration of some important underlying themes and attitudes in the trilogy and associated works. There's nothing nicer than seeing your own observations codified in print!
The author has obviously lectured on this subject for many years, and for some of his discussions I can just see which terms he writes on the blackboard! The college-lecture-series origin explains the repetitions that bothered some reader-reviewers. This is not really a book to read in one sitting (though it is pleasantly short).
The quibble that Gandalf is not really the major subject of the book, so he shouldn't be in the title, reminds me of a book report I wrote in 8th grade (many years ago), where I complained that Sir Walter Scott shouldn't have named his book "Ivanhoe" because the real hero was Richard the Lion-Hearted. "Following Gandalf" is a good title, concise and easily identified as being about both Tolkien and ethics.
Rating:
Summary: A Delightful Exploration of Tolkien's Ethical Artistry
Review: Dickerson has crafted a lively and trenchant response to those who think that Tolkien wrote books glorifying combat and who ignore the rich moral dimension of Tolkien's work. It's very readable and, I think, worthwhile both as an introduction to Tolkien (for those who are not very familiar with Tolkien) and to the moral underpinnings of Tolkien's work (for us Tolkien-philes). Dickerson somehow manages to distill into an inviting format a comprehensive overview of Tolkien's cosmology, and metaphysics, and to show how Tolkien uses epic battles, the "gift" of mortality, and tragic form to critique the empty ethical views of Tolkien's time as well as of our own time. I've heard Dickerson lecture on Tolkien at several universities, and can attest both to his profound knowledge of Tolkien's work and to his sheer enjoyment of Tolkien's (sub-)creation, both of which come through nicely in this book. By the way, Dickerson's other recent book, "Hammers and Nails" is also well worth the purchase price. Like "Following Gandalf", "Hammers and Nails" looks at the work of a lesser-known poet and musician, Mark Heard in order to tease out its subtle but morally fecund background. Even if you haven't heard of Heard or his music (covered by the likes of Bruce Cockburn) you'll likely find Heard's reflections on vocation, art and creativity a delight.
Rating:
Summary: one of a kind
Review: I found this book to be one of the best books out there if you want to know about the Christian influences in Tolkein. Of course, there are many other things that this books discusses. Dickerson's main point is the difference between war and moral victory. However, he uses passages from various books in the Bible, both Old and New Testaments, to illustrate the ways in which, as Tolkien put it, "I have consciously planned very little; and should chiefly be grateful for having been brought up (since I was eight) in a Faith that has nourished me and taught me all the little that I know (Dickerson, 218)." In other words, he did not plan on Middle-Earth being Christian, but he understands that anything he writes is going to be profoundly Christian because of its influences on his own life. I am a pastor and I taught a course on Tolkien in my church. I found Dickerson to be immensely valueable.
Rating:
Summary: Refreshing
Review: I have read a lot of critical work on Tolkien, and this was a refreshing change of topic. As opposed to the usual linguistic/mythic examination of his work, this book examines the role of war and of moral conflict. Mr. Dickerson writes well, and has a knowledge of tolkien's works. Well worth your time.
Rating:
Summary: Refreshing
Review: I have read a lot of critical work on Tolkien, and this was a refreshing change of topic. As opposed to the usual linguistic/mythic examination of his work, this book examines the role of war and of moral conflict. Mr. Dickerson writes well, and has a knowledge of tolkien's works. Well worth your time.
Rating:
Summary: Outstanding exploration of Tolkien's moral view of war
Review: Matthew Dickerson's book is an insightful exploration of the moral issues Tolkien deals with in The Lord of the Rings and other writings on Middle-earth. Dickerson sees free will as the central concern of Tolkien's creations, and by extension, all that free will implies about moral responsibility. Dickerson examines this thesis primarily by analyzing Tolkien's depiction of war and battle in Middle-earth, contrasting military victory and moral victory and showing how they are often at odds. This duality reinforces Tolkien's depiction of characters who live in two worlds -- the physical world, where military victory is a vital concern, and the more important spiritual plane, where the moral dimensions of one's actions are shown to be far more important than any physical battle. In our current world situation, an examination of the moral issues in war, and how and why one can act morally in such a situation, are highly apposite. Dickerson does an excellent job throughout, and has a fine touch in delineating the moral issues behind the characters' choices and actions, and what they can mean for the reader. One quibble -- in his early discussion of the major battles in The Hobbit and the Lord of the Rings, he writes that seeing battle through the eyes of the hobbits (as we do in all cases except the Battle of Helm's Deep and the Defense of Laketown) de-glorifies it. I wanted to see what he would say about the battles of the Scouring of the Shire, which are seen exclusively through the eyes of the Hobbits and seem to me distinctly de-glorified, but he does not analyze these actions in this chapter. He does, however, devote much thought to the Scouring other places in the book. I also lament the lack of an index. Perhaps, now that we have seen the third of Peter Jackson's movies (not yet released when this book was written) and are seeing more biographical information becoming available on Tolkien's own war experiences (Tolkien and the Great War, War in the Works of JRR Tolkien, and the forthcoming Wayne Hammond and Christina Scull two-volume reference), we may hope for a second, expanded edition with a thorough index. I know I look forward to reading more of Dickerson's insights.
Rating:
Summary: Outstanding exploration of Tolkien's moral view of war
Review: Matthew Dickerson's book is an insightful exploration of the moral issues Tolkien deals with in The Lord of the Rings and other writings on Middle-earth. Dickerson sees free will as the central concern of Tolkien's creations, and by extension, all that free will implies about moral responsibility. Dickerson examines this thesis primarily by analyzing Tolkien's depiction of war and battle in Middle-earth, contrasting military victory and moral victory and showing how they are often at odds. This duality reinforces Tolkien's depiction of characters who live in two worlds -- the physical world, where military victory is a vital concern, and the more important spiritual plane, where the moral dimensions of one's actions are shown to be far more important than any physical battle. In our current world situation, an examination of the moral issues in war, and how and why one can act morally in such a situation, are highly apposite. Dickerson does an excellent job throughout, and has a fine touch in delineating the moral issues behind the characters' choices and actions, and what they can mean for the reader. One quibble -- in his early discussion of the major battles in The Hobbit and the Lord of the Rings, he writes that seeing battle through the eyes of the hobbits (as we do in all cases except the Battle of Helm's Deep and the Defense of Laketown) de-glorifies it. I wanted to see what he would say about the battles of the Scouring of the Shire, which are seen exclusively through the eyes of the Hobbits and seem to me distinctly de-glorified, but he does not analyze these actions in this chapter. He does, however, devote much thought to the Scouring other places in the book. I also lament the lack of an index. Perhaps, now that we have seen the third of Peter Jackson's movies (not yet released when this book was written) and are seeing more biographical information becoming available on Tolkien's own war experiences (Tolkien and the Great War, War in the Works of JRR Tolkien, and the forthcoming Wayne Hammond and Christina Scull two-volume reference), we may hope for a second, expanded edition with a thorough index. I know I look forward to reading more of Dickerson's insights.
Rating: 
Summary: A very good discussion, but needed a stronger editor
Review: Mr. Dickerson has done a very good job of analyzing Tolkien's ideas on war, morality, free will, determination and fate. Mr. Dickerson chooses important scenes and characters in the LOTR and examines what Tolkein may have been trying to say to the reader. The discussion on the role of free will and moral vs. military victory is especially good. Mr. Dickerson's treatment of Faramir is very insightful. Obviously, as the title indicates Gandalf is a major part of this book. Mr. Dickerson's treatment of Gandalf is a good one and raises some points that I had not thought of (which in itself, may be a small feat). It is obivous that Mr. Dickerson is very familar with all of Tolkien's works and has a great love for them. Mr. Dickerson also does a very good job of exploring Tolkien's religious ethos. Though, I wish the discussion of Tolkien's Catholic faith would have been deeper and more explicit. There is a great deal of difference between the Catholic and Protestant world view and not understanding these differences results in a lot of ill-concieved intrepretations of Tolkien (this is not a specific criticism of Mr. Dickerson, just my editoralizing). I reccomend this book strongly and would have given it four stars except for the editing of the book. Mr. Dickerson repeats himself often and quotes the same passages several time. A better editor (or a more willful one) would have pared away these passages. But don't let this quibble prevent you from buying this book---it is very good.
Rating:
Summary: A very good discussion, but needed a stronger editor
Review: Mr. Dickerson has done a very good job of analyzing Tolkien's ideas on war, morality, free will, determination and fate. Mr. Dickerson chooses important scenes and characters in the LOTR and examines what Tolkein may have been trying to say to the reader. The discussion on the role of free will and moral vs. military victory is especially good. Mr. Dickerson's treatment of Faramir is very insightful. Obviously, as the title indicates Gandalf is a major part of this book. Mr. Dickerson's treatment of Gandalf is a good one and raises some points that I had not thought of (which in itself, may be a small feat). It is obivous that Mr. Dickerson is very familar with all of Tolkien's works and has a great love for them. Mr. Dickerson also does a very good job of exploring Tolkien's religious ethos. Though, I wish the discussion of Tolkien's Catholic faith would have been deeper and more explicit. There is a great deal of difference between the Catholic and Protestant world view and not understanding these differences results in a lot of ill-concieved intrepretations of Tolkien (this is not a specific criticism of Mr. Dickerson, just my editoralizing). I reccomend this book strongly and would have given it four stars except for the editing of the book. Mr. Dickerson repeats himself often and quotes the same passages several time. A better editor (or a more willful one) would have pared away these passages. But don't let this quibble prevent you from buying this book---it is very good.
Rating:
Summary: Surprised by the excellence of this book!
Review: This fascinating book is a philosophic look into the worldview of author J.R.R. Tolkien and his classic work, The Lord of the Rings. Moving smoothly from topic to topic, the author looks at the battles in Tolkien's works and how he presented war, the importance of moral victories over physical or military ones, the importance of human freedom, hope and despair, salvation, and God (his presence and absence in Tolkien's works). Along the way, the reader is treated to a lot of fascinating analyses, including the nature of the One Ring. I must admit that I was surprised by the excellence of this book! I had expected that this book would be dry and academic, but instead I found the book to be enlightening and fascinating to read. If you are a fan of Tolkien and The Lord of the Rings, then I highly recommend this book, to get a deeper understanding of that classic work.
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