J.R.R. Tolkien's novels of Middle-earth ? The
Hobbit, The Lord of the Rings trilogy, and The
Silmarillian ? have become some of the most
famous, and most beloved, literary works of the twentieth century.
And the Lord of the Rings films by director Peter Jackson
have re-ignited interest in Tolkien and his works, as well as
introduced his stories to a new generation of fans.

Even if you've never read the novels and have only seen the
films, you know that the world of Middle-earth is a complicated
one. Tolkien took great care in representing this world, from
creating new languages to including very particular cultural
details that add to the richness of the world's fabric. Many other
books have been written about Tolkien and his works, but none have
come close to providing the kind of reference needed to comprehend
the world of Middle-earth. That's what veteran Dummies
author and unabashed Tolkien fan Greg Harvey attempts to do in
The Origins of Tolkien's Middle-earth For Dummies.

As the author says in his introduction to the book, this is not
an encyclopedia or quick guide to all the diverse beings,
languages, and history that make up Tolkien's Middle-earth. Nor is
it a set of plot outlines for the novels. Rather, what you'll find
in The Origins of Tolkien's Middle-earth For Dummies is a
basic guide to some of the possible linguistic and mythological
origins of Middle-earth, plus a rudimentary analysis of its many
themes and lessons for our world. This book can help enrich your
reading (or re-reading) of Tolkien's novels, and it will challenge
you to think about the themes inherent in Tolkien's Middle-earth
and their implications in your own life.

Here's just a sampling of the topics you'll find covered in
The Origins of Tolkien's Middle-earth For Dummies:

• Exploring the main themes in Tolkien's works, including
  immortality and death; the heroic quest; love; fate and free will;
  and faith and redemption


• Investigating the diverse lands of
  Middle-earth ? including the Shire, Gondor, and
  Mordor ? and their significance


• Examining the different cultures of Middle-earth, such as
  Hobbits, Elves, Men, and those wily Wizards


• Touring the history of Middle-earth


• Understanding Tolkien's creation of new languages to enrich the
  story of Middle-earth


• Top Ten lists on the battles in the War of the Ring, online
  resources, and the ways the films differ from the novels

So, whether you're reading Tolkien's novels or watching the
films for the first time, or you've been a fan for many years and
are looking for a new take on Tolkien's works, The Origins of
Tolkien's Middle-earth For Dummies can help you enhance your
reading or viewing experience for years to come.