The Evolution of Tolkien's Mythology

a most valuable...handbookSFRA Review; relatively little attention has been focused on the twelve volumes of The History of Middle-earth...a very useful teaching and reference tool...stresses the enormous role that Tolkiens readers had in prompting him to rethink, revise and refine some of the more complex elements of his mythologyTolkien Studies; an excellent primer for those who found The History of Middle-earth itself intimidating. It is to be hoped that others will follow her fine exampleSEVEN; an insightful and thought provoking examinationCritical Mass; welcome...a weighty contribution to Tolkien commentarySt. Austin Review; show[s] the seriousness of the topics that Tolkien addressed...examin[es] not just the factual evolution of Tolkiens story but the stylistic evolution as well...this consideration of style is a real achievement, as this topicrequiring a command of the whole body of the Historyhas attracted little previous commentMythlore; painstakingly combs through the many versions of J.R.R. Tolkiens writings...undoubtedly a work of scholarship, but its a lot more accessible than most of the genre. This isnt an introduction to the stories, its a way to deepen your understanding of themGreen Man Review.

Elizabeth A. Whittingham teaches in the English department at SUNY College at Brockport in Brockport, New York.

Table of Contents Acknowledgments Abbreviations Preface Introduction 1. Influences in Tolkiens Life 2. Tolkiens Mythology of Creation 3. Tolkiens Mythology of Divine Beings 4. The Physical World of Middle-earth and of E 5. Death and Immortality among Elves and Men 6. The Last Days of Middle-earth 7. The Final Victory Works Consulted Index