A probing analysis of J. R. R. Tolkien's mythological world uses Joseph Campbell's work in the field to identify the main themes running through The Lord of the Rings and other great works by Tolkien. Original. (Literature)

One Ring to Bind Them All: Tolkien's Mythology

Literature & Fiction

Petty, Anne C.

History & Criticism

Univ of Alabama Pr

Author Anne Petty looks at dragons in fantasy literature and offers something unique in this genre: a character study of the most fabulous beasts in myth and modern fiction. A survey of dragons from both western and eastern myths, sagas, legends, and fiction sets the stage for the character studies that make up the bulk of the book. Such things as duplicity (be careful when you make a bargain with a dragon!), cleverness in use of language (especially riddling), loyalty and lack thereof, and much more. Individual examples are culled from many well-known books, and Petty shows how each author develops those traits as character development in their stories, discussing imagery and dialogue, and how exotic dragons have become such a staple in modern fantasy.
Two or three dragons from each author's works will be discussed, with each author confined to a single chapter. Such luminaries of fantasy literature as Tolkien, JK Rowling, McCaffrey, GoodKind, Pratchett, and LeGuin are examined - nearly 20 authors and their incredible dragons in all.

Dragons of Fantasy: The Scaly Villians & Heroes of Tolkien, Rowling, McCaffrey, Pratchett & Other Fantasy Greats

Cold Spring Press

Nearly 50 years after publication of J.R.R. Tolkien's masterpiece, "The Lord of the Rings", you might think there would be nothing left to write about him. But you'd be wrong. This book explores why Tolkien's books continue to resonate with each new generation of readers and what that fact reveals about us. Tolkien's fiction is infused with the elemental themes that drive humanity itself. Abuse of power, blinding evil, unconditional love, redemption through sacrifice, endurance in the face of impossible adversity - it's all there as if taken from the latest news release. Readers who immerse themselves in the characters' storylines want to know, "What do these lives mean in terms of universal values?" The answers reside in the great themes that flow through Tolkien's great masterpiece of fantasy literature. Experiencing the world of Middle-earth, with its bittersweet tales of loss and reunion, sorrows and joys, elevates the spirit and gives us new perspective on our own human condition. The larger issues of Tolkien's fantasy remain our issues, today and forever.

Tolkien in the Land of Heroes : Discovering the Human Spirit

How do you catch a banshee? But more importantly, if you succeed, how can you hope to survive the ordeal? The consequences of such dark magic are high, and if you try to let go once you've got that tiger by the tail, it may cost your very soul! Atlanta is a cosmopolitan, theater-going city that supports its fair share of the arts. But when a small theatrical company takes on the production of Christopher Marlowe's famous play, Dr. Faustus, in the century-old Janus Theater, things don't go as planned. Unexplained stage effects appear as cast members disappear, accidents seem more than coincidence, and an earthquake splits a busy downtown thoroughfare. Oh, and did we mention the rumored ghost in the basement? Paramedic Claire Porter thinks her volunteer prompter's job with the company will give her some relief from her stressful day job, and it is fun, at first. But as they say, the Devil is in the details.

The Cornerstone

Literary

JournalStone

See the best price to sell, buy, or rent books by Petty, Anne C.. BookScouter helps to compare book prices from 25+ online bookstores and 30+ buyback vendors with a single search.

Books by Petty, Anne C.

See the best price to sell, buy, or rent books by Petty, Anne C.. BookScouter helps to compare book prices from 25+ online bookstores and 30+ buyback vendors with a single search.

One Ring to Bind Them All: Tolkien's Mythology

Dragons of Fantasy: The Scaly Villians & Heroes of Tolkien, Rowling, McCaffrey, Pratchett & Other Fantasy Greats

Tolkien in the Land of Heroes : Discovering the Human Spirit

The Cornerstone