Tolkien's Intellectual Landscape

The work of J.R.R. Tolkien has had a profound effect on contemporary fiction and filmmaking. Often disparaged by critics, Tolkien's fiction created a market for the "e;fantasy trilogy"e; and his academic work represents an innovative contribution to the field of philology. In the 20th century, his fiction bridged the gap between "e;learned"e; and "e;popular"e; readerships. Today the fantasy genre continues to grow--even as publishers cut back on creative fiction--moving energetically into film, gaming and online fan fiction. This book describes how Tolkien's imaginative landscape continues to entertain and inspire, drawing new generations to Middle-earth.