J.R.R. Tolkien Books and Biographies About the Mastermind of Middle Earth

If you’re looking for an introductory but definitive biography of Tolkien’s life, Humphrey Carpenter’s book is the one to start. First published in 1977, the volume delves into Tolkien’s childhood and youth as well as his experience in fighting in the First World War—all of which profoundly shaped his life and writing. Those curious as to how The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings took shape will also find some answers here, along with a family tree and a chronological list of his publications. 

If you’re more interested in Tolkien’s writing process than the details of his life, J.R.R. Tolkien: Author of the Century by renowned Tolkien scholar Tom Shippey promises to be a satisfying read. Written in a lucid and accessible style, the book encourages readers to view his groundbreaking works through a new lens, and is packed with interesting commentary on philosophy, philology and mythology, placing Tolkien’s books within the traditional canon of English literature by linking the past with the present. 

J.R.R. Tolkien influenced a number of fantasy authors, both living and dead, many of whom have gone on to become genre legends in their own right. This book collects the writings of sixteen bestselling writers, all of whom remain utterly grateful to the Tolkien mythos for setting them on their chosen literary paths. Nominated for the Hugo and Locus Awards, this book delves into these writers’ relationship with Tolkien, offering illuminating insights on how writers influence each other and shape the genre’s ecosystem. 

Carefully researched and engagingly written, Jesse Xander’s book dives deep into the events that shaped Tolkien’s life and literary career. From his formative experiences during childhood and through his long years at Oxford, The Real JRR Tolkien offers a comprehensive overview of the author’s life, encompassing his friendships, chief influences and even the places that inspired his writing. The book also offers a more modern perspective by analyzing Tolkien’s prejudices and foibles, while also keeping in mind the historical context. 

Several scholars have speculated that Tolkien’s first-hand experiences in the World Wars informed the strong “anti-war” message in The Lord of the Rings, as well as the fight between good and evil that forms the crux of the book. John Garth’s well-researched volume Tolkien and the Great War, focuses chiefly on the author’s military experiences during the First World War and how that impacted his philosophy and writing. Analyzing both the critical events in his life as well as the anti-war undertones in his writings, the book is a must-read for Tolkien scholars, filling in vital gaps in his biographical coverage as well as prompting readers to examine his works in a new light.

If you’re more curious to find out how exactly Tolkien went about creating Middle Earth and what real-life locations inspired the villages and forests in his books, you’ll find some answers in Robert S. Blackham’s The Roots of Tolkien’s Middle Earth. Growing up in the suburbs of Birmingham, Tolkien’s memories of the region later became sources of literary inspiration. Packed with maps and full-color photographs, this short book provides a tour of the sites that have shaped the look and feel of Middle Earth. With a careful balance of historical and biographical information, this book is also perfect for anyone planning a tour of England with a focus on visiting the sites that influenced the great author. 

If dryly written, academic biographies are not to your liking, you can check out something totally different and more intimate with The Tolkien Family Album by John and Priscilla Tolkien. This one utilizes family photographs and keepsakes to delve into the author’s home and family life, lovingly compiled by his two children. Heartwarming and personal, this one offers an experience like no other and is a valuable keepsake for die-hard Tolkien fans. 

Along with his experiences during the World Wars, Tolkien’s writings were also shaped by his Christian faith. Holly Ordway’s Tolkien's Faith: A Spiritual Biography is the first book-length work of Tolkien scholarship that delves into the author’s relationship with religion, especially Catholicism, and even draws interesting connections with friend and contemporary writer C.S. Lewis whose staunch belief in Christianity influenced The Chronicles of Narnia books. Overall, this is a fascinating and enlightening read.