J.R.R. Tolkien: The Father of Modern Fantasy by Don Marshall
Many readers love to escape to a world that is not their own. Stories like The Hobbit are timeless tales of classic ages in places that most readers can only dream about. Middle-earth, being the domain of Frodo Baggins and his kin, comes from the mind of John Ronald Reuel Tolkien, known to most readers as J.R.R. Tolkien.
The latest biography of Tolkien, written by Don Marshall, is J.R.R. Tolkien: The Father of Modern Fantasy, a volume in the Pocket Portrait Series. This little volume is richly illustrated and separated into small vignettes that can be read like a novel.
A Biography with Balance and Clarity
Biographies can tend to be either overly sentimental or overly critical. Sometimes biography can be used to rewrite history or specifically attempt to change how the subject is perceived. Marshall has written a different kind of biography.
J.R.R. Tolkien: The Father of Modern Fantasy is a well-researched biography that is down to earth and crafts a subject that is identifiable as a writer, as a person, as well as the icon of modern fantasy storytelling. Marshall uses events from Tolkien’s life to illustrate just how important the author is to the culture of the 20th century and also to the film industry.
Exploring a Writer’s World
Marshall chronicles virtually every aspect of Tolkien’s life. He discusses Tolkien’s upbringing and early years in South Africa, the college experience, his writing and professional life as well as his personal world. Marshall also writes about the fantasy worlds that Tolkien created, and how many other media avenues his works have spawned.
Sources used are accurate and reliable and present a picture of Tolkien that only persons familiar with his life and work would be able to relay. Marshall has given Tolkien an easily readable biography that is not overly academic and engages the novice as well as the expert reader.
J.R.R. Tolkien: The Father of Modern Fantasy is an excellent introduction to Tolkien, as well as the world of fantasy writing in general.
To immerse oneself in a chosen literary genre, one must start with the classics. Those interested in Horror should start with H.P. Lovecraft. Those interested in Science Fiction should start with H.G. Wells. Those interested in Fantasy should start with J.R.R. Tolkien.
J.R.R. Tolkien: The Father of Modern Fantasy is the ideal foundation to begin an exciting and wondrous literary journey.
About Don Marshall:
Don Marshall, known as “The Obscure Lord of the Rings Facts Guy” across the internet, has been inspiring fans and the nerd world at large with his Tolkien tidbits for years. With a decade of experience working in radio and television, Don’s skills have segued into a very successful TikTok account, which reached viral status in 2020 and continues to entertain and inform the Tolkien fandom at large. Outside of his Tolkienian interests, Don enjoys spending time with his wife Nat Marshall, their dogs River and Lucy, and their tortoise Wash.
