Carpenter started work on this book in 1967. He researched Tolkien by interviewing him, his friends and family and also puring over the volumes and volumes of letters (many of which were published years latter in [book:The Letters of J.R.R. Tolkien|2327]). Overall it is very well researched and written.
It starts off with a descriptive narration of Carpenter's first meeting with the professor. Of all the chapters in the book, it is this first one that really gives the reader a good understanding of Tolkien.
Part two of the book talks about his early years and his action in World War I. Part three then talks about his work to become a professor at Oxford. These two parts of the book were fairly dry, with Carpenter taking a chronological this happened then this happened approach.
The book picked up with Parts four, five and six which discussed the writing and publication of The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings. This is mainly what the book is about and takes up the majority of the book.
It was a very good read and I suggest all fans of The Lord of the Rings to give this book a try.
It starts off with a descriptive narration of Carpenter's first meeting with the professor. Of all the chapters in the book, it is this first one that really gives the reader a good understanding of Tolkien.
Part two of the book talks about his early years and his action in World War I. Part three then talks about his work to become a professor at Oxford. These two parts of the book were fairly dry, with Carpenter taking a chronological this happened then this happened approach.
The book picked up with Parts four, five and six which discussed the writing and publication of The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings. This is mainly what the book is about and takes up the majority of the book.
It was a very good read and I suggest all fans of The Lord of the Rings to give this book a try.
