Tolkien and the West
Recovering the Lost Tradition of Europe
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Tolkien and the West
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Narrated by:
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Michael Drout
About this listen
The works of J.R.R. Tolkien are quite possibly the most widely read pieces of literature written in the 20th Century. But as Professor Michael Drout illuminates in this engaging course of lectures, Tolkien's writings are built upon a centuries-old literary tradition that developed in Europe and is quite uniquely Western in its outlook and style. Drout explores how that tradition still resonates with us to this day, even if many Modernist critics would argue otherwise.
He begins the course with the allegory of a tower - a device which Tolkien himself crafted in one of the most famous academic works of all time - as a way to illuminate how Tolkien's works continue and build upon a tradition that goes back as far as Beowulf itself. Drout's lectures take us on a literary journey that explores Tolkien's most celebrated writings: The Hobbit, The Lord of the Rings, and The Silmarillion. As he brings these works life, he explains Tolkien's technique and themes, which he shows reverberate all the way back though the western literary tradition.
In the end Drout shows us how J.R.R. Tolkien crafted literary worlds that the reader cares desperately about and wishes to save. Those worlds, in turn, are allegories for a western literary tradition - a tower - that is worthy of preservation.
©2012 Crescite Group (P)2012 Recorded BooksListeners also enjoyed...
What listeners say about Tolkien and the West
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- Anonymous User
- 16-06-24
Tolkien,the weird West
The Professor adds his toast to Tolkien’s genius. The beautiful sadness - this answers my childhood question - why are many hymns sad - because life is short , and always will be so - until everything that is possible is completed.
Gwilym
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- Amazon Customer
- 14-02-23
Fantastic
Loved the lecturer, obviously very knowledgeable and passionate about JRR, as well as his topic. Opened up the subject for further thought.
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2 people found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- Amazon Customer
- 12-05-23
I loved this lecture series
I have read The Lord of the Tings many times since childhood, but found I was thinking again about many aspects of the books that I hadn’t noticed or considered. I found these lectures fascinating and quite moving.
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1 person found this helpful
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Overall4 out of 5 stars
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- L. Childs
- 18-08-23
Interesting
Really enjoyed this series of lectures that covered Tolkiens work. It was lovely to look at it from an academic perspective not just a reader. Will look into other lectures by this professor.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- Susie
- 14-08-23
Really interesting perspective on a beloved story
A deep dive into the academia behind the structure of Middle Earth which somehow manages to be engaging and interesting. It has made me appreciate the work even more than before.
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