This is a complete resource for scholars and students of Tolkien, as well as avid fans, with coverage of his life, work, dominant themes, influences, and the critical reaction to his writing. * An in-depth examination of Tolkien s entire work by a cadre of top scholars * Provides up-to-date discussion and analysis of Tolkien s scholarly and literary works, including his latest posthumous book, The Fall of Arthur, as well as addressing contemporary adaptations, including the new Hobbit films * Investigates various themes across his body of work, such as mythmaking, medieval languages, nature, war, religion, and the defeat of evil * Discusses the impact of his work on art, film, music, gaming, and subsequent generations of fantasy writers