With The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit J.R.R. Tolkien established much of what writers today consider the blueprint for the high fantasy genre. Essays in this volume examine Tolkien’s biography, his religion and philosophy, his fascination with medievalism, and look at how Tolkien’s work relates to present-day socio-political movements. By volume’s end, J.R.R. Tolkien’s continuing influence will be established.