The World of J.R.R. Tolkien
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The World of J.R.R. Tolkien
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Narrated by:
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Dimitra Fimi
About this listen
Though there has been some contention over the title, J.R.R. Tolkien is regarded by many as the father of modern fantasy fiction. His works, including the beloved Hobbit and epic Lord of the Rings, have found a vast and varied audience since they were first published in the middle of the 20th century. Why have these stories come to define our conceptions of fantasy storytelling? What is it about Tolkien’s meticulously constructed world of Middle-earth that continues to enthrall readers across the generations?
As you will see, age-old traditions, contemporary history and culture, and “big” human questions are key ingredients of Tolkien’s success. In The World of J.R.R. Tolkien, you will join Dr. Dimitra Fimi to delve into Tolkien’s complex and multilayered mythology, examining all these ingredients and more. In these 10 lectures, you will explore and appreciate Middle-earth as medieval, mythological, and modern, a literary creation that was shaped by forces old and new. And you may be surprised to discover just how much of Tolkien’s legendarium was constructed posthumously, with his son Christopher compiling and publishing many of Tolkien’s later works after his death.
Throughout these lectures, you will learn about Tolkien’s life as a devoted scholar of languages and literature and the immense body of legends he built, while also tracing his outsized influence on the fantasy genre and the writers and other artists that would follow. From the most disparate materials, from his academic interests to his war experiences to the stories he told his children, this gifted creator fashioned a new mythology that would carry its relevance from the 20th century into our own.
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What listeners say about The World of J.R.R. Tolkien
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- Shelfseeker
- 05-01-23
Excellent introduction to Tolkien's writings
I'm sorry to have to make this my first point, but please try to ignore some of the reviews here, one of which unaccountably heads the whole list, whining in offensive terms about alleged "woke" content in lecture 9. Lecture 9 is a straightforward, uncontroversial assessment of some of Tolkien's views regarding women and race, which were informed by the culture in which he lived. Dr Fimi is uniquely well qualified to reflect on the influence of Tolkien's cultural and personal background, having researched and published a major study on the subject. Woke warriors: take your culture wars elsewhere.
This is a very well rounded series of introductory talks on the major themes running through Tolkien's entire legendarium and the various influences on his ideas. Dr Fimi also examines some aspects of his unique legacy as a writer of fantasy. This is a wide-ranging survey which will be especially useful for people who are just starting to explore Tolkien's writings beyond The Lord of the Rings, or who have been introduced to him through the Amazon Prime TV series and have some lingering questions about the background.
Dr Fimi's delivery is mostly clear and her writing is fluent and succinct. Her English (and Elvish!) pronunciations are sometimes a little odd, but always comprehensible. (Her German pronunciation certainly needs work, but listeners without knowledge of the language won't notice that.)
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1 person found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance4 out of 5 stars
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- Amazon Customer
- 20-08-22
A new perspective on Tolkien’s influences
A most informative analysis of the whole body of Tolkeins work. Provides an excellent survey of his influences. And a good final chapter on the enduring impact of his novels.
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1 person found this helpful
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Overall4 out of 5 stars
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Performance3 out of 5 stars
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- Beserker88
- 17-12-22
Interesting
Very interesting read, was entertaining throughout. however if you are a fan of Tolkein and not some mindless woke person skip chapter 9
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- Amy Goodenough
- 25-09-22
A fantastic introduction to Tolkien scholarship
Fimi is well-loved in Tolkien scholarship, and with good reason. Here she gives a brilliant tour of Tolkien’s legendarium as a subject of scholarship. These lectures are accessible for new scholars and casual fans but offer a breadth that will appeal to familiar readers. It is surprising and moving, showing great love for Tolkien’s work, but looks squarely also at its flaws and controversies. An excellent listen.
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2 people found this helpful
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- Amazon Customer
- 28-08-24
intresting
Very intresting info regarding JRR Tolkin, Along admirer of his work and the Legendanerium
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- Rory
- 12-08-22
Fantastic introduction to Tolkien's World
Dr Fimi is, rightly, an absolute legend in Tolkien scholarship, and this series is the perfect introduction for anyone who wants to start getting a bit more background on their reading of his work or dipping into Tolkien scholarship. It's also great for folks who've already done some background or specific study, striking the balance between hugely informative and highly accessible. Would recommend to literally anyone who's interested in Tolkien's world and work.
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1 person found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- Daniela Benedetti Font
- 23-01-23
Excelente!!
All that we wish to known about this amazing autor, as a Catholic I’m really love his books. Theology key reading is amazing
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- Hollie
- 15-08-22
Immersive and Fascinating
Dr Fimi's lectures were one of the many highlights of the Fantasy Literature Masters course I took last year (Nightingales), so being able to listen to this new mini-course on the go is brilliant!
I love that the series covers so many different ways you can look at Tolkien's work (gender, race, biographical context, influential sources such as Beowulf, theology etc.) but keeps the analysis accessible and easy to understand for more casual readers.
I'll definitely be listening to this course again in the future to refresh my Tolkien knowledge and to keep discovering fascinating new ways to interact with Tolkien's world.
If you're thinking of taking the Fantasy Literature Masters course at Glasgow Uni, this works as a great taster for what it's like.
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1 person found this helpful
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- Chris
- 13-08-22
Fascinating
I had the pleasure of being taught by Dimitra during my English Literature undergrad and Fantasy Masters courses (Nightingales) and it was wonderful to learn from her again!
Dimitra is truly an expert in her field and makes the complexities of Tolkien and his works accessible to all. Each lecture is beautifully presented, fascinating and full of wonderful examples and tales from the various stories, legends and from Tolkien's life.
This is a MUST listen for any Tolkien fan! Excellent work Dimitra.
CDW
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- Mr. Steve Cavanagh
- 20-09-23
Fantastic
Great for anyone interested in the origins of JRRTs mythology and/or a further interest Anglo Saxon literature and older European Mythologies
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