The Complete Tolkien Companion

by J. E. A. Tyler, Kevin Reilly (Illustrator)

Overview

For all those who journey to Middle Earth, here is the complete guide to its lands, legends, histories, languages, and people. The Complete Tolkien Companion explains, translates, and links every single reference—names, dates, places, facts, famous weapons, even food and drink—to be found in J. R. R. Tolkien's world, which includes not only The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings but also The Simarillion and many other posthumously published works. A detailed explanation of the various Elvish writing systems, together with maps, charts, and genealogical tables, bring the remarkable genius of Tolkien and the unforgettable world and wonder of Middle Earth to life with focus and accuracy. First published in 1976, this is an indispensable accompaniment for anyone who embarks on the reading journey of a lifetime.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781250023551
Publisher:	St. Martin's Publishing Group
Publication date:	10/02/2012
Edition description:	Third Edition, Revised
Pages:	736
Product dimensions:	5.64(w) x 8.08(h) x 1.29(d)

About the Author

J. E. A. Tyler is an author and journalist specializing in music, historical biography, archeology, and anthropology. His books include The Beatles: An Illustrated Record (1974) and I Hate Rock and Roll (1983). He lives in Sussex, England.

Kevin Reilly illustrated The Complete Tolkien Companion by J.E.A. Tyler.

Editorial Reviews

The Complete Tolkien Companion by J.E.A. Tyler offers a 712-page A-to-Z guide to Middle-earth minutiae. First published in 1976, it has, no doubt, been saddening countless parents ever since who wish their teenagers pored over their SAT study guides with the same demented fervor.” —USA Today

“If you're a fan of J. R. R. Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings, this is a great reference book, as it has entries that will probably jog the memories of even the most ardent adherent....This one has it all.” —The Kansas City Star

“A treasure of arcane information that will be helpful to the casual reader...as well as to the newly minted Niddle Earth fanatic who wants to learn everything as soon as possible.” —South Florida Sun-Sentinel

“The Complete Tolkien Companion is an excellent, proper accounting of the diversity of life in Middle-earth. I found the no-nonsense compilation (with minimal illustrations) refreshingly useful, as it concentrates on being more of a research book for invested Tolkien lovers rather than being a fancifully-illustrated coffee table version.” —Forbes.com

“Essential for a new generation of readers to fully enjoy Tolkien's version in a new century...an invaluable aid to a better understanding of Middle Earth and deserves a place on theshelf right next to The Hobbit.” —Baryon Magazine

“A resource that will bring further enjoyment to those already familiar with [The Lord of the Rings] and its associated works...A wonderful achievement for Tyler, and will make a welcom addition to the library of anyone who has come to consider Frodo and the lot as de facto members of the family.” —Scifidimensions.com

“A detailed and sweeping compendium, this book is a valuable reference to have handy when reading, re-reading, and re-re-reading Tolkien's work.” —SFRevu

From the Publisher

Just in time for the release of the third Lord of the Rings film comes J.E.A. Tyler's The Complete Tolkien Companion, the third, updated edition of the definitive guide to Middle-earth first published in 1976. Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information.

Publishers Weekly

If you've tried to wade through The Lord of the Rings or The Hobbit but find the names, places, languages, or histories a bit daunting, then this book may be just what you need. Originally issued in 1976 and now completely revised, Tyler's work explains, translates, and links every reference in The Lord of the Rings, The Hobbit, The Silmarillion, and other stories Tolkien wrote. Tyler has chased down everything from names and dates to weapons, food, and drink. You can find a four-page explanation of Ringwraiths and a complete history of Gollum. You can read a history of the great kings of Middle-earth and explanations of various Elvish writing systems and see maps, charts, and genealogical tables, all of which serve to make reading Tolkien a much richer experience. Tolkien experts and new readers will find this alphabetically arranged companion a valuable guide through the rich world of Middle-earth. Recommended for all collections.-Ron Ratliff, Kansas State Univ., Manhattan Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information.

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