Scorpio brought us news of a new book being published by Mercer University Press, entitled, “I Am In Fact A Hobbit” An Introduction to the Life and Works of J.R.R. Tolkien by Perry C. Bramlett; reflective chapter by Joe R. Christopher. You can find more information and a link to order [here].

Announcing New Publications at Mercer University Press:
“I Am In Fact A Hobbit”
An Introduction to the Life and Works of J.R.R. Tolkien
by Perry C. Bramlett; reflective chapter by Joe R. Christopher

John Ronald Reuel Tolkien (1892-1973) was a brilliant writer who continues to leave his imaginative imprint on the mind and hearts of readers. He was once called the “creative equivalent of a people,” and for more than sixty years his Middle-earth tales have captivated and delighted readers of all ages from all over the world. The Hobbit has long been recognized as a children’s fantasy classic, and the heroic romance the Lord of the Rings has been called the most influential story of all time. These stories have sold over 150 million copies worldwide and have been translated into over forty languages, and they, along with works such as the Silmarillion and the History of Middle-Earth, have convinced scores of readers and critics that Tolkien is the master writer of fantasy.

Whether you’ve been a fan for years or you’ve just recently been hooked by the blockbuster Lord of the Rings movies, “I Am in Fact a Hobbit” is an excellent starting point into the life and work of J. R. R. Tolkien. This indispensable and concise introduction to the career of J. R. R. Tolkien includes:

  • a biographical chapter about the man who was a brilliant Oxford professor and Catholic Christian, loving father and devoted husband, and close friend of C. S. Lewis
  • overviews and discussions of his best-selling popular works such as the Hobbit and the Lord of the Rings, his often overlooked academic works and his children’s books such as Roverandom and Mr. Bliss

    a detailed chronology of the important events and times of his life and career

  • an extensive listing of his works, both published and unpublished
  • a resource bibliography of the best works about him

Perry C. Bramlett is the author of C. S. Lewis: Life at the Center, Touring C. S. Lewis’ Ireland and England and was a contributor to the best-selling C. S. Lewis Readers’ Encyclopedia. He is the founder of C. S. Lewis for the Local Church Interstate Ministries, a nationwide speaking and teaching ministry. Perry is a native of Fairhope AL, and now lives with his wife Joan in Louisville KY. Joe R. Christopher is professor emeritus at Tarleton State University (Stephenville TX).

ISBN 0-86554-851-X MUP H642 hardback $25.00, online price $20.00

Mercer University Press, established in 1979, has published more than 850 books. Mercer is the only Baptist-related institution with an active fulltime publishing program. The reputation of the Press significantly enhances the academic environment of the University and carries the name of Mercer throughout the world. Please place your order by visiting us online for our complete list of available titles. [More]

The Choices of Master Samwise

Gollum has fled, and Sam confronts Shelob in what must rate as one of the most mismatched battles in the history of Middle Earth. Sam is able to drive Shelob off, showing a beserker-like attitude, and bravery worthy of – or exceeding – heroes such as Hurin and Turin. [More]

Book IV, Ch 10: The Choices of Master Samwise

Gollum has fled, and Sam confronts Shelob in what must be one of the most mismatched battles in the history of Middle Earth. Yet Sam is able to drive Shelob off, showing a beserker-like attitude, and bravery worthy of – or exceeding – heroes such as Hurin and Hurin. [More]

Gollum has fled, and Sam confronts Shelob in what must rate as one of the most mismatched battles in the history of Middle Earth. Sam is able to drive Shelob off, showing a beserker-like attitude, and bravery worthy of – or exceeding – heroes such as Hurin and Turin.

The Choices of Master Samwise

However, as Elrond pointed out during the Council, bravery in battle cannot win the way to Mount Doom, and Sam is left with some dark choices if the quest is to be completed.

Join us this weekend as we discuss the final thrilling chapter of the Two Towers.

Upcoming Discussions:
Dec 14-15 – Two Towers movie preview
Dec 21-22 – Two Towers the movie!
Dec 28-29 – Movie mystery topic (stay tuned)

Place:
#thehalloffire on theonering.net server; come to theonering.net’s chat room Barliman’s and then type /join #thehalloffire .

Saturday Chat: 5:30 pm ET (17:30) [also 11:30 pm (23:30) CET and 7:30 am Sunday (07:30) AET]

Sunday Chat: 7:00 pm (19:00) CET [also 1:00 pm (13:00) ET and 4:00 am (04:00) Monday morning AET]

ET = Eastern Time, USA’s East Coast
CET = Central European Time, Central Europe

Elbereth writes: The setting was awesome. It was in the exhibit halls of the New York Public Library, which were dimly and intimately lit. They were expecting 1200 people, but because of the snowstorm, I’d say there were only about 400 people there at any given time. [More]