J.R.R. Tolkien: Tales for Our Times

Below are links to and brief descriptions of my two volume study of the thought of J.R.R. Tolkien, Tales for Our Times.

J.R.R. Tolkien: Tales for Our Times. Vol 1. Art, Not Power. 2023 194,121 words

Art, not Power, is an exploration of literary ecology, paying particular attention to Tolkien's exploration of the imaginal realm. Beginning with early influences and inspirations, volume one, Art, not Power, takes us on a journey through Tolkien's realm of Faërie, going on to focus extensively on Tolkien's theory of a sub-creative activity that proceeds within a primary and created order. Underscoring Tolkien's love of nature, the book argues for place and proximity in the context of a creation care. Throughout, a close textual analysis is paired with an application to the ethical and sociological dilemmas confronting the modern world. 

J.R.R. Tolkien: Tales for Our Times: Vol II Fellowship and Flourishing 2023, 194,121

The book delves deeply into topics such as friendship, power, and ethics to argue for a reverential and respectful approach to our living-in-place. Against the tyrannous combination of righteousness and power, Tolkien is shown to emphasise the art of living in love, humility, gratitude, and service.

The book examines the relation of ethics and power, the virtues as qualities for flourishing well, the forms of the ethical life, and anarchy as conceived the free, friendly, and fundamentally self-governing society.