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Title details for The Science of Middle-Earth by Roland Lehoucq - Available

The Science of Middle-Earth

A New Understanding of Tolkien and His World

by Roland Lehoucq
Loïc Mangin
Audiobook (Includes supplementary content)
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1 of 1 copy available
The surprising and illuminating look at how Tolkien's love of science and natural history shaped the creation of his Middle Earth, from its flora and fauna to its landscapes.
The world J.R.R. Tolkien created is one of the most beloved in all of literature, and continues to capture hearts and imaginations around the world. From Oxford to ComiCon, the Middle Earth is analyzed and interpreted through a multitude of perspectives.
But one essential facet of Tolkien and his Middle Earth has been overlooked: science. This great writer, creator of worlds and unforgettable character, and inventor of language was also a scientific autodidact, with an innate interest and grasp of botany, paleontologist and geologist, with additional passions for archeology and chemistry.
Tolkien was an acute observer of flora and fauna and mined the minds of his scientific friends about ocean currents and volcanoes. It is these layers science that give his imaginary universe—and the creatures and characters that inhabit it—such concreteness. Within this gorgeously illustrated edition, a range of scientists—from astrophysicists to physicians, botanists to volcanologists—explore Tolkien's novels, poems, and letters to reveal their fascinating scientific roots.
A rewarding combination of literary exploration and scientific discovery, The Science of Middle Earth reveals the hidden meaning of the Ring's corruption, why Hobbits have big feet, the origins of the Dwarves, the animals which inspired the dragons, and even whether or not an Ent is possible.
Enhanced by superb original drawings, this transportive work will delight both Tolkien fans and science lovers and inspire us to view both Middle Earth—and our own world—with fresh eyes.

  • Creators

  • Publisher

  • Release date

    April 6, 2021

  • Formats

    • OverDrive Listen audiobook

      • ISBN: 9781662183119
      • File size: 391875 KB
      • Duration: 13:36:24

  • Languages

    • English

  • Reviews

    • AudioFile Magazine
      Narrator Ralph Lister's amiable enthusiasm enlivens this mixed bag of essays by French scholars who apply various scientific lenses to the imaginary minutiae of Tolkien's works. Lister's match of tone to text is skilled, and his buoyant expressiveness sometimes more than it deserves. Given the level of technical detail, he tends to let his energy move listeners too quickly, without giving them time to digest. Nonetheless, fans devoted enough to want this level of speculation on Middle Earth will welcome Lister's engaging performance. W.M. © AudioFile 2021, Portland, Maine

Formats

  • OverDrive Listen audiobook

subjects

Languages

  • English

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