Of Sorcerers and Men: Tolkien and the Roots of Modern Fantasy Literature

Contains 72 page booklet plus eight CDs in slipcase. Part of the Portable Professor series of audio lectures.

From 'The Lord of the Rings' to the Harry Potter series, fantasy novels have captured the imagination of millions of readers and figure prominently on any list of best-loved books. The masters of the genre, authors such as J. R. R. Tolkien, Ursula K. Le Guin, Philip Pullman, and J. K. Rowling, have brought to life unforgettable characters who dwell in richly detailed, magical worlds that run according to their own internal logic. In 'Of Sorcerers and Men,' Professor Michael D. C. Drout leads a fascinating tour of the masterworks that defined the genre, paying particular attention to the books of Tolkien, the godfather of fantasy literature as we know it today. Drout's deft assessment provides deeper insights into these beloved creations, and helps readers gain a better understanding of what makes fantasy literature so very appealing.

Contents: What is Fantasy Literature? - Origins of Modern Fantasy - Tolkien: Life and Language - The Hobbit - The Fellowship of the Ring - The Two Towers - The Return of the King - The Silmarillion, Unfinished Tales, and other posthumously published work - Tolkien: Criticism and Theory - Imitations and Reactions: Brooks and Donaldson - Worthy Inheritors: Le Guin and Holdstock - Children's Fantasy - Arthurian Fantasy - Magical Realism and Conclusion.