From Imagination to Faerie: Tolkien's Thomist Fantasy

Review\n"Imbert's excellent book is one of the most thoroughgoing studies of the depth and breadth of Tolkien's philosophy of myth and the theological underpinnings of poiesis that I've ever read. It's a must-read for any serious scholar of Tolkien's work."\n--Joseph Pearce, author of Tolkien: Man and Myth\n"This loving treatment of Tolkien's unifying theological vision is desperately needed. . . . I hope Imbert's book is widely read and enjoyed. His work on Tolkien's theory of language is especially needed in today's academy. For Imbert, and for Tolkien, of course, the true power of words is their ability to cast good spells that can imaginatively enchant us with realities that are true, good, and beautiful."\n--C. R. Wiley, author of In the House of Tom Bombadil\nTolkien is one of our most beloved fantasy writers. Such was the power of his imagination that much has been written on his invented world, languages, and myth. This book is an invitation to tread the paths of Tolkien’s realm, exploring three regions of his work: language, myth, and imagination. We will be looking for a path leading to a summit from where we can view Tolkien’s whole realm. Yannick Imbert argues that we can gain such a view only if we understand Tolkien’s philosophical theology, his Thomism. To attain this vantage point and better understand the genius of his Middle Earth, readers journey with Tolkien through his academic, personal, and theological milieu, which together formed his Thomistic imagination.