Book Buzz: David Day's An Encyclopedia of Tolkien: The History and Mythology That Inspired Tolkien's World

Are you a fan of J. R. R. Tolkien? Are you a fan of mythology and or mystical creatures? Have you ever wondered where Tolkien got his inspiration? If you're a true Tolkien fan, you may have even read a  biography or two or perhaps watched last year's movie about his early years and time during WWI.  

Some of my favorite books are high fantasy ones like Tolkien's The Hobbit, George R.R. Martin's Game of Throne series, or Robin Hobb's Assassin's series. So many of the best-selling high fantasy novels stem from of Tolkien's original creative genius. He was such a master at the mystical and David Day's An Encyclopedia of Tolkien: The History and Mythology That Inspired Tolkien's World takes Tolkien's iconic mythological interpretations and creations and organizes it in a beautiful leather-bound dictionary of sources. This incredible resource has nearly a thousand breathtaking illustrations. Below is more about the book.

About the Book

A comprehensive, illustrated guide to the history, lands, and inhabitants of Middle-earth. 

The fantasy world of J. R. R. Tolkien's Middle-earth contains a rich assortment of people, cities, and creatures—as well as a deep, intertwined history that spans thousands of years. In this beautifully illustrated, leather-bound volume, best-selling author and Tolkien scholar David Day presents four decades of research and writing on the lands and inhabitants Middle-earth. Sections of this A-to-Z dictionary are devoted to discussion of the battles, history, beasts, and heroes of Tolkien's stories, and are accompanied by black-and-white illustrations. This comprehensive volume on Tolkien's world also includes an appendix of three primary legends that served as sources for Tolkien's creations—the Volsunga saga, the Nibelungenlied, and Richard Wagner's Ring Cycle—and more than 200 black-and-white illustrations.

This work is unofficial and is not authorized by the Tolkien Estate or HarperCollins Publishers.

About The Author

David Day is the author of five major books on the world of J.R.R. Tolkien, including Guide to Tolkien's World: A Bestiary and A Guide to Tolkien. Together with Tolkien: The Illustrated Encyclopedia, these books have been translated into sixteen languages, and have sold in excess of two million copies. A Canadian living in Toronto, Day has also published over thirty other books of mythology, history, fantasy, fiction, and poetry, for both adults and children. 

As I mentioned in an early post, this book is awe-inspiring. I felt humbled just receiving it and even more blown away after reading it. If you're a reader and want a deeper understanding of Middle Earth and the mind of Tolkien, then David Day's book will give you that and so much more. If you're a writer and you have a penchant for writing high fantasy, then this book is an outstanding resource, giving incredible insight into Tolkien's mastery and creativity. 

Get your copy of David Day's latest Tolkien book here and learn more about David's other best-sellers here.

Make it a great week!

Mina B.