A Long-Expected Party
A Long-Expected Party
A Celebration of Tolkien’s Life, Works, and Afterlife
Edited by Erik Z. D. Ellis and Ben Reinhard
Couldn't load pickup availability
- 90-Day Easy Returns
- Supports a Nonprofit
A Long-Expected Party marks the fiftieth anniversary of J. R. R. Tolkien’s death with a rich and wide-ranging exploration of his life, works, and enduring afterlife. Bringing together established scholars and emerging voices, this interdisciplinary volume approaches Tolkien through the lenses of literature, theology, philosophy, politics, and education. By charting a deliberate middle course between popular appreciation and forbidding specialization, these essays testify to the boundary-transcending power of Tolkien’s mythopoetic imagination and invite readers into conversations that, like the Great Tales themselves, are far from finished.
More Info
More Info
Share
Table of Contents
What People are Saying
“What a true feast for the intellect and a delight for the soul. Invited to the Long-Expected Party, we readers benefit mightily from the expert editing and guidance of Erik Ellis and Ben Reinhard, two of the finest Tolkien scholars in existence. Bringing together a myriad of fascinating scholars—from the burgeoning brilliance of Luke Foster, Michael Hoggett, and Juliana Undseth to the well-established excellence of Melinda Nielsen, Andrew Seeley, and Father Adrian McCafferty—Ellis and Reinhard beautifully tackle a whole host of issues, all rooted deeply in a Tolkienian worldview. The only regret the reader will have is not having been at the original party. But now, thankfully, we get to enjoy it vicariously.”
—Bradley J. Birzer, Russell Amos Kirk Chair in American Studies, Hillsdale College, and author of Tolkien’s Sanctifying Myth and Tolkien and the Inklings: Men of the West
“Marking the fiftieth anniversary of J. R. R. Tolkien’s death, A Long-Expected Party gathers leading and emerging scholars to celebrate his life, works, and enduring influence. Originating in a landmark conference, the collection blends literary insight, theological depth, and fresh perspectives on Tolkien’s legendarium. From Thomistic readings of creation to the rhythms of Tom Bombadil, these essays reveal the richness and relevance of Middle-earth for our own time. Both accessible and rigorous, this volume is a feast for scholars, students, and devoted readers alike.”
—Dominic A. Aquila, Professor of History, University of St. Thomas-Houston
“A Long-Expected Party is fittingly named, celebrating Tolkien’s work from the perspectives of a range of disciplines—literary, philosophical, theological, historical, educational, and linguistic—from seasoned scholars as well as new voices in the field. The volume offers a variety of insights into Tolkien’s creative output, with a satisfyingly substantial amount of attention to The Silmarillion and other works as well as to The Lord of the Rings.”
—Holly Ordway, author of Tolkien’s Faith: A Spiritual Biography and the award-winning Tolkien’s Modern Reading: Middle-earth Beyond the Middle Ages