<P><B>A detailed look at the fascinating and enigmatic world of J.R.R. Tolkien, covering ground from his friendship with C. S. Lewis to pipe smoking in his life and fictional works</B></P><P>Examining Tolkien's place in literary history, his books, and his iconic characters, this miscellany presents readers with facts, trivia, and quotes from his life and works. It covers his early life in southern Africa and Birmingham, his part in the two World Wars, his religious faith, and his fame and its problems. It also discusses Tolkien the illustrator, the places that inspired his fictional world of Middle-earth, and Tolkien on the silver screen. Lighthearted and extremely informative, this guide has something for fans both old and new.