J.R.R. Tolkien (John Ronald Reuel, 1892–1973) Research paper

BACKGROUND

English fantasy writer J.R.R. Tolkien wrote about Middle Earth and the mythical creatures who inhabited that fictional land. His works have become science fiction cult classics and, despite some controversy and criticism, remain favorites of children and adults.

BROWSE FOR BOOKS ON THE SHELF USING THESE CALL NUMBERS

Biography section under Tolkien, J.R.R.

823.912

828.912

LOOK UNDER THE FOLLOWING SUBJECTS IN THE CATALOG (CARD OR COMPUTER)

Tolkien, J.R.R.

Fantastic fiction, English

Middle Earth (Imaginary place)

REFERENCE MATERIALS THAT MAY HELP (BOOKS OR CD-ROMS)

Beetz, Kirk H., ed. Beacham’s Guide to Literature for Young Adults, Vol. 5, 1991.

Hile, Kevin, ed. Authors and Artists for Young Adults, Vol. 10, 1993.

Lesniak, James G., ed. Contemporary Authors New Revision Series, Vol. 36, 1992.

Oldsey, Bernard, ed. Dictionary of Literary Biography, 1983.

Stade, George, ed. British Writers, Supplement II, 1992.

PERIODICAL INDEXES TO SEARCH (BOOKS OR CD-ROMS)

Biography Index

EBSCO Magazine Article Summaries

InfoTrac

Readers’ Guide to Periodical Literature

WILSONDISC

ONLINE DATABASES TO SEARCH

America Online

CompuServe

Dialog

Internet
Prodigy

KEY WORDS AND DESCRIPTORS FOR PERIODICAL INDEX AND ONLINE SEARCHES

Tolkien, J.R.R.

Hobbit

Middle Earth

Lord of the Rings

VIDEOTAPES ON THIS TOPIC

Many of Tolkien’s works are available on videotapes.

FICTION BOOKS RELATING TO TOPIC

Fiction section under Tolkien, J.R.R.

NATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS TO CONTACT FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

American Tolkien Society, C/O Phil Helms, P.O. Box 373, Highland, MI 48357–0373.

American Hobbit Association, Rivendell, EA 730-F, Northland Rd., Forest Park, OH 45240.

Elvish Linguistic Fellowship, 2509 Ambling Circle, Crofton, MD 21114.

SUGGESTIONS FOR NARROWING THIS TOPIC

Choose one or more Tolkien characters to discuss.

Compare the Lord of the Rings computer game with Tolkien’s work.

Describe Middle Earth, the fantasy land that serves as the setting for many Tolkien works.

Did Tolkien use his Lord of the Rings trilogy as a vehicle for his political philosophies?

Discuss Christian symbolism in Lord of the Rings.

SUGGESTIONS FOR RELATED TOPICS

C. S. Lewis

Elves and trolls in literature

Fairy tales

Use of symbolism in fantasy literature

This RESEARCH TOPIC GUIDE is intended to help the library user find information and materials on a particular topic in many sources throughout the library. Resources on this topic are not limited to those described and availability will depend upon the individual library. Feel free to ask a librarian for assistance.