Edith M Humphrey

John Ronald Reuel Tolkien, born in 1892, was an English writer and philologist who achieved global fame for his high fantasy novels, including "The Hobbit" and "The Lord of the Rings." He held academic positions at the University of Oxford for decades, specializing in Anglo-Saxon and English Language and Literature.

Tolkien was a devout Catholic and a member of the literary discussion group known as the Inklings, alongside C.S. Lewis. His writings, particularly those set in the world of Arda and Middle-earth, which he termed his 'legendarium,' have profoundly influenced modern fantasy literature, earning him recognition as its "father." His posthumously published works, compiled by his son Christopher, further expanded his literary legacy.

Born in South Africa, J.R.R. Tolkien's family soon returned to England after his father's death. Raised by his mother in Birmingham, he developed an early love for languages, taught by her at home. His childhood explorations of the Worcestershire countryside, including Sarehole Mill and Moseley Bog, later served as inspiration for his fictional landscapes. Tolkien's mother, Mabel, converted to Catholicism, a decision that led to estrangement from her family and eventually impacted their financial stability. Following Mabel's death when Tolkien was twelve, he and his brother were placed under the guardianship of Father Francis Xavier Morgan, who instilled in them strong Catholic principles. This upbringing profoundly shaped Tolkien's worldview and his later literary endeavors.

Tolkien pursued higher education at Exeter College, Oxford, initially studying classics before shifting to English language and literature, from which he graduated with honors. His academic career was spent at the University of Oxford, holding prestigious professorships in Anglo-Saxon and later in English Language and Literature. During his studies and early career, Tolkien developed a keen interest in constructed languages, creating his own and engaging with existing ones like Esperanto. He also formed the T.C.B.S. (Tea Club and Barrovian Society) with friends, a group that fostered his dedication to writing poetry. His travels, including a significant summer holiday in Switzerland, provided vivid imagery that found its way into his imaginative works.

J.R.R. Tolkien is primarily celebrated for his epic fantasy novels, "The Hobbit" and "The Lord of the Rings," which established a new standard for the genre. These works, along with others compiled posthumously by his son Christopher from his extensive notes, form a cohesive body of tales set in the world of Arda and Middle-earth, a collection Tolkien referred to as his 'legendarium.' His meticulous creation of languages, histories, and mythologies within these narratives has had a lasting impact, inspiring countless authors and readers and solidifying his reputation as a foundational figure in modern fantasy literature.

“My own dear mother was a martyr indeed, and it is not to everybody that God grants so easy a way to his great gifts as he did to Hilary and myself, giving us a mother who killed herself with labour and trouble to ensure us keeping the faith.”