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Summary
This sweeping study of fantasy literature offers "new and often surprising readings of works both familiar and obscure. A fine critical work" (Journal of the Fantastic in the Arts).
Transcending arguments over the definition of fantasy literature, Rhetorics of Fantasy introduces a provocative new system of classification for the genre. Drawing on nearly two hundred examples of modern fantasy, author Farah Mendlesohn identifies four categories-portal-quest,...
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"This collection of more than twenty-five critical essays, speeches, and biographical pieces written and/or chosen by Diana Wynne Jones will be required reading for the author's many fans and for students and teachers of the genre. Reflections includes insightful literary criticism alongside autobiographical anecdotes about reading tours (including an account of the author's famous travel jinx), revelations about the origins of the author's books,...
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Experience the magic again with this chronicle of the young wizard who took the world by storm! From the moment that J. K. Rowling conceived the idea of Harry Potter during a train ride, until the 1997 UK publication of Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, The Making of the Potterverse tells the history of one of today's most beloved sagas-in print, on screen, and in real life as waves of Pottermania swept fans young and old. Covering the phenomenon...
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J.R.R. Tolkien had a great knowledge of, and love for, world mythology when he wrote his beloved trilogy of Middle Earth. In particular, the symbol of the Ring has a rich and fascinating heritage, and this beautifully illustrated literary detective work searches down Tolkien's sources and inspiration. Written authoritatively by David Day, it shows how the Lord of the Rings is the result of an ancient story-telling tradition that dates back to the...
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So J.R.R. Tolkien responded to critics who saw The Lord of the Rings as a reaction to the Second World War. Tolkien and the Great War tells for the first time the full story of how he embarked on the creation of Middle-earth in his youth as the world around him was plunged into catastrophe. This biography reveals the horror and heroism that he experienced as a signals officer in the Battle of the Somme and introduces the circle of friends who spurred...