The place in fantasy literature earned by J. R. R. Tolkien is indisputable. Tolkien is directly responsible for the rising popularity of fantasy literature in the late twentieth century. While authors such as Anne McCaffrey may dominate the scene of modern fantasy, Tolkien is father to this genre. And while Robert E. Howard may be credited with creating the idea of a European medieval barbarian hero fighting his way through life, Tolkien may be credited with taking this generic concept and giving it public attention. Tolkien created a twentieth-century genre from archaic terminology and legends, but his fame comes more from his ability to create characters and events unforgettable to those who have encountered them. His works have spawned a vast industry that includes calendars and recordings and that capitalizes on his characters.

The characters whom readers encounter in Tolkien's fiction seem real; they display traits readers see...