A Hobbit, A Wardrobe and a Great War Audiobook By Joseph Loconte cover art

A Hobbit, A Wardrobe and a Great War

How J.R.R. Tolkien and C.S. Lewis Rediscovered Faith, Friendship, and Heroism in the Cataclysm of 1914-1918

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A Hobbit, A Wardrobe and a Great War

By: Joseph Loconte
Narrated by: Dave Hoffman
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About this listen

The untold story of how the First World War shaped the lives, faith, and writings of J. R. R. Tolkien and C. S. Lewis.

Had there been no Great War, there would have been no Hobbit, no Lord of the Rings, no Narnia, and perhaps no conversion to Christianity by C. S. Lewis.

The First World War laid waste to a continent and brought about the end of innocence — and the end of faith. Unlike a generation of young writers who lost faith in the God of the Bible, however, J. R. R. Tolkien and C. S. Lewis found that the Great War deepened their spiritual quest. Both men served as soldiers on the Western Front, survived the trenches, and used the experience of that conflict to ignite their Christian imagination.

Tolkien and Lewis produced epic stories infused with the themes of guilt and grace, sorrow and consolation. Giving an unabashedly Christian vision of hope in a world tortured by doubt and disillusionment, the two writers created works that changed the course of literature and shaped the faith of millions. This is the first book to explore their work in light of the spiritual crisis sparked by the conflict.

©2015 Joseph Loconte (P)2015 Thomas Nelson Publishers
Authors Christian Literature & Art Literary History & Criticism Religious Inspiring War Thought-Provoking

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Some facts not correct

I am a huge fan of both Lewis and Tolkien’s work. However a lot of facts were incorrect for instance Shasta was quoted when it should’ve been Bree, and Legolas had the wrong title of king rather than Prince. All in all I loved hearing the connections, and if you read this book you will never read these books the same way again.

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Eloquent and informative

I love the comparison of the Tolkien and Lewis stories  and the great war. Very poetic in his style. 

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An Amazing Analysis

I have been a fan of both C.S.Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien, and their works for many, many years. But there was so much I didn't know about their lives, particularly their military service during World War I and how it affected the fantasy worlds they both created.

I enjoyed filling in the gaps with the help of this informative, and clearly well researched, book.

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Opens up the Inkling mindset

For those of us very familiar with Lewis’ and Tolkien’s writings as well as the history of the Great Wars this commentary brings the worlds together. My only critique is pronunciations by the reader. Magdalene College, Christendom, and Tolkien are consistently pronounced incorrectly. Great read!

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One of the best books I have ever read!!

Great book. I will definitely read this book again. I recommend it very highly.

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Time well spent

what interesting insight into the roll of WWI on these famous Christian writers. High recommendation for history buffs and / or these writers. interest in either side will result in a satisfaction with time will spent.

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Fascinating!!

Usually don't care for historical nonfiction about war. But when it portrays so well the effect it had on 2 of my favorite authors, I was riveted!! Excellent narrator and fantastic book!! I will revisit it again, along with Tolkein's and Lewis' work.

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A truly amazing book

One of tne most insightful books I have ever encountered. I can't praise it enough!

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Provocative, Unrelenting and Joyous

Spent this rainy Labor Day finishing a truly remarkable bit of scholarly examination of two of the 20th Century’s greatest English novelists - C. S. Lewis and J. R. R. Tolkien - their faith and the war that shaped them. Author Joseph Loconte pens a screaming indictment on the pre-WWI Church, while honoring and valuing the faith of men, and the redemption provided. It is a thoughtful examination of two giants of literature’s great friendship, the truth of myth and the revelation of Christ in the darkest places. Provocative, unrelenting and joyous... I will read this book again.

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Essential reading very good listening.

Regardless of your vantage on this book it bring value and insight to the tale. Well worth the listen.

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