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The Modern Scholar: Tolkien and the West
- Recovering the Lost Tradition of Europe
- Narrated by: Michael Drout
- Length: 5 hrs and 15 mins
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Publisher's summary
The works of J.R.R. Tolkien are quite possibly the most widely read pieces of literature written in the 20th century. But as Professor Michael Drout illuminates in this engaging course of lectures, Tolkien's writings are built upon a centuries-old literary tradition that developed in Europe and is quite uniquely Western in its outlook and style. Drout explores how that tradition still resonates with us to this day, even if many Modernist critics would argue otherwise. He begins the course with the allegory of a tower - a device which Tolkien himself crafted in one of the most famous academic works of all time - as a way to illuminate how Tolkien's works continue and build upon a tradition that goes back as far as Beowulf itself.
Drout's lectures take us on a literary journey that explores Tolkien's most celebrated writings: The Hobbit, The Lord of the Rings, and The Silmarillion. As he brings these works life, he explains Tolkien's technique and themes, which he shows reverberate all the way back though the Western literary tradition. In the end, Drout shows us how J.R.R. Tolkien crafted literary worlds that the reader cares desperately about and wishes to save. Those worlds, in turn, are allegories for a Western literary tradition - a tower - that is worthy of preservation.
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Story
In this course, the roots of fantasy and the works that have defined the genre are examined. Incisive analysis and a deft assessment of what makes these works so very special provides a deeper insight into beloved works and a better understanding of why fantasy is such a pervasive force in modern culture.
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An Informative, Stimulating, and Enjoyable Class
- By Jefferson on 09-27-11
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The Modern Scholar
- From Here to Infinity: An Exploration of Science Fiction Literature
- By: Professor Michael D. C. Drout
- Narrated by: Professor Michael D. C. Drout
- Length: 7 hrs and 58 mins
- Unabridged
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Overall
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Performance
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Story
The best science fiction asks essential questions: What does it mean to be human? Are we alone in the universe, and what does it mean if we're not? Esteemed professor Michael D. C. Drout traces the history of science fiction in this series of stimulating lectures. From Mary Shelley's Frankenstein to today's cutting- edge authors, Drout offers a compelling analysis of the genre, including a look at the golden age of science fiction, New Wave writers, and contemporary trends in the field.
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Nerdy? Probably... Enjoyable? Yes
- By Timothy on 08-27-09
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Modern Scholar: How to Think
- The Liberal Arts and Their Enduring Value
- By: Professor Professor Michael D. C. Drout
- Narrated by: Professor Professor Michael D. C. Drout
- Length: 5 hrs and 14 mins
- Original Recording
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Overall
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Performance
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Story
In How to Think: The Liberal Arts and Their Enduring Value, Professor Michael D. C. Drout gives an impassioned defense and celebration of the value of the liberal arts. Charting the evolution of the liberal arts from their roots in the educational system of Ancient Rome through the Middle Ages and to the present day, Drout shows how the liberal arts have consistently been "the tools to rule", essential to the education of the leaders of society. Offering a reasoned defense of their continuing value, Drout also provides suggestions for improving the state of the liberal arts in contemporary society.
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A defense of the Liberal Arts
- By Steve and/or Jodene on 10-19-13
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The Modern Scholar: The Anglo-Saxon World
- By: Prof. Michael D. C. Drout
- Narrated by: Michael D. C. Drout
- Length: 7 hrs and 50 mins
- Original Recording
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Overall
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Performance
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Story
Had the Angles and Saxons not purposefully migrated to the isles of the Britons and brought with them their already-well-developed use of language, Angelina Jolie may never have appeared in the movie Beowulf. Professor Michael D.C. Drout is at his best when lecturing on the fascinating history, language, and societal adaptations of the Anglo-Saxons.
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Perfect Intro to the Anglo-Saxon Period
- By Julie on 01-01-10
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The Modern Scholar
- Eternal Chalice: The Grail in Literature and Legend
- By: Professor Monica Potkay
- Narrated by: Professor Monica Potkay
- Length: 7 hrs and 30 mins
- Unabridged
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Overall
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Performance
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Story
The goal of this course is to provide an overview of the many different ways writers of fiction and nonfiction have imagined, and reimagined, the object known as the Grail. We'll look at how the Grail was invented as a powerful literary symbol in the late 12th and early 13th centuries by a group of medieval romancers who celebrated the Grail as a symbol of perfection. At times, this perfection was social, and the Grail functioned as a symbol of the perfect knight or of the ideal chivalric society.
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Interesting Search for the Holy Grail
- By Carole T. on 09-01-12
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The Gospel According to Tolkien
- Visions of the Kingdom in Middle Earth
- By: Ralph Wood
- Narrated by: Nadia May
- Length: 6 hrs and 42 mins
- Unabridged
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Overall
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Performance
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Story
In this accessible and engaging book, Ralph Wood shows us that J.R.R. Tolkien's masterpiece is a deeply Christian work because it does not blink back the horrors of our terrible times but confronts them with startling honesty.
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Demystifying Tolkien
- By Troy on 08-27-15
By: Ralph Wood
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The Modern Scholar
- Rings, Swords, and Monsters: Exploring Fantasy Literature
- By: Professor Michael D.C. Drout
- Narrated by: Professor Michael D.C. Drout
- Length: 7 hrs and 50 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
In this course, the roots of fantasy and the works that have defined the genre are examined. Incisive analysis and a deft assessment of what makes these works so very special provides a deeper insight into beloved works and a better understanding of why fantasy is such a pervasive force in modern culture.
-
-
An Informative, Stimulating, and Enjoyable Class
- By Jefferson on 09-27-11
-
The Modern Scholar
- From Here to Infinity: An Exploration of Science Fiction Literature
- By: Professor Michael D. C. Drout
- Narrated by: Professor Michael D. C. Drout
- Length: 7 hrs and 58 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
The best science fiction asks essential questions: What does it mean to be human? Are we alone in the universe, and what does it mean if we're not? Esteemed professor Michael D. C. Drout traces the history of science fiction in this series of stimulating lectures. From Mary Shelley's Frankenstein to today's cutting- edge authors, Drout offers a compelling analysis of the genre, including a look at the golden age of science fiction, New Wave writers, and contemporary trends in the field.
-
-
Nerdy? Probably... Enjoyable? Yes
- By Timothy on 08-27-09
-
Modern Scholar: How to Think
- The Liberal Arts and Their Enduring Value
- By: Professor Professor Michael D. C. Drout
- Narrated by: Professor Professor Michael D. C. Drout
- Length: 5 hrs and 14 mins
- Original Recording
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
In How to Think: The Liberal Arts and Their Enduring Value, Professor Michael D. C. Drout gives an impassioned defense and celebration of the value of the liberal arts. Charting the evolution of the liberal arts from their roots in the educational system of Ancient Rome through the Middle Ages and to the present day, Drout shows how the liberal arts have consistently been "the tools to rule", essential to the education of the leaders of society. Offering a reasoned defense of their continuing value, Drout also provides suggestions for improving the state of the liberal arts in contemporary society.
-
-
A defense of the Liberal Arts
- By Steve and/or Jodene on 10-19-13
-
The Modern Scholar: The Anglo-Saxon World
- By: Prof. Michael D. C. Drout
- Narrated by: Michael D. C. Drout
- Length: 7 hrs and 50 mins
- Original Recording
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Had the Angles and Saxons not purposefully migrated to the isles of the Britons and brought with them their already-well-developed use of language, Angelina Jolie may never have appeared in the movie Beowulf. Professor Michael D.C. Drout is at his best when lecturing on the fascinating history, language, and societal adaptations of the Anglo-Saxons.
-
-
Perfect Intro to the Anglo-Saxon Period
- By Julie on 01-01-10
-
The Modern Scholar
- Eternal Chalice: The Grail in Literature and Legend
- By: Professor Monica Potkay
- Narrated by: Professor Monica Potkay
- Length: 7 hrs and 30 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
The goal of this course is to provide an overview of the many different ways writers of fiction and nonfiction have imagined, and reimagined, the object known as the Grail. We'll look at how the Grail was invented as a powerful literary symbol in the late 12th and early 13th centuries by a group of medieval romancers who celebrated the Grail as a symbol of perfection. At times, this perfection was social, and the Grail functioned as a symbol of the perfect knight or of the ideal chivalric society.
-
-
Interesting Search for the Holy Grail
- By Carole T. on 09-01-12
-
The Gospel According to Tolkien
- Visions of the Kingdom in Middle Earth
- By: Ralph Wood
- Narrated by: Nadia May
- Length: 6 hrs and 42 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
In this accessible and engaging book, Ralph Wood shows us that J.R.R. Tolkien's masterpiece is a deeply Christian work because it does not blink back the horrors of our terrible times but confronts them with startling honesty.
-
-
Demystifying Tolkien
- By Troy on 08-27-15
By: Ralph Wood
What listeners say about The Modern Scholar: Tolkien and the West
Average customer ratingsReviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.
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- J Smith San Francisco
- 07-28-17
Something Different and a Lot of Fun
I love courses on literature, but have never taken one on Tolkien, despite reading and re-reading LOTR over the last 50 years.
I really enjoyed the instructor, his presentation, and most of all the content. I learned a lot and had fun doing it
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1 person found this helpful
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- Charlotte Araki
- 09-25-22
Fascinating
This is something I will listen to again and again because there is so much gold in it. The author's style is informative without being superior and makes the reader want to delve deeper and think more.
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1 person found this helpful
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- Steve and/or Jodene
- 09-28-13
Recommended for Tolkien fans
Professor Drout already had an earlier lecture series ("Rings, Swords, and Monsters") that focused largely on Tolkien; do we really need another one? In my opinion, after listening to both of them, the answer is a definite yes. Drout has enough to say about Tolkien that he isn't just repeating himself here (plus, this newer series gives him a chance to comment on the Peter Jackson movies). And, as in all his lectures, Professor Drout is a joy to listen to, lecturing with plenty of enthusiasm, expertise, insight, and humor.
This "class" is a bit more advanced, so start with the earlier series if you haven't already listened to that one, especially if you're not a die-hard Tolkien enthusiast. But if you're the kind of person who can't get enough discussion of Tolkien, don't hesitate to get this lecture series.
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15 people found this helpful
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- Robin
- 08-14-12
Excllent Discussion
Professor Drout brings a world of knowledge and his personal passion to this discussion of Tolkien. He informs and entertains, but never condescends to the listener. The only flaw is the lack of a PDF of the text, which is usually incuded in the Modern Scholar Courses. It woould have been useful for keeping track of the names, and making notes. This course is recommended for Tolkien fans who have some reading knowledge of The Hobbit and Lord of the Rings, and would like to learn more about Tolkien's scholarly background.
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7 people found this helpful
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- Billie
- 03-14-15
Just wish it were longer
This course is great! I just wish there were more of it and that it could have explored a little more
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1 person found this helpful
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- Thomas L. Packer
- 01-23-22
Eloquent defense of Tolkien from monster critics
Not enough people appreciate Tolkien. Very few who do appreciate Tolkien can explain why one should as well as Michael Drout in this lecture series.
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1 person found this helpful
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- Carole T.
- 07-13-12
For Serious Fans Only
Michael Drout lost me a bit in the introduction to this lecture series with a lot of talk about towers and scholars and Beowulf and critics and the West. Well, it evidently all means that our Professor takes his Tolkien very, very seriously indeed and very personally!
I enjoyed his discussion about the pairings of characters and the nature of good and evil as presented in "The Lord of the Rings", his defense of the literary and social merits of the books, and his presentation of the considerable impact that Tolkien's works have had on so many people. I was not so convinced that there was much about "recovering the lost tradition of Europe".
The word "scholar" is used a great many times in the course of this course. If you are a very serious fan of all things Tolkien, then this emphatic (if slightly disorganized) set of lectures may be for you. If your interest is more casual, perhaps you should skip it.
I have greatly enjoyed both Tolkien's books and Drout's other lecture series, but I'm still not sure what he means about those towers!
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11 people found this helpful
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- Cathi
- 07-17-15
Loved it!!!!!!
Professor Drout put into words everything I've always felt about Tolkien, and backed it by his own deep knowledge of the subject.
It is also well read and highly entertaining.
I recommend it for any Tolkien fan
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1 person found this helpful
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- Alex
- 09-14-20
Wonderful
A wonderful and enjoyable analysis of Tolkien's work and influence. The professor presents his content in an organized, understandable, and entertaining way. I highly recommend.
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- Anonymous User
- 10-13-19
Very helpful and informative
These lectures made me appreciate The Lord of The Rings even more and prompting me to read the books again.
Well Done !
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