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The Science of Middle-Earth

By: Roland Lehoucq, Loïc Mangin, Jean-Sébastien Steyer
Narrated by: Ralph Lister
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Publisher's summary

The world J.R.R. Tolkien created is one of the most beloved in all of literature, and continues to capture hearts and imaginations around the world. From Oxford to ComiCon, the Middle Earth is analyzed and interpreted through a multitude of perspectives.

But one essential facet of Tolkien and his Middle Earth has been overlooked: science. This great writer, creator of worlds and unforgettable characters, and inventor of language was also a scientific autodidact, with an innate interest and grasp of botany, paleontologist, and geologist, with additional passions for archeology and chemistry.

Tolkien was an acute observer of flora and fauna and mined the minds of his scientific friends about ocean currents and volcanoes. It is these layers of science that give his imaginary universe - and the creatures and characters that inhabit it - such concreteness. Within this gorgeously illustrated edition, a range of scientists - from astrophysicists to physicians, botanists to volcanologists - explore Tolkien’s novels, poems, and letters to reveal their fascinating scientific roots.

A rewarding combination of literary exploration and scientific discovery, The Science of Middle-Earth reveals the hidden meaning of the Ring’s corruption, why Hobbits have big feet, the origins of the Dwarves, the animals which inspired the dragons, and even whether or not an Ent is possible.

Enhanced by superb original drawings, this transportive work will delight both Tolkien fans and science lovers and inspire us to view both Middle Earth and our own world - with fresh eyes.

©2021 Roland Lehoucq, Loc Mangin, Jean-Sbastien Steyer (P)2021 Novel Audio Inc.
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What listeners say about The Science of Middle-Earth

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Great listen

Everything is amazing…except the reader’s pronunciation of Gollum; saying GollUM instead of GOllum. Other than that, it’s a very informative and interesting approach to the beloved middle earth.

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5 people found this helpful

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Interesting, Scholarly, Slightly Repetitive

I appreciate the seriousness of the academics who analyze Tolkiens' World using the tools and insights of their unique training. Nevertheless, as a scholarly work, the papers in some fields are a bit dated. Moreover, certain topics are covered in very similar manners by different authors in this text. Yet still a good listen for intellectuals who are obsessed with Tolkien.

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3 people found this helpful