A Hobbit, a Wardrobe, and a Great War 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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NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER

Deepen your insight into and appreciation for the writings J. R. R. Tolkien and C. S. Lewis as you explore the untold story of how the First World War shaped their lives, faith, and writings.

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

The First World War laid waste to a continent and permanently altered the political and religious landscape of the West. For a generation of men and women, it brought the end of innocence—and the end of faith. Yet for J. R. R. Tolkien and C. S. Lewis, the Great War deepened their spiritual quest. Both men served as soldiers on the Western Front, survived the trenches, and were forever changed by the experience.

In A Hobbit, a Wardrobe, and a Great War you will delve into the profound impact of World War I on Tolkien and Lewis, illuminating how the horrors of the Western Front shaped their faith and the timeless tales of Middle-earth and Narnia. Witness how the Great War not only tested their faith but also ignited their remarkable Christian imaginations. Unlike many of their contemporaries who lost faith amidst the chaos, Tolkien and Lewis used their experiences to infuse their epic stories with themes of guilt and grace, sorrow and consolation.

In A Hobbit, a Wardrobe, and a Great War you will:

  • Learn how World War I uniquely shaped the lives, faith, and writing of J.R.R. Tolkien and C.S. Lewis.
  • Gain a deeper understanding of how the Great War influenced some of the most beloved literary works ever created.
  • Benefit from historian Joseph Loconte's profound knowledge and passion for the works of Tolkien and Lewis.

Don't miss this opportunity to explore the fascinating intersection of history, faith, and literature. Read A Hobbit, a Wardrobe, and a Great War today and embark on a journey that will deepen your appreciation for these literary giants and their extraordinary legacy.

Art & Literature Authors Christianity History Literary History & Criticism War Inspiring Middle Ages
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A fascinating and haunting exploration of the influences of J.R.R. Tolkein and C.S. Lewis. Wonderful.

Fascinating and haunting

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“After the (Great) war, Tolkien and Lewis made their way to Oxford University, where they took up their vocations as instructors in English Literature. They met for the first time in 1926, and a bond of friendship was established that would transform their lives and careers. Lewis would be the decisive voice in persuading Tolkien to complete The Hobbit and the Lord of the Rings. Given the massive and enduring influence of their works, it is hard to think of a more consequential friendship in the twentieth century – a friendship that emerged from the suffering and sorrow of a world war.” (from the Introduction)

Have you ever been enthralled by the worlds created by both J.R.R. Tolkien & C.S. Lewis? As the title suggests and as terrible as The Great War was, there would have been no Hobbit, no Lord of the Rings, no Narnia without it.

Let me say for the record, this is not a C.S. Lewis or J.R.R. Tolkien fan club book. You don't actually have to have read any of their books either to appreciate it. But if you have, or if you love either author or both for that matter, then I'm sure you'll appreciate this book. Whether you're a student of history or literature, or both, you also need to read this book too.
The war to end all wars laid waste to many nations and brought about the end of both innocence and faith. Both authors Lewis & Tolkien fought in the trenches and served as soldiers on the Western Front, survived, and used the harrowing experience in that conflict to ignite both their creative imaginations.

Lewis & Tolkien produced epic stories that swept the world, infused themes of sorrow and consolation, guilt and grace. The two writers who were good friends and both sharpened each others stories (Tolkien himself admits he wouldn't have finished LOTR without Lewis critique) created works that changed the course of literature. This is the first book by Joseph Loconte, which explores their books in light of spiritual crises sparked by the war.

While only seven chapters, and a relatively short book, it's such a great insight into the 20th Century, The Great War and two of the finest authors of our time.

Happy Reading

CPH.

A cracking, honest and harrowing read

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An amazing storytelling of how these brilliant writers were influenced by the Great War, Mythology, debating, Christianity and their friendship.

Amazing!

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In the spirit of reconciliation, Audible acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.