J.R.R. Tolkien

Author:
J.R.R. Tolkien

Date of birth: 03-Jan-1892
Place of birth: Bloemfontein, South Africa

About the author:
John Ronald Reuel Tolkien (1892–1973) was an English writer, philologist, and professor best known as the author of The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings trilogy, foundational works of modern fantasy literature. He was born on January 3, 1892, in Bloemfontein, South Africa, and raised in England after the death of his parents.

Tolkien was a brilliant student with a deep love of languages, which led him to study English language and literature at Oxford University. He later became a professor of Anglo-Saxon at Oxford and an expert in Old and Middle English. His passion for language and mythology heavily influenced his writing, particularly in the creation of elaborate fictional languages and richly developed histories in his fantasy works.

Tolkien’s first major success came with The Hobbit (1937), a children's adventure story that introduced the world to Middle-earth, a mythical land of elves, dwarves, wizards, and dragons. Its popularity led to the creation of his epic masterpiece, The Lord of the Rings trilogy: The Fellowship of the Ring, The Two Towers, and The Return of the King (published between 1954 and 1955). Though initially written for adults, the trilogy attracted readers of all ages and grew into one of the most beloved and influential fantasy series of all time.

Tolkien's writing stood out for its intricate world-building, moral complexity, and themes of heroism, friendship, and the corrupting influence of power. After his death in 1973, his son Christopher Tolkien edited and published many of his unfinished works, including The Silmarillion, which delves into the deep history of Middle-earth.

Today, Tolkien is often referred to as the father of modern fantasy. His work has inspired generations of writers, spawned blockbuster films, and established fantasy as a serious literary genre.