In this journey through the philosophical and theological themes in Tolkien’s iconic fiction, Fr Michael J Halsall draws on Tolkien’s biography - his experiences as a scholar, an army officer, a husband and father, and a Christian – to produce this deep, and sometimes surprising, commentary on the beloved stories of Middle Earth, unlocking Tolkien’s perspective on his own fantastical creation.

Written for an audience of Tolkien enthusiasts, whether or not they are philosophers, theologians, Catholics, or Christians of any kind, this book takes the reader on a journey alongside the characters of Middle Earth who so vividly exemplify the key themes of Tolkien’s literary project: the urgency of re-enchanting our narratives, the reality of the struggle between good and evil, the question of what it means to be virtuous, and what the inescapability of death and that which lies beyond it means for each and every person.