|
“This
book contains profound insights into the theology and spirituality in Tolkien's
books. Caldecott gives the background of Tolkien's personality, letters,
excerpts from other writings in order to provide a clear picture of what's at
work in the Lord of the Rings.. The chapter ‘Behind the Stars’ is among the
deepest commentaries on JRRT's work as a whole. Very fine. Definitely worth
owning.” -- Dr Peter A. Kwasniewski
"Professor
Tolkien, the academic philologist, was said to have travelled 'inside language'.
Under Caldecott's guidance, here we travel inside the language of Tolkien. One
sees at last what he was up to. It is a revelatory book." -- Church
Times
Every
Catholic school will want a copy as will anyone interested in Tolkien as a
serious writer." -- Eric Hester, The Catholic Times
"As
a general principle, the more worthwhile the primary source, the less worthwhile
the secondary. Books about the most readable writers (Plato, Pascal, C.S. Lewis,
G.K. Chesterton, and the Bible come to mind) are usually the least worth
reading. The same, alas, is true for most of the plethora of books about Tolkien.
Fortunately, there are a few exceptions. And this book, to my mind, is the most
notable of all. There is no padding, no clichés, no belaboring the obvious. If
anyone asks me what one book about Tolkien is the most worth reading, Secret
Fire is my reply."
-- Peter Kreeft, St Austin Review
"Caldecott's
familiarity with Tolkien's writings and his clear analysis provide fascinating
insights that enrich The Lord of the Rings and The Silmarillion in
ways far different from previous studies. Some interesting appendixes offer
additional observations. This book will be welcomed by those interested in the
deep theological underpinnings of Tolkien's works, and is recommended to
academic libraries supporting upper level coursework on Tolkien or religion and
literature" -- Daniel Boice, Catholic Library World, September 2005
"Secret
Fire elegantly unpacks the deeper meanings of the text, drawing not only on
the classic works but on writings by Tolkien unpublished during his lifetime.
Stratford Caldecott shows how Tolkien was one of a small group of writers who
have succeeded in re-opening the world of the imagination for theological
exploration." -- Church House
Bookshop
,
UK
"In
this perceptive and well-reasoned book, Stratford Caldecott explores the roots
of J.R.R. Tolkien's appeal 'to people of all ages and beliefs, in a broad
spectrum from Christian to neo-pagan' ... Tolkien is portrayed in this book,
fairly I think, as an explorer for whom the stories he carefully and diligently
crafted over a long lifetime 'are notes of his expeditions in search of an older
and "inner" world.'" -- Colin Duriez, Theology
"Essential
reading for those who would like to understand the spiritual background to Lord
of the Rings." -- Scientific and Medical Network
"Caldecott's
work is a delight to read, with fascinating insights on nearly every page as he
discusses the riches of Tolkien's work." -- The Sower
"A
superb book that blends academic rigour with a clear passion for the
subject." -- Christian Marketplace
“The book is truly
outstanding and deserves the widest possible exposure. It is profound yet very
readable. I plan to use it with my adult CCD program soon,
and I'd like to incorporate it into a university class as soon as I can.
I've even thought about offering a city-wide Lenten retreat using it.”
-- Dr Henry (Hank) T. Edmondson III, Ph.D.,
College
of
Liberal Arts
and Sciences,
Georgia
College & State
University
“A literally wonderful - wonder-full - book. It will open the eyes of any
reader who considers The Lord of the Rings just a gripping yarn in a
fantasy world. Tolkien's ‘vision’ - Caldecott makes it clear the word is
just right - draws on deep springs of philosophy and mysticism - and, not least,
the orthodoxy of the church.” -- Aidan Nichols OP
J.R.R. Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings was the most widely-read book of
the twentieth century after the Bible. An epic fantasy about the quest to
destroy an evil Ring of Power, culminating in The Return of the King
(released at the end of 2003 as the third part of a massively successful film
adaptation by Peter Jackson) it appeals to people of all ages and beliefs. Yet
the book is much more than an adventure story.
Tolkien is concerned with the meaning and value of the natural
cosmos, the dangerous temptations associated with technology, and the
inevitability of loss and death. He is also writing about the nature and deepest
springs of human creativity. His "heroic romance" is a work of
profound Catholic spirituality, communicating a perennial wisdom to modern men
and women, both pagan and Christian, in the language of the poetic imagination,
the universal idiom of myth.
Secret Fire explores the range and depth of Tolkien's
vision in The Lord of the Rings and The Silmarillion. It also
draws extensively on some of his most remarkable and little-known writings. It
explains the importance for Tolkien of the intimate relationship between Elves
and Men, and unveils the true meaning of the mysterious "Secret Fire",
served by both Gandalf and Tolkien.
Stratford Caldecott is the Editor of Second Spring.
The book can be ordered through your local bookshop or from
Amazon (US) or Amazon
(UK) online.
UK publisher: Darton, Longman & Todd,
1 Spencer Court, 140-42 Wandsworth High Street,
London SW18 4JJ
Tel. 020 8875 0155
24-hour ordering: 020 8875 0133
Email: [email protected]
Contents
Acknowledgments
Introduction
Monsters and Critics
1. The Tree of Tales
The Hall of Fire
Going 'Inside Language'
The Notion Club
Tree and Leaf
2. A Very Great Story
The Hobbit: There and Back Again
The Lord of the Rings
The Triumph of Mercy
The Return of the King
The Scouring of the Shire
The Ring Today
3. A Hidden Presence: Tolkien's Catholicism
The Order of Grace
Star of the Sea
Lady Day
A Sacramental Universe
Marriage
The Heart of a Child
4. Let These Things Be
The Music of Meaning
The Gods of Middle-Earth
Ages of Light and Darkness
Death and Immortality
5. Behind the Stars
Elvish Aesthetics
Coming Home
The Healing of Arda
The Secret Fire
Conclusion: Tolkien's Achievement
Appendices
An Archetypal Journey: Tolkien and Jung
Tolkien's Social Philosophy
The Shadow of King Arthur
Myths Transformed
Bibliography
Notes
Index
|