Profiles the renowned author of The Hobbit and the Lord of the Rings trilogy, focusing on his study of medieval texts and languages and other factors that influenced his writings. Lists chronologically his published writings, including those which were edited by his son, Christopher Tolkien, and published after J.R.R. Tolkien's death.

Updated edition of the author's 1996 work titled: Myth maker : J.R.R. Tolkien. Includes index.