We think Tolkien is a great author, and you can learn a lot about the craft of writing, the English language (and maths and science and citizenship and lots more) by reading his works. If you have chosen to work on Tolkien for a paper, project or thesis, we are delighted!

What should I read?

We have put together two lists – books by Tolkien and books about Tolkien. Have a look at these to get an idea of the kind of material available.

In most parts of the world you can get these books at any public or university library. In the case of harder to find books or articles, the interlibrary loan system is your friend.

Help! I need an idea for an essay on Tolkien!

Don’t worry, we’ve come up with some ideas for students at all levels of education. Have a look at the appropriate document below:

• Ideas for younger students
• Ideas for pre-university students
• Ideas for Undergradutes and Postgraduates

Student Resources

Below you’ll find a series of study packs and essays which you may find useful in your studies. Indeed, if you’ve written an essay on Tolkien and are proud of it, we’d be happy to consider publishing it in one of our publications or on this page.

Study Packs

• Writing – a guide to creative writing
• Runes – an introduction to Anglo-Saxon runes (as used in The Hobbit)
• Anglo-Saxon (Part One) – an introduction to Old English
• Anglo- Saxon (Part Two) – a more detailed look at Tolkien and Old English
• Walking Through The Hobbit – a guide to how you could walk through The Hobbit as a group
• The Hobbit – An Introduction – a detailed introductory pack with general information about the book, chapter summaries, and chapter-by-chapter definitions of hard or unusual words.

Essays

• Death and funerary practices in Middle-earth, by Pat Reynolds
• Kortirion among trees the Trees, by Lynn Forest-Hill
• The Lord of the Rings: Tolkien’s Equestrian Epic, by Lynn Forest-Hill
• The Celtic Roots of Meriadoc, by Lynn Forest-Hill
• Tolkien as a Writer for Young Adults, by Jessica Yates
• The Lord of the Rings: The Tale of a Text, by Pat Reynolds

Is it possible to take courses on Tolkien?

Yes! As a first port of call, you should look at what’s currently available at:

• the Mythgard Institute, where classes can either be taken for fun as an auditor or as credit towards a degree,

All members of the Tolkien Society are entitled to a 15% discount on all courses offered by the Mythgard Institute, an organisation which offers online university-level classes taught by world-class teachers and leading scholars. So, if you’re not already a member, join us today!