New Biography Re-examines J.R.R. Tolkien's Enduring Legacy

The world of J.R.R. Tolkien, creator of "The Lord of the Rings" and "The Hobbit," is experiencing a significant resurgence in media adaptations and licensed products. Amidst this proliferation, British author D.J. Taylor's new unauthorized biography, "The King Under the Mountain: In Search of J.R.R. Tolkien," offers a critical reassessment of the author's life and work.

Taylor, a self-proclaimed Tolkien enthusiast since his youth, aimed to revisit the author with a more mature critical lens. "I wanted to take another look at a particular hero of my early teen-dom using all the critical and interpretative tools I’ve picked up in the intervening years with the aim of seeing whether my attitude toward [Tolkien] had changed," Taylor stated.

Tolkien's influence on the fantasy genre is undeniable, with his meticulous world-building and creation of hobbits, elves, and dwarves shaping much of the genre that followed. He drew heavily on his deep study of Anglo-Saxon and Middle English literature to craft his detailed universe. Taylor's biography explores Tolkien's personal life, noting his conservatism and resistance to the modernization of his beloved countryside, a sentiment reflected in his writings.

Unlike a comprehensive, cradle-to-grave biography, "The King Under the Mountain" approaches Tolkien from various angles. Taylor was denied access to the Tolkien estate and the author's papers, leading him to employ a blend of inference and scholarship. The biography's chapter titles, such as "Tolkien and God" and "Gandalf’s Garden: Tolkien and the Sixties," reflect this unconventional approach.

Taylor's work delves into Tolkien's literary relationships, including his dismissal of admirer and poet W.H. Auden, who "no doubt overrates the ‘Lord of the Rings’ because he reads into it something that he means to write himself," according to Tolkien. The biography also touches on the possible biographical influences on Tolkien's work, such as the death of his father and an early encounter with a spider, which may have inspired elements like the absent fathers and malevolent spiders in "The Lord of the Rings." His experiences in the trenches of World War I are also suggested as an inspiration for the Dead Marshes in "The Two Towers."

Despite the limitations imposed by the estate, Taylor's biography is described as an illuminating examination of a complex figure. While some chapters may appeal more to ardent fans of Middle-earth lore, the work is seen as a valuable contribution to understanding Tolkien. Taylor acknowledges the vast and dedicated fanbase for Tolkien's work and the universal themes present in his writings. He also notes that the continuous release of new iterations and merchandise raises questions about oversaturation, though he suggests the primary motivation behind some of these ventures is financial gain.

"The King Under the Mountain" is presented as a long-overdue tribute to Tolkien, prompting a deeper examination of his enduring impact on literature and popular culture.