For the first time, historian Joseph Loconte explains how the catastrophe of World War II trans-formed the lives and literary imagination of Tolkien and Lewis. The mechanized slaughter of the First World War had created a storm of disillusionment with the political and religious ideals of Western civilization. The new ideologies of Modernism, communism, Nazism, and totalitarianism rushed to fill the vacuum. At stake was a contest between civilization and barbarism. Tolkien and Lewis sought each other out in friendship and threw themselves into the struggle.
Loconte explores how their most beloved works—The Hobbit, The Lord of the Rings, The Chronicles of Narnia, Mere Christianity—were conceived in the shadow of the most devastating and dehumanizing war in history. Like no other authors of their age, Tolkien and Lewis used their imagination to reclaim for their generation—and for ours—those deeds of valor and virtue and love that have always kept a lamp burning, even in the deepest darkness.
Combining a careful study of history and compelling storytelling, The War for Middle-Earth reveals the remarkable achievement of these authors and friends: a recovery of heroism and faith despite deep sorrow and suffering. Here are enduring lessons for today's cultural moment. This is essential reading for anyone who believes that great stories can reveal great truths.
This discussion will take place in the Littlefield Home (LFH).
About Joseph Loconte
Joseph Loconte is an author, historian, and filmmaker. He serves as Director of The Rivendell Center in New York City. He is a Presidential Scholar at New College of Florida and a Senior Fellow at the Sagamore Institute. Mr. Loconte’s commentary appears in outlets such as The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, National Affairs, The New Criterion, National Geographic, Law and Liberty, The National Interest, and National Review. For ten years, Mr. Loconte served as a commentator for National Public Radio’s (NPR) All Things Considered. A native of Brooklyn, New York, he divides his time between Washington, DC, and New York City.
