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In 1939, J.R.R. Tolkien prepared an essay to be delivered as a lecture at the University of St Andrews in Scotland. It was titled "On Fairy-Stories," and in the piece he explained and defended the use of fantasy as a literary form.

Middle-earth is a world constructed on Christian principles, but that doesn't mean The Hobbit should be taken as a subliminally evangelistic work.

Colin Duriez set out to answer this question about the author of The Hobbit: “Who was the man who became a legend?”

Likely to leave fans hesitant and uncertain about the upcoming films, while newbies will wonder why this story is so beloved.

Whether or not you’re fanatic enough to dress up for the midnight showing, here’s some advice for how to experience of The Hobbit.

Peter Jackson says he's following the spirit if not the letter of the novel by stretching The Hobbit into a trilogy.

As I talked with a friend over coffee one night, the two of us began to reflect on how J.R.R. Tolkien's faith was reflected in his writing...

"I get a real sense of Tolkien’s Christian faith. ...There’s this essence of nobility, kindness, and mercy." ~Richard Armitage

Tolkien's works demonstrate that it's possible to have a dark childhood and still possess a remarkable and life-affirming imagination.

Why should such a perverted creature be looked on with pity? Tolkien used the tragic story of Gollum to remind us of grace and mercy.

Aside from its literary value, there is great astronomical and scientific value to be found in the pages of Tolkien's The Hobbit.

J.R.R. Tolkien saw himself as a hobbit in every way but in stature.

Tolkien intended for his epic works to point to an even greater story--the Christian Gospel.

The book has spawned hundreds of imitations which unfortunately do not share its Christian world view.

We see that Tolkien's work embodies a definitely Judeo-Christian view of good and evil: evil is seen as perverted or fallen good.

Even as Tolkien is celebrated as an author and literary figure, some of his most important messages were communicated by means of letters, and some of the most important letters were written to his sons.

I confess. I am a Tolkien fanatic. I remember the first time I took up The Hobbit at the age of 14. And next to the Bible, I have read The Lord of the Rings through more times than any other book.

Tolkien, Lewis, Tolstoy and O'Connor... these were great writers because of their Christian faith, not in spite of it. Is God calling you to tell a story?

Colin Duriez sets out not only to explain and bring some order to Middle Earth but also to delve—albeit lightly—into Tolkien’s life and literary influences.