J.R.R. Tolkien
- Born:
- January 3, 1892, Bloemfontein, Orange Free State, South Africa
- Died:
- September 2, 1973, Bournemouth, Dorset, England
- Nationality:
- British
- Profession(s):
- Author, Poet, Philologist, Academic
Early Life and Education
- Born in South Africa to Arthur Reuel Tolkien and Mabel Tolkien (née Suffield).
- Moved to England with his mother and brother after his father's death in 1896.
- Excelled in languages and demonstrated a strong interest in mythology and folklore.
- Attended Exeter College, Oxford, graduating with a degree in Classics and English Language and Literature.
Career and Major Achievements
- Served in the Lancashire Fusiliers during World War I.
- Lectured at the University of Leeds and Pembroke College, Oxford.
- Rawlinson and Bosworth Professor of Anglo-Saxon at Oxford University (1925-1945).
- Merton Professor of English Language and Literature at Oxford University (1945-1959).
- Developed a rich and complex mythology that served as the foundation for his fictional works.
- His academic work on Beowulf and other Old English texts remains highly influential.
Notable Works
- The Hobbit (1937)
- The Lord of the Rings (1954-1955)
- The Fellowship of the Ring
- The Two Towers
- The Return of the King
- The Silmarillion (published posthumously, 1977)
- Roverandom (published posthumously, 1998)
Legacy and Impact
J.R.R. Tolkien is widely regarded as the "father of modern fantasy literature." His works have had a profound impact on literature, film, music, and gaming, inspiring countless authors and artists. The enduring popularity of Middle-earth and its intricate lore is a testament to his remarkable storytelling abilities and his profound understanding of human nature. Discussions surrounding the influence of world events and philosophical thought on fantasy authors, with biography of mahatma, can be found when analyzing Tolkien's work in relation to post-colonialism.
C.S. Lewis
- Born:
- November 29, 1898, Belfast, Ireland (present-day Northern Ireland)
- Died:
- November 22, 1963, Oxford, England
- Nationality:
- British
- Profession(s):
- Author, Poet, Academic, Literary Critic, Christian Apologist
Early Life and Education
- Born Clive Staples Lewis in Belfast to Albert James Lewis and Florence Augusta Lewis (née Hamilton).
- Educated by private tutors and later at Malvern College and University College, Oxford.
- Served in the British Army during World War I.
- Earned a First in Greats (Classics) at Oxford University.
Career and Major Achievements
- Fellow and Tutor in English Literature at Magdalen College, Oxford (1925-1954).
- Professor of Medieval and Renaissance English Literature at Cambridge University (1954-1963).
- Member of the Inklings, an informal literary discussion group that included J.R.R. Tolkien.
- Became a prominent Christian apologist, writing extensively on Christian theology and ethics.
Notable Works
- The Chronicles of Narnia (1950-1956)
- The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe
- Prince Caspian
- The Voyage of the Dawn Treader
- The Silver Chair
- The Horse and His Boy
- The Magician's Nephew
- The Last Battle
- The Screwtape Letters (1942)
- Mere Christianity (1952)
- Out of the Silent Planet (1938)
- Perelandra (1943)
- That Hideous Strength (1945)
Legacy and Impact
C.S. Lewis is renowned for his contributions to children's literature, Christian apologetics, and literary criticism. The Chronicles of Narnia remains a beloved series, captivating readers with its imaginative world and allegorical themes. His works continue to be widely read and studied, influencing discussions on faith, morality, and the power of imagination. When discussing the works of fantasy authors, with biography of mahatma, one can draw parallels on themes of morality and social responsibility.