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Why We Love Middle-earth

An Enthusiast's Book about Tolkien, Middle-earth, and the LotR Fandom (A Middle-earth Treasury)
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( 211 ratings, 41 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
Why We Love Middle-earth by Alan Sisto and Shawn E. Marchese is an exploration of the enduring appeal of J.R.R. Tolkien's legendary world. The book delves into the intricate details, themes, and characters that capture readers' imaginations, offering insights into why Tolkien's creation continues to resonate with audiences. It's a celebration of the rich narrative tapestry and emotional depth that define Middle-earth.
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Format: Paperback / softback
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

This book may appeal to you if you are fascinated by J.R.R. Tolkien's richly imagined world and want to explore the reasons behind its enduring enchantment. Offering insight into the timeless appeal of Middle-earth, it captures the magic and depth that continue to captivate readers and fans alike.

Book Hero thinking about your next read

Learn about the man who wroteThe Lord of the Ringsin this Middle-earth treasury. Full of everything to learn about Middle-earth and the fandom, this book about Tolkien celebratesWhy We Love Middle-earth.

  • The two authors are the founders and hosts of the acclaimed Prancing Pony Podcast, which has won Tolkein Society Award for "Best Online Content" in 2020 and 2021
  • A highly researched and credible podcast that dives into lore and conversations about the fandom with famous guests
  • Discusses a range of topics for all tastes, including the pop culture, movies, music, art, and more about the fandom
  • The book will keep similar themes of the podcast by celebrating all the reasons why we love, study, and engage with the Middle-earth fandom
  • Guests on the podcast have included Billy Boyd and Dominic Monaghan, the actors who portrayed Pippin and Merry
  • The Lord of the Rings / Tolkien fandom reaches all across the globe, with audiences in all the different generations
  • A highly engaged fandom through their podcast, Instagram, and Patreon
  • The author is cohosting chapters with the following experts and influencers. Each of the co-hosts will be working with the author to promote the book on the show, but also on their own channels. The idea is to reach out to potential readers that don't listen to podcasts: especially important to this strategy are co-hosts on TikTok and YouTube.
    • Dr. Corey Olsen, The Tolkien Professor and President of Signum University
    • Shaun Gunner, the Chair of The Tolkien Society
    • Don Marshall, the "Obscure LotR Facts Guy" on Tiktok (over 600k followers)
    • James Tauber, Professor at Signum University, and my co-host on The Rings of Power Wrap-up podcast
    • Matt Graf, Nerd of the Rings on YouTube (over 800k subscribers)
    • Marcel Aubron-Bülles, known as The Tolkienist and a long-time contributor to the community
    • Shawn Marchese, the Lord of the Mark, and my long-time co-host at the PPP
    • Willie Jenkins, aka Knewbettadobetta on TikTok (120k followers)
    • Dr. Sara Brown, Lang & Lit Chair at Signum University, and my other co-host on The Rings of Power Wrap-up podcast

    Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

    For Fans of the Tales of Tolkien, Middle-earth, and More

    Learn about the man who wrote The Lord of the Rings in this Middle-earth treasury. Full of answers to common questions asked by readers to learn about Middle-earth and the fandom, this book about Tolkien celebrates Why We Love Middle-earth.

    The Lord of the Rings omnibus for all. Who wrote The Lord of the Rings? What details are in the movies, books, and other stories, and how do they tie together? Intrigued by Amazon's new show The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power? What's the story as Tolkien told it? Dive into Middle-earth's expansive lore with Why We Love Middle-earth, a fandom book about Tolkien's work.

    The perfect companion for any Middle-earth traveller. Written by beloved Tolkien commenters of The Prancing Pony Podcast, Shawn E. Marchese and Alan Sisto, Why We Love Middle-earth is the ultimate guide to the fandom. Newcomers and existing fans of Tolkien will revel in the dragon's hoard of information inside.

    Inside, find:

    • A brief history of Tolkien's creation of Middle-earth, including facts you likely never knew
    • A recommended reading order for Tolkien's major works, and the reasoning behind it
    • An introduction to some of the real-world influences that inspired Tolkien
    • An overview of some of the most popular branches of the fandom, including adaptations, collecting, languages, and more
    • Original illustrations of Middle-earth by illustrator Emily Austin

    If you enjoy fandom books or a good book about Tolkien's works such as Atlas Of Middle-Earth, Recipes from the World of Tolkien, or Why We Love Star Wars, you'll love Why We Love Middle-earth.

    '...a great resource for readers and film-viewers who are new to Tolkien and curious about all things Middle-earth.' Corey Olsen, The Tolkien Professor and president of Signum University

    Book Details

    INFORMATION

    ISBN: 9781684812097

    Publisher: Yellow Pear Press

    Format: Paperback / softback

    Date Published: 12 October 2023

    Country: United States

    Imprint: Yellow Pear Press

    Illustration: bw illustrations throughout

    Audience: General / adult

    DIMENSIONS

    Spine width: 12.0mm

    Width: 152.0mm

    Height: 228.0mm

    Weight: 250g

    Pages: 348

    About the Author

    Shawn E. Marchese went down the hobbit hole in his teens after finding a reference to Tolkien in a book about Pink Floyd, and has been in love with Middle-earth (and progressive rock) ever since. He's especially drawn to the linguistic aspects of Tolkien's work, and shares his obsession for languages with listeners every week as The Prancing Pony Podcast's resident word-nerd. Shawn met Alan seven years ago in a Facebook group for Tolkien fans, and still remembers the day he casually agreed to do a podcast with him 'like, maybe once a month'. When not working on the podcast, Shawn can be found at his day job as a compliance officer, writing, brewing ales, or working on his geeky dad credentials with his wife and two children in Austin, Texas. The Prancing Pony Podcast was the winner of the Tolkien Society 2020 Award for Best Online Content.

    Alan Sisto has been reading Tolkien since the Rankin & Bass animated Hobbit came out before he was born. Or right after. An all-around Tolkien nerd, Alan can be found enjoying Tolkien's lesser-known works 'Leaf by Niggle' is his favourite just as often as he gets lost in First Age histories and Third Age adventures. Alan has worked with Shawn for nearly six years to grow The Prancing Pony Podcast each season, and spends much of his working time producing the show. He also provides narration and commercial voiceovers (alansisto.com) and has also been an architectural photographer for 15 years (freshpageimages.com). He lives in Southern California with his wife and two children, who give him the freedom to indulge his inner nerd.

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