An extraordinary glimpse into the world of J.R.R. Tolkien through his own words and those of family, friends, and colleagues A collection of rare interviews and personal reminiscences found nowhere else. Beginning with a short interview with Tolkien from 1957 and continuing with remembrances and essays up through Peter Jackson's films, the book gives a developing picture of Tolkien the man and writer, first in his own voice and later from recollections of his friends and family. Among the unique pieces are two lengthy recorded interviews that reveal Tolkien's conversation style. Also included are a discussion by Priscilla of her father's painting and drawing, and Christopher's description of the making of The Silmarillion.We hear, too, from Tolkien's colleagues and contemporaries at Oxford and in publishing, who discuss how Tolkien felt about his work's reception in the wider world.

And we read previously unpublished reflections from the man who arguably knew Tolkien as well as anyone, Humphrey Carpenter, his biographer.