The Mythmakers:
The Remarkable Fellowship of C.S. Lewis & J.R.R. Tolkien
Author: John Hendrix
Pages: 224
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Book Description:
Through narrative and comic panels, Hendrix chronicles Lewis and Tolkien’s near-idyllic childhoods, then moves on to both men’s horrific tour of the trenches of World War I to their first meeting at Oxford in 1929, and then the foreshadowing, action, and aftermath of World War II. He reveals the shared story of their friendship, in all its ups and downs, that gave them confidence to venture beyond academic concerns (fantasy wasn’t considered suitable for adult reading, but the domain of children), shaped major story/theme ideas, and shifted their ideas about the potential of mythology and faith.
The Mythmakers also shows the camaraderie and the importance of the social/literary circle of friends called the Inklings, and how the friendship of these two great men fell apart and came together again. Hendrix concludes describing how the writings of C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien had re-enchanted the 20th century, after two World Wars. In writing aimed at scholars, adults, and young people, these two tweedy academics altered the course of storytelling and embraced the concept that fantasy writing for an adult audience was an accepted form of literature.
Review:
I loved it. This book was more powerful than I expected it to be. Several times after reading, it was all I could think about the rest of the day. It challenged me in a way to see heroes as human, and to see God at work in unexpected moments and ways. I am so moved by Tolkien and Lewis’s friendship and heartbroken by its ending, but what a blessing that they spurred each other on to the heights they did. 5/5
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