[.ca] J.R.R. Tolkien: Architect of Middle Earth: A Biography (ISBN 0762413379)

Not Credible:
I've only read some of this book so far, but it's apparent to me that the author has never read The Silmarillion and has read The Lord of the Rings only once. He makes consistent errors throughout the book with regard to Tolkien's world (such as mixing up Moria and Mordor and claiming Luthien is Thingol's sister), which leads me to wonder if he's even bothered to check up on his other facts. I get the impression that his critique of the Silmarillion is based on the reviews he's read and not having actually read the work himself. As others have noted, it's obvious he had some problems with Tolkien's survivors, as the venom towards them is apparent. Do yourself a favour and pass this one over for Humphrey Carpenter's authorised biography and The Letters of JRR Tolkien. You'll learn far more about the man, and from a far more credible source.

No stars from this hobbit. . .:
The cover art represents a scene in which a hobbit like myself would find comfortable. That is where the pleasure ends. Hobbits of the Shire (and of Bree) owe a great debt of gratitude to Professor J.R.R. Tolkien for allowing Big People to see and appreciate our world and our lives. This volume shows no respect to the Professor at all, and by extension, shows us no respect as well. Hobbits understand family and family life. Hobbits understand privacy. Mr. Grotta apparently understands neither, preferring to denigrate the Professor and his family for not providing access to family papers. I'm sorry, Mr. Grotta, the Professor's family has chosen an authorized biographer -- and you are not it. Accept that fact, and make contributions (if you have any) in other areas of Tolkien lore. I urge all hobbits to stay away from this volume, and suggest that the purchase of Mr. Carpenter's books "JRR Tolkien", "The Inklings", and "The Letters of JRR Tolkien" would be a wiser use of money. Mr. Grotta is definitely NOT invited to tea.

Excellent overview; easy read.:
I'm ordering a second copy for a dear friend. It's an easy read but is perfect for introducing someone who knows little of JRR Tolkien, CS Lewis, others. I paged through the "authorized biography" (Grotta is not the "authorized" Tolkien biographer) at the bookstore and my first impression was that the "authorized"version was a bit verbose and certainly not as elegant; I also appreciate biographies by authors not given special access by the family -- one always wonders where allegiances lie. If you are already quite familiar with "Tolk" this book probably has little to offer; but as a first book for someone who has been caught up in the recent movie trilogy, this is where I would start.