A Hobbit, a Wardrobe, and a Great War cover art

A Hobbit, a Wardrobe, and a Great War

How J.R.R. Tolkien and C.S. Lewis Rediscovered Faith, Friendship, and Heroism in the Cataclysm of 1914-1918

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About this listen

NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER

Deepen your insight into and appreciation for the writings J. R. R. Tolkien and C. S. Lewis as you explore the untold story of how the First World War shaped their lives, faith, and writings.

Had there been no Great War, there would have been no Hobbit, no Lord of the Rings, no Narnia—perhaps even no conversion to Christianity by C.S. Lewis.

The First World War laid waste to a continent and permanently altered the political and religious landscape of the West. For a generation of men and women, it brought the end of innocence—and the end of faith. Yet for J. R. R. Tolkien and C. S. Lewis, the Great War deepened their spiritual quest. Both men served as soldiers on the Western Front, survived the trenches, and were forever changed by the experience.

In A Hobbit, a Wardrobe, and a Great War you will delve into the profound impact of World War I on Tolkien and Lewis, illuminating how the horrors of the Western Front shaped their faith and the timeless tales of Middle-earth and Narnia. Witness how the Great War not only tested their faith but also ignited their remarkable Christian imaginations. Unlike many of their contemporaries who lost faith amidst the chaos, Tolkien and Lewis used their experiences to infuse their epic stories with themes of guilt and grace, sorrow and consolation.

In A Hobbit, a Wardrobe, and a Great War you will:

  • Learn how World War I uniquely shaped the lives, faith, and writing of J.R.R. Tolkien and C.S. Lewis.
  • Gain a deeper understanding of how the Great War influenced some of the most beloved literary works ever created.
  • Benefit from historian Joseph Loconte's profound knowledge and passion for the works of Tolkien and Lewis.

Don't miss this opportunity to explore the fascinating intersection of history, faith, and literature. Read A Hobbit, a Wardrobe, and a Great War today and embark on a journey that will deepen your appreciation for these literary giants and their extraordinary legacy.

Art & Literature Authors Christianity History Literary History & Criticism War Inspiring Imperialism Middle Ages Biography
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just could not stand the way the narrator pronounced somme (its som not som me)

ok

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A superb book - I can forgive the narrator the odd failure of pronunciation - otherwise excellent. The background is superb and the narrative griping and informative - really enjoyed this listen 👂

A gem 💎

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An easy listenable history of the life events that profoundly affected Tolkien and Lewis. A good depth of research which details the human perspective of the Great War. An all round vision of how myths and fairy tales helped to express the horrors and loss endured and how faith helped redeem the losses encountered. We are lucky that the authors survived to share their experiences in such a creative way. Well read with a soft American accent.

Life events which shaped powerful literature

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Loved it. I've read the series several times. Now I want to read it again,but with a whole different understanding!!

Very inspiring!

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This interesting story was marred by careless and peculiar errors in pronunciation. The worst howler was the First World War battle here called Soh-ma

The W W 1 battle is never pronounced as SohMa

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