This biography introduces readers to J.R.R Tolkien, the British author who wrote The Hobbit, and the Lord of the Rings trilogy which includes The Two Towers, The Fellowship of the Ring, and The Return of the King. Readers will learn about Tolkien's journey from his birthplace in South Africa to England, where he developed an interest in philology and ancient languages, and his career as a professor at Oxford University. Easy-to-read text and full-color and historic black and white photos highlight Tolkien's childhood, education, and early influences. Checkerboard Library is an imprint of ABDO Publishing Company.