When you name certain genres of literature, most people will always think of a handful of authors who are synonymous with that genre. Mention 'horror', for instance, and people think of Mary Shelley, Bram Stoker and maybe Stephen King. In the case of classic fantasy novels, the two names that are always mentioned are those of J. R. R. Tolkien and C. S. Lewis.
The genre of fantasy is characterized by themes that include the fantastical, magical and supernatural. In these stories, animals or trees may be able to talk as if they were human. There can be witches or wizards, both good and evil. Often there are fairies and elves or other legendary and mythical creatures. In fact, legends and myths can often be called early versions of stories in this genre.
One author who cited the mythology of Europe as a major influence also came to be probably one of the greatest authors of the genre. J. R. R. Tolkien was born in Bloemfontein, then the capital of a Southern African republic known as the Orange Free State, in 1892. He grew up in England, was wounded in World War I and later became a respected professor of literature and English. He also translated works from Old English, among them tales from Arthurian legend and the epic 'Beowulf'.
At first Tolkien tended to write children's literature. It was with young readers in mind that he created a the world of Middle Earth and wrote 'The Hobbit'. What he never expected was that this story would have so many grown-up fans. When he created a sequel to the book, it was written with older readers in mind. This sequel was an epic known as 'The Lord of the Rings'.
While teaching in Oxford, Tolkien was great friends with another writer, C. S. Lewis. Of Irish extraction, Lewis was born in Belfast but spent much of his school years in England. Like Tolkien, he served in World War I and was wounded. He also became a respected academic, specializing in literature of medieval times and the Renaissance.
Lewis dabbled in different genres, including science fiction. However, he was also fascinated by legends and myths. These, along with Christian themes, inspired his classic series 'The Chronicles of Narnia', in which the main characters enter a magical realm through a wardrobe.
It was only in the past fifteen years or so that Hollywood discovered the potential of the beloved works of Tolkien and his friend Lewis. Once the movie versions of the books hit the silver screen, many people went out and bought the books too. Suddenly the genre became incredibly popular and readers also discovered series that could be regarded as modern classics. These include works by Terry Pratchett, J. K. Rowling and current favorite George R. R. Martin.
Before the revival of the genre, these books were often grouped with the sci-fi books or even the children's books. Now you'll find that most bookstores and libraries have dedicated sections just for fantasy books. If you want an even wider choice, order the books online or download them as e-books for a wonderful escape from reality.
The genre of fantasy is characterized by themes that include the fantastical, magical and supernatural. In these stories, animals or trees may be able to talk as if they were human. There can be witches or wizards, both good and evil. Often there are fairies and elves or other legendary and mythical creatures. In fact, legends and myths can often be called early versions of stories in this genre.
One author who cited the mythology of Europe as a major influence also came to be probably one of the greatest authors of the genre. J. R. R. Tolkien was born in Bloemfontein, then the capital of a Southern African republic known as the Orange Free State, in 1892. He grew up in England, was wounded in World War I and later became a respected professor of literature and English. He also translated works from Old English, among them tales from Arthurian legend and the epic 'Beowulf'.
At first Tolkien tended to write children's literature. It was with young readers in mind that he created a the world of Middle Earth and wrote 'The Hobbit'. What he never expected was that this story would have so many grown-up fans. When he created a sequel to the book, it was written with older readers in mind. This sequel was an epic known as 'The Lord of the Rings'.
While teaching in Oxford, Tolkien was great friends with another writer, C. S. Lewis. Of Irish extraction, Lewis was born in Belfast but spent much of his school years in England. Like Tolkien, he served in World War I and was wounded. He also became a respected academic, specializing in literature of medieval times and the Renaissance.
Lewis dabbled in different genres, including science fiction. However, he was also fascinated by legends and myths. These, along with Christian themes, inspired his classic series 'The Chronicles of Narnia', in which the main characters enter a magical realm through a wardrobe.
It was only in the past fifteen years or so that Hollywood discovered the potential of the beloved works of Tolkien and his friend Lewis. Once the movie versions of the books hit the silver screen, many people went out and bought the books too. Suddenly the genre became incredibly popular and readers also discovered series that could be regarded as modern classics. These include works by Terry Pratchett, J. K. Rowling and current favorite George R. R. Martin.
Before the revival of the genre, these books were often grouped with the sci-fi books or even the children's books. Now you'll find that most bookstores and libraries have dedicated sections just for fantasy books. If you want an even wider choice, order the books online or download them as e-books for a wonderful escape from reality.
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Read more about The Most Beloved Classic Fantasy Novels And The People Who Wrote Them.
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