The Enduring Appeal of J. R. R. Tolkien.

The article discusses the enduring appeal of J.R.R. Tolkien and explores the reasons behind his lasting success. It highlights the recent work of Holly Ordway, whose biography "Tolkien's Faith" sheds new light on Tolkien's religious beliefs and their influence on his writing. The article also discusses Tolkien's upbringing as a Catholic and his close friendship with C.S. Lewis, which led to his involvement in Christian apologetics. Additionally, it examines Tolkien's engagement with contemporary issues in his writing and argues that his works address modern themes such as war, totalitarianism, and the dangers of technology. The article concludes by suggesting that Tolkien's ability to bring together diverse groups of people under a countercultural umbrella makes him a relevant figure for those interested in resistance to cultural disintegration. [Extracted from the article]