The Modern Scholar: Tolkien and the West

Recovering the Lost Tradition of Europe

By: Professor Michael Drout

Narrated by: Michael Drout

The works of J.R.R. Tolkien are quite possibly the most widely read pieces of literature written in the 20th century. But as Professor Michael Drout illuminates in this engaging course of lectures, Tolkien's writings are built upon a centuries-old literary tradition that developed in Europe and is quite uniquely Western in its outlook and style. Drout explores how that tradition still resonates with us to this day, even if many Modernist critics would argue otherwise. He begins the course with the allegory of a tower - a device which Tolkien himself crafted in one of the most famous academic works of all time - as a way to illuminate how Tolkien's works continue and build upon a tradition that goes back as far as Beowulf itself.

Drout's lectures take us on a literary journey that explores Tolkien's most celebrated writings: The Hobbit, The Lord of the Rings, and The Silmarillion. As he brings these works life, he explains Tolkien's technique and themes, which he shows reverberate all the way back though the Western literary tradition. In the end, Drout shows us how J.R.R. Tolkien crafted literary worlds that the reader cares desperately about and wishes to save. Those worlds, in turn, are allegories for a Western literary tradition - a tower - that is worthy of preservation.

©2012 Crescite Group (P)2012 Recorded Books

Something Different and a Lot of Fun

I love courses on literature, but have never taken one on Tolkien, despite reading and re-reading LOTR over the last 50 years.

I really enjoyed the instructor, his presentation, and most of all the content. I learned a lot and had fun doing it

Recommended for Tolkien fans

Professor Drout already had an earlier lecture series ("Rings, Swords, and Monsters") that focused largely on Tolkien; do we really need another one? In my opinion, after listening to both of them, the answer is a definite yes. Drout has enough to say about Tolkien that he isn't just repeating himself here (plus, this newer series gives him a chance to comment on the Peter Jackson movies). And, as in all his lectures, Professor Drout is a joy to listen to, lecturing with plenty of enthusiasm, expertise, insight, and humor.

This "class" is a bit more advanced, so start with the earlier series if you haven't already listened to that one, especially if you're not a die-hard Tolkien enthusiast. But if you're the kind of person who can't get enough discussion of Tolkien, don't hesitate to get this lecture series.

Excllent Discussion

Professor Drout brings a world of knowledge and his personal passion to this discussion of Tolkien. He informs and entertains, but never condescends to the listener. The only flaw is the lack of a PDF of the text, which is usually incuded in the Modern Scholar Courses. It woould have been useful for keeping track of the names, and making notes. This course is recommended for Tolkien fans who have some reading knowledge of The Hobbit and Lord of the Rings, and would like to learn more about Tolkien's scholarly background.

For Serious Fans Only

Michael Drout lost me a bit in the introduction to this lecture series with a lot of talk about towers and scholars and Beowulf and critics and the West. Well, it evidently all means that our Professor takes his Tolkien very, very seriously indeed and very personally!

I enjoyed his discussion about the pairings of characters and the nature of good and evil as presented in "The Lord of the Rings", his defense of the literary and social merits of the books, and his presentation of the considerable impact that Tolkien's works have had on so many people. I was not so convinced that there was much about "recovering the lost tradition of Europe".

The word "scholar" is used a great many times in the course of this course. If you are a very serious fan of all things Tolkien, then this emphatic (if slightly disorganized) set of lectures may be for you. If your interest is more casual, perhaps you should skip it.

I have greatly enjoyed both Tolkien's books and Drout's other lecture series, but I'm still not sure what he means about those towers!

Loved it!!!!!!

Professor Drout put into words everything I've always felt about Tolkien, and backed it by his own deep knowledge of the subject.
It is also well read and highly entertaining.
I recommend it for any Tolkien fan

Wonderful

A wonderful and enjoyable analysis of Tolkien's work and influence. The professor presents his content in an organized, understandable, and entertaining way. I highly recommend.

Very helpful and informative

These lectures made me appreciate The Lord of The Rings even more and prompting me to read the books again.

Well Done !

Just wish it were longer

This course is great! I just wish there were more of it and that it could have explored a little more

Eloquent defense of Tolkien from monster critics

Not enough people appreciate Tolkien. Very few who do appreciate Tolkien can explain why one should as well as Michael Drout in this lecture series.

Love it!

Professor Drout is passion& articulate! Explains things clearly without being academic or snobbish! I have already bought two of his other courses!