Tolkien's Ordinary Virtues

Exploring the Spiritual Themes of The Lord of the Rings

By: Mark Eddy Smith

Narrated by: Simon Vance

Length: 2 hrs and 55 mins

Publisher's Summary

The Lord of the Rings offers us essential lessons in living. Here we discover ordinary virtues like generosity, pity, and hospitality. We meet extraordinary people like Bilbo, Gandalf, Tom Bombadil, and Glorfindel. We learn about the roots of destruction in pride and betrayal, and we find the ingredients for success, such as community and sacrifice.

Each of us, even the most simple, is called to a journey. We may be asked to leave behind everything we have grown dependent on. And when this is the case, the tale of Frodo and his friends offers hope that we will be given the strength and the help we need to overcome every obstacle and defeat every foe. This book is meant to help you find the way.

©2002 Mark Eddy Smith (P)2005 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

The most inspirational book I've ever read

I love the movies, but I've never been s big fan of the books, still I love the way this book is pout together. 100% inspirational. if you don't like Tolkien when you start this book, you probably will after and you'll find inspiration in his stories.

Insightful

I thought that I had picked up most of the Christian references and insights into Tolkien's amazing works, but Mark Eddy Smith has given me a whole new dimension and insight not only into "Lord of the Rings" but also into my own faith. I thoroughly recommend it!

Excellent for life's rough roads

If you appreciate J.R.R. Tolkien, or more importantly, the everyday life values he teaches in his works, you will love Eddy Smith's book. I listened to this book on the way to work during quite a rough patch, and it really helped my perspective on the day. Definitely recommend!!

Exceeded my expectations big time!!

This is the PERFECT companion for any Tolkien reader or movie fan! ITS LIKE ADDING EXTRA FROSTING TO YOUR CAKE! Just makes LOTR even better. You’ll wanna listen over and over to take in all the wisdom... Voice is just right too, reminds me of a Bilbo :)

DOWNSIDE: doesn’t cover the hobbit which would have been great.

Will not disappoint!

I feel well on my way to understanding Tolkien's mind, and after reading this. 10/10

loved it

Loved it. Made me want read all the Tolkien books again. I saw some of the characters in a new light

Wonderful

A wonderful listening. As a Christian it is great to hear such a wonderful comparison

Deeper meanings

I will now go back and watch the Lord of the Rings with a deeper understanding. And with a greater awe of Jesus, my Savior .

Great Primer for Christians

Having heard various segments of Catholic content discussing these three books, it is quite the blessing to hear, I think, 5+ hours of the topic. I just wish the movies were as good.

Great, but...

The content is excellent; the reader is excellent, but for some reason the reader included every reference to a footnote and it was extremely distracting.

Essential companion to LOTR

This is a wonderful book, clear and concise, a must for every fan of Tolkien’s masterpiece. Mark Eddie Smith explains and illuminates the key virtues that facilitate and ultimately accomplish the seemingly impossible mission of destroying the one ring.