From the Publisher
“This book is an enormous achievement. It is wonderfully ‘heavy’ in content and ‘light’ (clear) in style. The book unifies Tolkien’s vision, explains and interprets it accurately, probes it philosophically and theologically, and defends it against common misunderstandings (e.g. that Tolkien was anti-feminist). Coutras has more than done her homework. This work will be a definitive touchstone for generations to come.” (Peter Kreeft, Professor of Philosophy, Boston College, USA )
“This is a genuinely original, remarkably rich, and frequently absorbing contribution to theological aesthetics. One need not be a Tolkien enthusiast to learn from it; but enthusiasts and casual admirers alike are sure to be surprised and delighted by this book.” (David Bentley Hart, University of Notre Dame Institute for Advanced Study, USA)
“This book is particularly valuable for its explication of Tolkien’s integration of Marian and valkyrie imagery, resulting in female characters of transcendental beauty and heroism.” (Janet Brennan Croft, editor of Mythlore: A Journal of J.R.R. Tolkien, C.S. Lewis, Charles Williams, and Mythopoeic Literature, and co-editor of Perilous and Fair: Women in the Works and Life of J.R.R. Tolkien)
“Lisa Coutras gently but firmly corrects the many misrepresentations of narrative context and authorial intention that characterize too many works of Tolkien scholarship. Her discussion restores to their proper value those characteristics most central to Tolkien’s creative vision. Coutras provides an especially compelling and textually sensitive reading of female characters, suggesting that Tolkien integrates central Nordic and Christian mythological traditions into a profound statement on beauty.” (Leslie A. Donovan, co-editor of Perilous and Fair: Women in the Works and Life of J.R.R. Tolkien)
