This book takes you to the places that inspired J. R. R. Tolkien to create his fictional locations in The Lord of the Rings, The Hobbit, and other classic works. Written by renowned Tolkien expert John Garth, The Worlds of J. R. R. Tolkien features a wealth of breathtaking illustrations, including Tolkien’s own drawings, contributions from other artists, rare archival images, and spectacular colour photos of contemporary locations across Britain and beyond, from the battlefields of World War I to Africa.

Garth identifies the locales that served as the basis for Hobbiton, the elven valley of Rivendell, the Glittering Caves of Helm’s Deep, and many other settings in Middle-earth, from mountains and forests to rivers, lakes, and shorelands. He reveals the rich interplay between Tolkien’s personal travels, his wide reading, and his deep scholarship as an Oxford don. Garth draws on his profound knowledge of Tolkien’s life and work to shed light on the extraordinary processes of invention behind Tolkien’s works of fantasy. He also debunks popular misconceptions about the inspirations for Middle-earth and puts forward strong new claims of his own.

An illustrated journey into the life and imagination of one of the world’s best-loved authors, The Worlds of J. R. R. Tolkien provides a unique exploration of the relationship between the real and the fantastical and is an essential companion for anyone who wants to follow in Tolkien’s footsteps.

‘Fascinating, gorgeously illustrated and thought-provoking…[A] masterful book.’ - Elizabeth Hand, Washington Post

‘Every page brings forth the elegiac tone of JRR Tolkien’s work…Irresistible…[A] beautiful book…Made me realise the impact that Tolkien has had on my life.’ - Tom Chivers, The Times

‘Whether new to Middle-Earth or a veteran pilgrim, anyone will learn much in this book.’ - John L. Murphy, New York Journal of Books

‘An extensive new study.’ - Vanessa Thorpe, The Observer

‘A fascinating, gorgeously illustrated and thought-provoking examination of the landscapes, cities and architecture that inspired Tolkien during his lifelong creation of Middle-earth…Garth, a journalist as well as a Tolkien scholar, proves an exceptional guide to Middle-earth…[A] masterful book.’ - Elizabeth Hand, Washington Post