Writer · 1892 – 1973

J. R. R. Tolkien

Little-Known Facts

  • He invented complete languages, including Elvish tongues, before writing the stories set in their world.
  • He was a close friend of fellow writer C. S. Lewis at Oxford.

Myths & Misconceptions

Did Tolkien write The Lord of the Rings as a children's book?

No — while The Hobbit began as a children's tale, The Lord of the Rings grew into a vast, serious epic for adult readers.