authors, english

"The Mythmakers is the illustrated story of C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien and how each came to write their masterworks-neither story can be told without including the other, they are so intertwined. Through narrative and comic panels, the book chronicles their near-idyllic childhoods, then moves on to both men's horrific tour of the trenches of WWI to their first meeting at Oxford in 1929, and then the foreshadowing, action, and aftermath of WWII. This nonfiction graphic novel follows the shared story of their friendship and creative fellowship, in all its ups and downs, that gave them confidence to venture beyond academic concerns (fantasy wasn't scholarly writing but considered the domain of children), shaped major story/theme ideas, and shifted their ideas about the potential of mythology and faith. The book also shows the camaraderie and the importance of the social/literary circle of friends called the Inklings, and how the friendship of these two great men fell apart and came together again. Hendrix concludes describing how the writings of C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien had re-enchanted the 20th century, after two World Wars. In writing aimed at scholars, adults, and young people, these two tweedy academics altered the course of storytelling and embraced the concept that fantasy writing for an adult audience was an accepted form of literature. The format is similar to The Faithful Spy, prose interspersed with images and narrative comics. The narration is often conversations between a knowledgeable wizard and a comical lion. Through brisk conversation between these two friends, they explain some of the bigger ideas in an approachable and entertaining way. Throughout the story, there are "gateways" that lead readers to the back matter where certain themes, such as how myth/fantasy evolved or the art of world-building, are discussed more fully. This device keeps the main story flowing quickly and smoothly for those readers not interested in the more academic ideas behind the narrative. Among the ideas covered in the narrative and back matter: - Tolkien's world building - The "Theology of Creation" linking their faith to their writings - The meaning of real friendship - Notions of modernity and mythology - The value of fantasy - The power of a creative community - An exploration of the different kinds of storytelling in Narnia and The Lord of the Rings, both relying on "The Myth" as a story-telling device, but differing in the use of allegory vs. symbolism - The creative differences of Lewis and Tolkien: the high standards of Tolkien's fiction and the faster and more immediate approach of Lewis's - Logos vs. Mythos: Lewis created from images, Tolkien created from language - The mixing of mythologies Also included are an author's note, endnotes, bibliography and index"--Provided by publisher.

"Speaking out for the first time, and in unforgettable detail, about the traumatic events of August 12, 2022, [the author] answers violence with art, and reminds us of the power of words to make sense of the unthinkable'--Publsiher.

"The robust, imaginative works of J.R.R. Tolkien have sparked the imaginations of readers around the world. From World War I soldier to bestselling author, trace the life of the man behind Middle Earth"--.

"Barbara Pym lived through extraordinary times. Throughout social and political upheaval, she wrote diaries, notes, letters, stories and more than a dozen novels, which often reflected the themes of Pym's own experience. [In this book,] Paula Byrne brings Barbara Pym back to center stage as one of the great English novelists: a generous, shrewdly perceptive writer and a brave woman with an unparalled sense of fun"--Provided by publisher.

Agatha Christie was not only the most successful author of detective stories the world has ever known, she was also a mystery in herself, giving only the rarest interviews--declining absolutely to become any sort of public figure--and a mystery, too, in the manner in which she achieved her astonishing success. Crime novelist and critic H.R.F. Keating brings together a dozen noted writers from both sides of the Atlantic to throw light on the ever-intriguing Dame Agatha. Some essays analyse Christie's art itself; some explain the reasons for her success--not just the books, but also in film and theatre. Includes essays by Sophie Hannah, H.R.F. Keating, Elizabeth Walter, Julian Symons, Edmund Crispin, Michael Gilbert, Emma Lathen, Colin Watson, Celia Fremlin, Dorothy B. Hughes, J.C. Trewin, Philip Jenkinson, William Weaver, and Christianna Brand.

"Born in England in 1882, Alan Alexander Milne grew up with a love for exploring the woods with his brother and writing poems about their adventures. Alan carried that love into his adult life by exploring the woods with his son, Christopher Robin. Well known for his articles, plays, and novels, Alan considered himself a 'serious' author. But one story about a stuffed bear changed his image forever. Inspired by his son and their time playing in the woods, Alan wrote a story about Christopher Robin and his stuffed bear, Winnie-the-Pooh, on a hunt for honey. The story was an instant success, and soon everyone wanted to hear more about the boy, his bear, and the magical Hundred Acre Wood. Today, children all around the world still read his stories in the classic books Winnie-the-Pooh, The House at Pooh Corner, Now We Are Six, and When We Were Very Young. Find out more in this illustrated book"--Provided by publisher.

This picture book biography introduces poet and author, Jane Taylor, who wrote the poem "The Star" which was so popular the words were eventually published to the tune of the French folk song, "Ah! Vous dirais-je, Maman," in 1838 and became known as "Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star.".

Discusses the life and writing career of eighteenth and nineteenth century author, Hannah More.

"Simple text and full-color photographs introduce readers to Roald Dahl. Developed by literacy experts for students in kindergarten through third grade"--Provided by publisher.

A picture book biography about C.S. Lewis, the author of "The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe.".