A Hobbit, a Wardrobe, and a Great War

How J.R.R. Tolkien and C.S. Lewis Rediscovered Faith, Friendship, and Heroism in the Cataclysm of 1914-1918

By: Joseph Loconte

Narrated by: Dave Hoffman

NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER

Deepen your insight into and appreciation for the writings J. R. R. Tolkien and C. S. Lewis as you explore the untold story of how the First World War shaped their lives, faith, and writings.

Had there been no Great War, there would have been no Hobbit, no Lord of the Rings, no Narnia—perhaps even no conversion to Christianity by C.S. Lewis.

The First World War laid waste to a continent and permanently altered the political and religious landscape of the West. For a generation of men and women, it brought the end of innocence—and the end of faith. Yet for J. R. R. Tolkien and C. S. Lewis, the Great War deepened their spiritual quest. Both men served as soldiers on the Western Front, survived the trenches, and were forever changed by the experience.

In A Hobbit, a Wardrobe, and a Great War you will delve into the profound impact of World War I on Tolkien and Lewis, illuminating how the horrors of the Western Front shaped their faith and the timeless tales of Middle-earth and Narnia. Witness how the Great War not only tested their faith but also ignited their remarkable Christian imaginations. Unlike many of their contemporaries who lost faith amidst the chaos, Tolkien and Lewis used their experiences to infuse their epic stories with themes of guilt and grace, sorrow and consolation.

In A Hobbit, a Wardrobe, and a Great War you will:

• Learn how World War I uniquely shaped the lives, faith, and writing of J.R.R. Tolkien and C.S. Lewis.
• Gain a deeper understanding of how the Great War influenced some of the most beloved literary works ever created.
• Benefit from historian Joseph Loconte's profound knowledge and passion for the works of Tolkien and Lewis.

Don't miss this opportunity to explore the fascinating intersection of history, faith, and literature. Read A Hobbit, a Wardrobe, and a Great War today and embark on a journey that will deepen your appreciation for these literary giants and their extraordinary legacy.

Some facts not correct

I am a huge fan of both Lewis and Tolkien’s work. However a lot of facts were incorrect for instance Shasta was quoted when it should’ve been Bree, and Legolas had the wrong title of king rather than Prince. All in all I loved hearing the connections, and if you read this book you will never read these books the same way again.

Eloquent and informative

I love the comparison of the Tolkien and Lewis stories  and the great war. Very poetic in his style. 

An Amazing Analysis

I have been a fan of both C.S.Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien, and their works for many, many years. But there was so much I didn't know about their lives, particularly their military service during World War I and how it affected the fantasy worlds they both created.

I enjoyed filling in the gaps with the help of this informative, and clearly well researched, book.

Opens up the Inkling mindset

For those of us very familiar with Lewis’ and Tolkien’s writings as well as the history of the Great Wars this commentary brings the worlds together. My only critique is pronunciations by the reader. Magdalene College, Christendom, and Tolkien are consistently pronounced incorrectly. Great read!

One of the best books I have ever read!!

Great book. I will definitely read this book again. I recommend it very highly.