Tree and Leaf: Including Mythopoeia and The Homecoming of Beorhtnoth, Beorhthelm's Son in J.R.R. Tolkien

May 12, 2020 Rob rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: fantasy, tolkien, essay, poetry, century-classical-bc-to-4th-ad, critique

Tree & Leaf is a collection of Tolkien's writings - principally the excellent essay, On Fairy Stories and a fictional and partly allegorical tale, Leaf by Niggle. If you enjoy Tolkien's works, if you are a creative writer, or if you are just a fan of the fantasy genre, I highly recommend you read On Fairy Stories!

I had already read these two entries in another book I have in my Tolkien library, Tales from the Perilous Realm. However, Tree & Leaf is the only book where you can find Tolkien's poem ...more

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May 07, 2013 L rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: j-r-r-tolkien

Magical, enchanting and spellbinding ~ this beautiful book by JRR Tolkien is simply stunning!

‘Tree and Leaf’ (2001 edition) also contains Mythopoeia, the Homecoming of Beorhtnoth, on fairy stories and Leaf by Niggle. *Note: some of which you can find in the book titled “Tales from the Perilous Realm” *In Tolkien’s world fairy stories are not just for children and the magic of the fantasy genre is exquisitely captured, in such a way as to delight and dazzle many a reader (who may have cause to c Magical, enchanting and spellbinding ~ this beautiful book by JRR Tolkien is simply stunning!

‘Tree and Leaf’ (2001 edition) also contains Mythopoeia, the Homecoming of Beorhtnoth, on fairy stories and Leaf by Niggle. *Note: some of which you can find in the book titled “Tales from the Perilous Realm” *In Tolkien’s world fairy stories are not just for children and the magic of the fantasy genre is exquisitely captured, in such a way as to delight and dazzle many a reader (who may have cause to call it juvenile). This beautifully illustrated, elegant volume gives fantasy ‘the inner consistence of reality’. This edition also contains a preface by Christopher Tolkien (regarding the poem Mythopoeia) and additional information on other books by JRR Tolkien, including the extensive history of Middle Earth.

Leaf by Niggle ~ recounts the story of the artist, Niggle, who has ‘a long journey to make’ and is seen interestingly as an allegory of Tolkien’s life. Written concurrently as ‘the Lord of the Rings’ was taking shape, it shows Tolkien’s mastery and understanding of the art of sub-creation.

Mythopoeia ~ the author Philomythus (lover of myth), confounds the opinion of misomythus (hater of myth).

The Homecoming of Beorhtnoth ~ Professor Tolkien’s dramatic poem which takes up the story following the disastrous battle of Maldon in 991, where the English Commander Beorhtnoth was killed.

This indisputably exceptional book is a must-read for all devoted Tolkien fans and ardent admirers of this intriguing Professor’s life, for it goes as far as to explain the nature of his art and to justify his success. Tolkien’s love for the common fairytale is expressed through his fantasy works, and it is fascinating to read in this book how they have inspired his work to such an extent. Full of significant meaning, thought-provoking connotation and interesting facts ‘Tree and Leaf’ is an unmissable read which delves a little deeper into the mind of a literary genius and extraordinary myth-maker, whose life work and creation remains today simply astonishing.
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Aug 18, 2014 Heidi Garrett rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: fairy-tales

My copy of the book included the essay "On Fairy-Stories" and a short story, "Niggle and Leaf". The essay was a slog to read. Tolkien often is. A linguist, he doesn't go for smaller words or shorter sentences:) However, the content was brilliant. I thought he nailed the reason we read and write fairy-strories/fantasy, and what they really are, i.e. not dream sequences, lol. This is worth wording if you're a fan of the genre. The short story "Niggle and Leaf" was both sweet and interesting. I thi ...more

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Apr 05, 2013 Liza rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Tree and Leaf provides concise, remarkable insight into Tolkien's literary identity. The book's essays and literature explore not just his core belief in mythology as a genre, but more specific philosophies that illuminate meanings in his larger works. On Fairy-Stories and Mythopoeia are invaluable to understanding Tolkien as a writer and story-teller. ...more

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