Product Description

This book takes Chesterton's 'natural theology' through fairytales seriously as a theological project appropriate to an intellectual attempt to return to faith in a secular age. It argues that Tolkien's fiction makes sense also as the work of a Catholic writer steeped in Chestertonian ideas and sharing his literary-theological poetics. While much writing on religious fantasy moves quickly to talk about wonder, Milbank shows that this has to be hard won and that Chesterton is more akin to the modernist writers of the early twentieth-century who felt quite dislocated from the past.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #2063073 in Books
• Published on: 2007-12
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Hardcover
• 184 pages

Review
"'The fictional worlds of Chesterton and Tolkien are not only theological but also deeply Augustinian: they show us universes in which creatures exchange gifts with one another and with God. So argues Alison Milbank, with verve and brilliance, in this finely conceived and beautifully written book.' Kevin Hart, The University of Virginia 'A fascinating discussion of the moral obligations implicit in Tolkien's world... a stimulating read.' The Tablet"

About the Author
Alison Milbank lectures in Literature and Theology at the University of Nottingham, UK. She was formerly John Rylands Research Institute Fellow at the University of Manchester, UK, and taught at the Universities of Cambridge, UK, Middlesex, UK, and Virginia, USA.

Customer Reviews

stoppian yer whingen
Buy the paperback when it comes out. It should be out any day now. All hardbacks are steeply expensive when they first come out. Sheesh!

insightful and scholarly
It is indeed a terrible shame this book is priced out of the reach of simple hobbit folk. This, however, is no reason to penalize the author with poor reviews.
It deserves FIVE STARS.
I attended the lectures given by Alison Milbank upon which this book is based. Her reading of Tolkien is insightful, scholarly, and above all, readable. It will become essential reading for any future scholars wishing to work with Tolkien.

Way too expensive
I would not mind owning this book, but I do not have $94! This is an outrageous price. What is T&T Clark thinking? There are several books like this about Chesterton and Tolkein individually for about $15. One or two are published by Ignatius Press. I hope T&T wakes up soon.