J.R.R. Tolkien

John Ronald Reuel Tolkien (1892-1973) was an English writer, poet, and academic, best known as the author of the high fantasy works The Hobbit, The Lord of the Rings, and The Silmarillion. He was born in Bloemfontein, South Africa, but moved to England with his family when he was three years old. Tolkien studied at the University of Oxford, where he became a professor of Anglo-Saxon language and literature, and later of English language and literature. Tolkien's interest in language and mythology inspired him to create his own fictional world, Middle-earth, which he populated with various races, cultures, and languages. His works are known for their intricate world-building, complex characters, and epic scope. The Hobbit, published in 1937, was a success and led to the publication of The Lord of the Rings, which is considered one of the greatest works of 20th-century literature. Tolkien's works have been translated into over 50 languages and have sold millions of copies worldwide. They have also been adapted into numerous films, television series, and video games. Tolkien's legacy continues to inspire generations of readers and writers, and his influence can be seen in many works of fantasy and science fiction.