Neil D. Isaacs Livres

Publisher's description: When first published, The Lord of the Rings stood far from the mainstream: no one had seen anything like it for decades. Tolkien's almost stridently antimodern tale needed valiant defenders, vocal admirers who understood its sources and relished its monumental scale. While such champions of modernism as Edmund Wilson mocked Tolkien's archaic structure and language, W.H. Auden -- a great modernist poet in his own right -- rose to his defense with a spirited essay on the true nature of the Hero Quest. Edmund Fuller's essay collected here discusses the nature of the fairy tale, returning to the roots of the term to remove the treacle of Disney and restore the value of realistic enchantment. Tolkien's friend C.S. Lewis takes up the question of why, if you have a serious comment to make about real life, you would drape it in a never-never land of your own. He shrewdly argues that it is because real life does have mythic and heroic qualities -- in abundance. This collection also includes, among others, essays by Marion Zimmer Bradley, Verlyn Flieger, Paul Kocher, Jane Chance, and each of the editors, as well as a brand-new essay by Tom Shippey that shows us how to process all this vast learning, adding to it the many delights of the film versions of Tolkien's epic masterpiece, so we can relish his achievement all the more.

The narrative follows a humorous journey of an individual striving for celebrity status, showcasing his amusing misadventures and relentless attempts to mingle with the famous. Through a blend of wit and self-deprecation, the author invites readers to revel in his comical failures and audacious antics, painting a vivid picture of the often absurd quest for fame. The book highlights the folly and charm of chasing notoriety, making it an entertaining read filled with laughter and relatable moments.

The story explores the deep bond between Simon and his fourteen-year-old daughter, Leni, highlighted by their cherished Wednesday routine of piano lessons and dinner. However, a sudden sense of unease after dropping Leni off at home propels Simon into an unexpected and unsettling journey, challenging their relationship and his perceptions of safety and family.