John Ronald Reuel Tolkien is one of the most prestigious authors in modern history, best known for writingThe Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings.
In the first of two episodes, Tom and Dominic explore Tolkien's childhood, his relationship with religion, and the impact that the rapidly changing English countryside had on the creation of Middle Earth.
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Jul 26
691. Elizabeth I vs The Catholics: The Queen’s Spymaster (Part 1)
How did Elizabeth I rule England? Why was she constantly in mortal peril in 1569? Who was Sir William Cecil, and why was he so crucial to her reign? And, how did his network of spies keep her alive, and England uninvaded…? Join Tom and Dominic as they discuss the secret war ragin ... Show More
1h 12m
Jul 22
690. A Murderous Affair: Death at Mayerling (Part 2)
What really happened at the Habsburgian hunting lodge, Mayerling? Did Crown Prince Rudolf and his mistress, Baroness Mary Vetsera, really commit a romantic murder suicide, or did the heir cold-heartedly murder the 17 year old girl? And, why did the Austrian royal family try to er ... Show More
1h 19m
Jul 19
689. A Murderous Affair: The Habsburgs’ Greatest Scandal (Part 1)
What was Vienna like in the 1880s? Why was Crown Prince Rudolf of Austria seen as the outcast of the prestigious Habsburg dynasty? And, how would meeting 17 year-old Baroness Mary Vetsera on his 30th birthday change both of their lives, and the trajectory of Europe, forever? Join ... Show More
1h 12m
Dec 2021
JRR Tolkien, creator of The Hobbit
<p>John Ronald Reuel Tolkien was born in Bloemfontein in 1892. </p><p>Orphaned before he was a teenager, he fought at the Somme in the First World War before going on to become one of the best-selling authors of all time. </p><p>Bilbo, Gandalf, Gollum, Frodo, Sauron - these are j ... Show More
27m 56s
Jun 2024
116: The Hobbit Close Reading 2 - Baggins vs Took
Tolkien, in his masterful way, reveals so much about Bilbo through a quick description of Bilbo's parents, and a short conversation with Gandalf. Join our Patreon for weekly bonus episodes, early access, and ad-free listening: https://www.patreon.com/lotrlorecastOn Youtube: https ... Show More
36m 14s