When people think of classic novels in the horror genre, they often think of 'Frankenstein' or 'Dracula'. These stories, written by Mary Shelley and Bram Stoker respectively, came to influence generations of later writers and filmmakers. A similar thing has happened with J. R. R. Tolkien and C. S. Lewis, whose classic fantasy novels have become the most popular and influential in this genre.
The genre of fantasy is characterized by themes that include the fantastical, magical and supernatural. In these stories, animals or trees may be able to talk as if they were human. There can be witches or wizards, both good and evil. Often there are fairies and elves or other legendary and mythical creatures. In fact, legends and myths can often be called early versions of stories in this genre.
The old myths and legends often influenced later authors. One of these was J. R. R. Tolkien, one of the most influential writers of the genre. Born in Bloemfontein, a city in what was to become South Africa, late in the nineteenth century, Tolkien grew up in England. He served in the British Army and was wounded while fighting in World War I. He became a professor of literature and taught at Oxford. He also edited and translated works from early English legends such as that of Beowulf.
At first Tolkien tended to write children's literature. It was with young readers in mind that he created a the world of Middle Earth and wrote 'The Hobbit'. What he never expected was that this story would have so many grown-up fans. When he created a sequel to the book, it was written with older readers in mind. This sequel was an epic known as 'The Lord of the Rings'.
While teaching in Oxford, Tolkien was great friends with another writer, C. S. Lewis. Of Irish extraction, Lewis was born in Belfast but spent much of his school years in England. Like Tolkien, he served in World War I and was wounded. He also became a respected academic, specializing in literature of medieval times and the Renaissance.
Lewis dabbled in different genres, including science fiction. However, he was also fascinated by legends and myths. These, along with Christian themes, inspired his classic series 'The Chronicles of Narnia', in which the main characters enter a magical realm through a wardrobe.
It was only in the past fifteen years or so that Hollywood discovered the potential of the beloved works of Tolkien and his friend Lewis. Once the movie versions of the books hit the silver screen, many people went out and bought the books too. Suddenly the genre became incredibly popular and readers also discovered series that could be regarded as modern classics. These include works by Terry Pratchett, J. K. Rowling and current favorite George R. R. Martin.
The great thing about fantasy hitting the mainstream is that the books are now so much easier to find. The bookstore in your neighborhood or even the library is likely to have an entire section dedicated to the genre. Even easier is to order the books online.
The genre of fantasy is characterized by themes that include the fantastical, magical and supernatural. In these stories, animals or trees may be able to talk as if they were human. There can be witches or wizards, both good and evil. Often there are fairies and elves or other legendary and mythical creatures. In fact, legends and myths can often be called early versions of stories in this genre.
The old myths and legends often influenced later authors. One of these was J. R. R. Tolkien, one of the most influential writers of the genre. Born in Bloemfontein, a city in what was to become South Africa, late in the nineteenth century, Tolkien grew up in England. He served in the British Army and was wounded while fighting in World War I. He became a professor of literature and taught at Oxford. He also edited and translated works from early English legends such as that of Beowulf.
At first Tolkien tended to write children's literature. It was with young readers in mind that he created a the world of Middle Earth and wrote 'The Hobbit'. What he never expected was that this story would have so many grown-up fans. When he created a sequel to the book, it was written with older readers in mind. This sequel was an epic known as 'The Lord of the Rings'.
While teaching in Oxford, Tolkien was great friends with another writer, C. S. Lewis. Of Irish extraction, Lewis was born in Belfast but spent much of his school years in England. Like Tolkien, he served in World War I and was wounded. He also became a respected academic, specializing in literature of medieval times and the Renaissance.
Lewis dabbled in different genres, including science fiction. However, he was also fascinated by legends and myths. These, along with Christian themes, inspired his classic series 'The Chronicles of Narnia', in which the main characters enter a magical realm through a wardrobe.
It was only in the past fifteen years or so that Hollywood discovered the potential of the beloved works of Tolkien and his friend Lewis. Once the movie versions of the books hit the silver screen, many people went out and bought the books too. Suddenly the genre became incredibly popular and readers also discovered series that could be regarded as modern classics. These include works by Terry Pratchett, J. K. Rowling and current favorite George R. R. Martin.
The great thing about fantasy hitting the mainstream is that the books are now so much easier to find. The bookstore in your neighborhood or even the library is likely to have an entire section dedicated to the genre. Even easier is to order the books online.
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