Becoming Tolkien

On the anniversary of J.R.R. Tolkien's birth, we look at some of his primary influences.

Betty Ballantine (1919–2019), paperback pioneer

Publisher popularized the paperback and science fiction through Ballantine books.

Christopher Tolkien (1924–2020), J.R.R. Tolkien's son who edited his Middle-Earth legends

Christopher Tolkien was the youngest son of “Lord of the Rings” author J.R.R. Tolkien, who edited and published his father’s work in the years after his death. He has died, the Tolkien Society announced Thursday.

Christopher Tolkien was the unheralded caretaker of Middle Earth

The Road goes ever on and on, and on that road a son helped his father finish a journey.

Ian Holm (1931–2020), British star played Bilbo in "Lord of the Rings"

Sir Ian Holm was a British actor whose many roles included the hobbit Bilbo Baggins in the “Lord of the Rings” trilogy and the android Ash in "Alien" (1979).

Priscilla Tolkien (1929–2022), daughter of J.R.R. Tolkien

Priscilla Tolkien, the youngest child of The Lord of the Rings author J.R.R. Tolkien, was Vice President of The Tolkien Society .