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.
Fantasy is a genre in which the stories revolve around a theme that is supernatural. It can be about magic or it can include characters that are mythical creatures such as fairies and unicorns. The genre is as old as humanity itself and many ancient epics from around the world fall into this genre. In fact, ancient myths and legends have often inspired later works.
The ancient stories very often acted as inspiration for authors who came later. J. R. R. Tolkien, probably the most influential of these authors, used to translate some of these stories, including 'Beowulf', from the Old English while he taught English literature. Tolkien was born in Southern Africa but was raised in England, where his parents were from. He began writing his most famous works soon after World War I, in which he had served and had been wounded.
Most people remember Tolkien for the stories he created himself. He invented a world that he named Middle Earth and even invented a unique language for some of his characters. 'The Hobbit' was the story that really started it all and even though it was originally written for children, it became so popular with older readers that he created a darker sequel, 'The Lord of the Rings', which then became fantasy's definitive work.
An author whose life took many similar turns as that of Tolkien was C. S. Lewis. Lewis came from Belfast but also spent large parts of his childhood in England. He was wounded while serving in World War I as well and later also taught literature. In fact, at one stage both authors lived and worked in Oxford and they became firm friends.
Lewis wrote many varied works of literature. Among these were works of science fiction. However, his most loved works are a series set in a fantasy world called Narnia, which is reached through a wardrobe. Lewis also found inspiration in legends from all over Europe but as a devout Christian, he also added some religious themes.
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 growing popularity of the genre means that you don't have to search in the children's or sci-fi sections of your local library or bookstore to find fantasy books anymore. You'll now find them in their own dedicated section. You can also buy the books online and let yourself be transported to another world.
Fantasy is a genre in which the stories revolve around a theme that is supernatural. It can be about magic or it can include characters that are mythical creatures such as fairies and unicorns. The genre is as old as humanity itself and many ancient epics from around the world fall into this genre. In fact, ancient myths and legends have often inspired later works.
The ancient stories very often acted as inspiration for authors who came later. J. R. R. Tolkien, probably the most influential of these authors, used to translate some of these stories, including 'Beowulf', from the Old English while he taught English literature. Tolkien was born in Southern Africa but was raised in England, where his parents were from. He began writing his most famous works soon after World War I, in which he had served and had been wounded.
Most people remember Tolkien for the stories he created himself. He invented a world that he named Middle Earth and even invented a unique language for some of his characters. 'The Hobbit' was the story that really started it all and even though it was originally written for children, it became so popular with older readers that he created a darker sequel, 'The Lord of the Rings', which then became fantasy's definitive work.
An author whose life took many similar turns as that of Tolkien was C. S. Lewis. Lewis came from Belfast but also spent large parts of his childhood in England. He was wounded while serving in World War I as well and later also taught literature. In fact, at one stage both authors lived and worked in Oxford and they became firm friends.
Lewis wrote many varied works of literature. Among these were works of science fiction. However, his most loved works are a series set in a fantasy world called Narnia, which is reached through a wardrobe. Lewis also found inspiration in legends from all over Europe but as a devout Christian, he also added some religious themes.
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 growing popularity of the genre means that you don't have to search in the children's or sci-fi sections of your local library or bookstore to find fantasy books anymore. You'll now find them in their own dedicated section. You can also buy the books online and let yourself be transported to another world.
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