Power of the Ring: The Spiritual Vision Behind the Lord of the Rings & The Hobbit

Acclaimed as the one of the greatest spiritual writers of our time, Tolkien, a devout Catholic, produced masterpieces (further popularized by the magnificent films of Peter Jackson) that forever changed the genre of fantasy literature. In this illuminating reflection on Tolkien’s profound vision, Caldecott examines the influence of Catholicism and considers Tolkien’s craft in terms of thinkers like C.S. Lewis, Carl Jung, Rudolf Steiner, Owen Barfield, Joseph Chilton Pearce, and G.K. Chesterton. Caldecott also points to Nordic, Greek, and Roman mythology as well as Plato, Blake, and Goethe to shed light on the moral and spiritual ethos that pervades the Tolkien canon. Caldecott’s book contextualizes and enriches our understanding of the beloved storyteller who continues to enchant readers and audiences today.

“This book contains profound insights into the theology and spirituality in Tolkien’s books. Caldecott gives the background of Tolkien’s personality, letters, excerpts from other writings in order to provide a clear picture of what’s at work in The Lord of the Rings. The chapter ‘Behind the Stars’ is among the deepest commentaries on JRRT’s work as a whole. Very fine. Definitely worth owning.” —Dr. Peter A. Kwasniewski, author and professor at Wyoming Catholic College