J.R.R. Tolkien, Author of the Century by Tom Shippey, (HarperCollins, £7.99 in UK )

The title would lead you to believe that this is a book on Tolkien - the blurb would have you believe that it is going to be …

The title would lead you to believe that this is a book on Tolkien - the blurb would have you believe that it is going to be fun. The selling points are that Tolkien's works can be traced to Old English sources, which will surprise few, and that plots and influences will be discussed. But even the most eager of readers would be soon dismayed by lengthy examples that would exasperate even an Ent, with sparse evidence of Tolkien's own dilemmas or intentions. Later, the pace quickens with an exploration of Tolkien's early works and titbits of author information. Criticisms of his work are discussed, but the attempt is unconvincing as only the easiest to dismiss are chosen. This might satisfy academics but not the hungry jaws of the average Tolkien follower