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 defining characteristic of fantasy is that it's about things that don't exist in reality. Witches or wizards turn people into toads, dragons terrorize kingdoms and fairies help or hinder someone's journey through life. Ever since people started telling stories, they made up stories that included elements of the fantastical. Think about the myths of ancient Greece or the tales Scheherazade spun to entertain the king and save her own life during the 'Arabian Nights'.
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.
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.
The other author indelibly linked to the genre is C. S. Lewis, who was born in Belfast. Lewis spent much of his youth in English boarding schools and later lived and worked in England. He was wounded in World War I as well and also taught literature at various universities, including Oxford. It's probably no surprise then that he and Tolkien were good friends.
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.
Before the revival of the genre, these books were often grouped with the sci-fi books or even the children's books. Now you'll find that most bookstores and libraries have dedicated sections just for fantasy books. If you want an even wider choice, order the books online or download them as e-books for a wonderful escape from reality.
The defining characteristic of fantasy is that it's about things that don't exist in reality. Witches or wizards turn people into toads, dragons terrorize kingdoms and fairies help or hinder someone's journey through life. Ever since people started telling stories, they made up stories that included elements of the fantastical. Think about the myths of ancient Greece or the tales Scheherazade spun to entertain the king and save her own life during the 'Arabian Nights'.
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.
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.
The other author indelibly linked to the genre is C. S. Lewis, who was born in Belfast. Lewis spent much of his youth in English boarding schools and later lived and worked in England. He was wounded in World War I as well and also taught literature at various universities, including Oxford. It's probably no surprise then that he and Tolkien were good friends.
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.
Before the revival of the genre, these books were often grouped with the sci-fi books or even the children's books. Now you'll find that most bookstores and libraries have dedicated sections just for fantasy books. If you want an even wider choice, order the books online or download them as e-books for a wonderful escape from reality.
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