The Science of Middle-earth (2004 book)
| The Science of Middle-earth | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Author | Henry Gee |
| Publisher | Cold Spring Press |
| Released | 2004 |
| Format | paperback |
| Pages | 256 |
| ISBN | 0-285-63723-1 |
The Science of Middle-earth (sometimes seen as The Science of Middle Earth) is a book by biologist Henry Gee which seeks to use science and logic to help explain various phenomena in Tolkien's legendarium. A revised edition was released as a Kindle book on 13 December 2012.
From the publisher[edit | edit source]
The author explores just how elves might be able to see much further than humans, why Frodo's sword turns blue at the sight of evil orcs, how the rings of power do their thing, and just about every other conundrum or piece of 'elvish magic' that have puzzled and delighted Tolkien fans for years. Throughout, Gee makes the point that science, fantasy, and nature are really more similar than one might think. Gee writes in a popular tone and style, fully explaining all science concepts and convincingly demonstrating how Tolkien's world of fantasy makes sense in a very real - scientific - way.
Contents[edit | edit source]
- Foreword by David Brin
- Author's Note
- About J.R.R. Tolkien
- Introduction
- Space, Time and Tolkien
- Inside Language
- Linguistic Convergence
- The Power of the Name
- Holes in the Ground
- Inventing the Orcs
- Armies of Darkness
- The Last March of the Ents
- O for the Wings of a Balrog
- Six Wheels On My Dragon
- The Eyes of Legolas Greenleaf
- Of Mithril
- The Laboratory of Fëanor
- The Gates of Minas Tirith
- The Lives of the Elves
- Giant Spiders and 'Mammoth' Oliphaunts
- Indistinguishable from Magic
- In the Matter of Roots
- The One Ring
- Science and Fantasy
- End-Notes
- Index
Reviews[edit | edit source]
- Review by Brian Clegg of Popular Science
- Review by Alok Jha of The Guardian
