Every literary genre has the names of at least one or two authors indelibly linked to it. These authors not only went on to inspire those who came after them but they also knew how to tell a good story themselves. Nobody can say for instance that they truly love the horror genre if they haven't yet read Mary Shelley's groundbreaking 'Frankenstein', for instance. Among the most popular and influential classic fantasy novels of all time are the books of two authors who were actually great friends as well.
The genre of fantasy is characterized by themes that include the fantastical, magical and supernatural. In these stories, animals or trees may be able to talk as if they were human. There can be witches or wizards, both good and evil. Often there are fairies and elves or other legendary and mythical creatures. In fact, legends and myths can often be called early versions of stories in this genre.
One author who cited the mythology of Europe as a major influence also came to be probably one of the greatest authors of the genre. J. R. R. Tolkien was born in Bloemfontein, then the capital of a Southern African republic known as the Orange Free State, in 1892. He grew up in England, was wounded in World War I and later became a respected professor of literature and English. He also translated works from Old English, among them tales from Arthurian legend and the epic '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.
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.
Both Tolkien's and Lewis' most well-known works were made into Hollywood blockbusters in recent years. These movies won the authors many new fans and the fantasy genre saw a huge revival. Today's modern classics include series by J. K. Rowling, George R. R. Martin and two writers who are also friends, Terry Pratchett and Neil Gaiman.
The great thing about fantasy hitting the mainstream is that the books are now so much easier to find. The bookstore in your neighborhood or even the library is likely to have an entire section dedicated to the genre. Even easier is to order the books online.
The genre of fantasy is characterized by themes that include the fantastical, magical and supernatural. In these stories, animals or trees may be able to talk as if they were human. There can be witches or wizards, both good and evil. Often there are fairies and elves or other legendary and mythical creatures. In fact, legends and myths can often be called early versions of stories in this genre.
One author who cited the mythology of Europe as a major influence also came to be probably one of the greatest authors of the genre. J. R. R. Tolkien was born in Bloemfontein, then the capital of a Southern African republic known as the Orange Free State, in 1892. He grew up in England, was wounded in World War I and later became a respected professor of literature and English. He also translated works from Old English, among them tales from Arthurian legend and the epic '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.
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.
Both Tolkien's and Lewis' most well-known works were made into Hollywood blockbusters in recent years. These movies won the authors many new fans and the fantasy genre saw a huge revival. Today's modern classics include series by J. K. Rowling, George R. R. Martin and two writers who are also friends, Terry Pratchett and Neil Gaiman.
The great thing about fantasy hitting the mainstream is that the books are now so much easier to find. The bookstore in your neighborhood or even the library is likely to have an entire section dedicated to the genre. Even easier is to order the books online.
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