The Mythmakers

The Remarkable Fellowship HE REMARKABLE FELLOWSHIP OF C.S. LEWIS & J.R.R. TOLKIEN (A GRAPHIC NOVEL)

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Pub Date Sep 24 2024 | Archive Date Sep 24 2024

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Description

From New York Times bestselling, award-winning creator John Hendrix comes The Mythmakers, a graphic novel biography of two literary lions—C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien—following the remarkable story of their friendship and creative fellowship, and how each came to write their masterworks

Through narrative and comic panels, Hendrix chronicles Lewis and Tolkien’s near-idyllic childhoods, then moves on to both men’s horrific tour of the trenches of World War I to their first meeting at Oxford in 1929, and then the foreshadowing, action, and aftermath of World War II. He reveals the shared story of their friendship, in all its ups and downs, that gave them confidence to venture beyond academic concerns (fantasy wasn’t considered suitable for adult reading, but the domain of children), shaped major story/theme ideas, and shifted their ideas about the potential of mythology and faith.

The Mythmakers also shows the camaraderie and the importance of the social/literary circle of friends called the Inklings, and how the friendship of these two great men fell apart and came together again. Hendrix concludes describing how the writings of C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien had re-enchanted the 20th century, after two World Wars. In writing aimed at scholars, adults, and young people, these two tweedy academics altered the course of storytelling and embraced the concept that fantasy writing for an adult audience was an accepted form of literature.

The format is similar to The Faithful Spy: prose interspersed with images and narrative comics. The narration is often conversations between a knowledgeable wizard and a comical lion. Through brisk conversation between these two friends, they explain some of the bigger ideas in an approachable and entertaining way. Throughout the story, there are “gateways” that lead readers to the back matter where certain themes, such as how myth/fantasy evolved or the art of world-building, are discussed more fully. This device keeps the main story flowing quickly and smoothly for those readers not interested in the more academic ideas behind the narrative. Among the ideas covered in the narrative and back matter:

‑ Tolkien’s world-building

‑ The “Theology of Creation” linking their faith to their writings

‑ The meaning of real friendship

‑ Notions of modernity and mythology

‑ The value of fantasy

‑ The power of a creative community

‑ An exploration of the different kinds of storytelling in Narnia and The Lord of the Rings, both relying on “the Myth” as a storytelling device, but differing in the use of allegory vs. symbolism

‑ The creative differences of Lewis and Tolkien: the high standards of Tolkien’s fiction and the faster and more immediate approach of Lewis’s

‑ Logos vs. Mythos: Lewis created from images, Tolkien created from language

‑ The mixing of mythologies

Also included are an author’s note, endnotes, bibliography and index.

From New York Times bestselling, award-winning creator John Hendrix comes The Mythmakers, a graphic novel biography of two literary lions—C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien—following the remarkable story...


Advance Praise

- This looks and sounds so interesting! Tolkien and Lewis are such famous literary giants. I can't wait to read the full-color version once it is published. – Melanie Gaum (Librarian) - 5 stars

- I love getting to read about the Inklings and then men that formed the group! This was such a unique way to tell their stories. Love me some Tolkien lore. – Lindy Wilson (Librarian) – 5 stars

- The Mythmakers is a graphic novel that follows the friendship between C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien. It examines both of their back stories as well as their fellowship.

I loved this graphic novel. These are two of the greatest writers of all time and it was interesting to see their stories in graphics novel format. I loved the illustrations as well. I think a lot of people will enjoy this graphic novel. It also explores myths and story telling in general. This nonfiction was told in an interesting way and I think kids will find it enjoyable! I can't wait for it to come out and see it in full color.

Thanks so much to netgalley and ABRAMS | Abrams Fanfare for the arc of this book in exchange for an honest review. – Megyn Brennan (Reviewer) – 5 stars

- A book where Tolkien meets Lewis: and this one is born, and it is going to be awesome! Engaging, fun, with unique art. – Ag I ( Reviewer) – 5 stars


- This looks and sounds so interesting! Tolkien and Lewis are such famous literary giants. I can't wait to read the full-color version once it is published. – Melanie Gaum (Librarian) - 5 stars

- I...


Available Editions

EDITION Hardcover
ISBN 9781683359630
PRICE $24.99 (USD)
PAGES 224

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