Who is the most popular writer in the English language? J.R.R Tolkien keeps getting the nod in survey after survey. His books - particularly The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings - sell in huge numbers to generation after generation of enchanted readers.

In this engaging biography, Michael Coren paints a colourful, loving portrait of the man and his family. Tolkien was born in South Africa, lost his parents while still very young, excelled in school in England (though having fun always came first), fought in World War I, became a first-rate academic - famous for riding his bicycle through Oxford, academic gown billowing him - and created unparalleled works of fantasy the world has come to love, which has also wowed viewers on the big screen.