J.R.R. Tolkien was a master magician with words. He did not plan on writing books. He was a busy university professor with a wife and four children. More than 70 years have passed since Tolkien wrote The Hobbit and it is still a favorite for readers of all ages.

Word magician -- Memories of South Africa -- At King Edward's -- Enter Luthien -- Into the trenches -- In love with languages -- The hobbit -- A monster -- End of day in Middle-Earth.