Profile of the Day: J.R.R. Tolkien

J.R.R. Tolkien

Have you read The Hobbit or The Lord of the Rings? On this day in 1973, author J.R.R. Tolkien died at the age of 81.

John Ronald Reuel Tolkein was born on January 3, 1892 in Bloemfontein, Free State, South Africa. When he was 4, Tolkien’s father died of rheumatic fever, leaving the family without an income. His mother took Tolkien and his brother to live with her parents in England. She died in 1904. During World War I, Tolkien volunteered for the British Army and fought in the Battle of the Somme, which saw heavy casualties.

In 1937, Tolkien published The Hobbit to wide acclaim. The book quickly became on of the most popular and recognized works of children’s literature. Encouraged by the book’s success, the publishers requested a sequel. Tolkien then began work on what would become his most famous work, the epic novel The Lord of the Rings.

Today, his stories remain immensely popular thanks to the successful film adaptions helmed by director Peter Jackson. Are you a fan of the films?

Explore J.R.R. Tolkien’s family tree on Geni and discover how you’re related to the famous author!
 

View J.R.R. Tolkien’s Geni Profile