3 Review(s)

Christopher Scarf delves into the legendarium of Middle-Earth and Narnia as he discusses the Ideal of Kingship in the Writings of Charles Williams, C. S. Lewis and J. R. R. Tolkien. This book is a scholarly account of the definition of an ideal ruler and his place in a world peopled by fantastic creatures. Summary of the Book Who is a King? Is he one who has ascended to the throne by patriarchal right? Or is he one who has secured the faith of his people? In the works of the “Inklings”, one constantly finds an ideal King, selfless and true to his word. Their writings were deeply rooted in Christian symbols, especially the work of C. S. Lewis. Tolkien’s Kings, Theoden and Aragorn, were strong yet dissimilar men. Their fashion of ruling over their people were in sharp contrast. Theoden watched over his people for all his life, while Aragorn returned to the throne of his forefathers only as the Third Age swung to a close. Yet, their values, and their philosophy is strongly ideal. In this work, Scarf studies the definition of a ruler from the writings of these authors, their opinions on God and the uniqueness of the Creator. He looks at the personalities of three of the most famous inklings, contrasting and comparing their writings. He also describes the views in ancient English and Greek literature, evoking Arthurian legends and the Holy Scriptures. This work gives academics and fans studying the world of fantasy literature a detailed coverage of the concept of a King and all he should stand for. About Christopher Scarf Christopher Scarf is an English academic and a Master of the Music at St. Marychurch Parish Church. He graduated from Wadham College, Oxford, later studying Liturgical Music at the Anglia Polytechnic University. He also completed his D.Phil. in English Literature, covering some aspects of Theology and History, at the University of Sussex.