{"product_id":"the-science-of-middle-earth-9781643136165","title":"The Science of Middle Earth","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe world J.R.R. Tolkien created is one of the most beloved in all of literature, and continues to capture hearts and imaginations around the world. From Oxford to ComiCon, the Middle Earth is analyzed and interpreted through a multitude of perspectives.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eBut one essential facet of Tolkien and his Middle Earth has been overlooked: science. This great writer, creator of worlds and unforgettable character, and inventor of language was also a scientific autodidact, with an innate interest and grasp of botany, paleontologist and geologist, with additional passions for archeology and chemistry.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eTolkien was an acute observer of flora and fauna and mined the minds of his scientific friends about ocean currents and volcanoes. It is these layers science that give his imaginary universe-and the creatures and characters that inhabit it-such concreteness. Within this gorgeously illustrated edition, a range of scientists-from astrophysicists to physicians, botanists to volcanologists-explore Tolkien's novels, poems, and letters to reveal their fascinating scientific roots. \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eA rewarding combination of literary exploration and scientific discovery, \u003cem\u003eThe Science of Middle Earth \u003c\/em\u003ereveals the hidden meaning of the Ring's corruption, why Hobbits have big feet, the origins of the Dwarves, the animals which inspired the dragons, and even whether or not an Ent is possible.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eEnhanced by superb original drawings, this transportive work will delight both Tolkien fans and science lovers and inspire us to view both Middle Earth-and our own world-with fresh eyes.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eAbout the Author\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eArnaud Rafaelian\u003c\/b\u003e is an artist who lives in Paris, France. \u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cb\u003eRoland Lehoucq\u003c\/b\u003e is an astrophysicist at the French Atomic Energy Commission (CEA). He writes for the science fiction journal\u003ci\u003e Bifrost\u003c\/i\u003e and sponsors primary school classes to familiarize children with science. \u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003eLoïc Mangin is the associate editor of \u003ci\u003ePour la Science \u003c\/i\u003ewhere he is also \"Art \u0026amp; Science\" columnist. He wrote \u003ci\u003ePollock, Turner, Van Gogh, Vermeer and science\u003c\/i\u003e. \u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cb\u003eJean-Sébastien Steyer\u003c\/b\u003e is a paleontologist at the Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique and the National Museum of Natural History in Paris. He is the winner of the Paul Sangnier Prize and the Van Straelen Prize and a columnist in \u003ci\u003ePour La Science.\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cbr\u003e","brand":"Pegasus Books","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50660204904722,"sku":"9781643136165","price":38.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0831\/4771\/8930\/files\/img_c2bf50f3-e877-42d9-8512-07ca5525b68f.jpg?v=1733472459","url":"https:\/\/surprise-castle.myshopify.com\/products\/the-science-of-middle-earth-9781643136165","provider":"Surprise Castle","version":"1.0","type":"link"}