Overview

In The Wisdom of the Shire, Noble Smith sheds light on the life-changing ideas tucked away inside the classic works of J. R. R. Tolkien and his most beloved creation-the stouthearted Hobbits. Drawing on The Lord of the Rings, The Hobbit, and other tales of Middle-earth, Smith shows how a snug hobbit-hole is actually just a state of mind and how even the smallest person can have the valor of a Rider of Rohan. He explores subjects dear to a halfling's heart, such as beer, food, and friendship, as well as more serious concerns, such as courage, living in harmony with nature, and good versus evil. How can simple pleasures such as gardening, taking long walks, and eating delicious meals with friends make you significantly happier? Why is the act of giving presents on your birthday instead of getting them such a revolutionary idea? And how can we carry the burden of our own Ring of Power without becoming devoured by it? The Wisdom of the Shire holds the answers to these and more of life's essential questions.

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9781470880231

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Reviews

Good books transport us, great books transform us. Noble Smith was clearly transformed by reading J. R. R. Tolkien's classic novels, and this book is the delightful result. It's a humorous but impassioned celebration of enduring values, worthy sacrifices, and simple pleasures. You can't beat that combination, either in the novels or in this irresistible homage. -- Mark Salzman, author of Iron and Silk I haven't had too many 'Personal Gollums' in my life but the next time I happen upon one I will take Noble Smith's book out and thumb through it like a manual. My only fear is that I will find someone doing the same thing to figure out how to deal with me. Such a fun book! -- Ty Burrell, Emmy Award-winning star of Modern Family How to live long and prosper, Hobbit-style...Tolkien fans breathlessly awaiting Peter Jackson's upcoming three-part feature film will be pleasantly satiated with this self-help guide channeling the effervescent spirit and timeless morality of the much-loved Hobbit population...The author's many comparisons between the 'safe, warm, comfortable' facets of Hobbit life and contemporary reality lived outside Middle-earth are creative and satisfyingly good-natured...Interwoven throughout the text are factoids about Tolkien's life...A life-affirming, must-have morsel for Tolkien's colossal fan base. -- Kirkus Reviews Smith, a playwright and film producer, shrewdly connects spiritual writing to the popularity of J. R. R. Tolkien's fantasy work...A fine companion to the Hobbit movies for the fantasy reader or spiritual seeker. -- Library Journal The Wisdom of the Shire is an idea whose time has unquestionably come...I'd buy it like a shot, give copies away to deserving friends, and keep it by the bed for bad nights. -- Peter S. Beagle, award-winning author of The Last Unicorn A definitive guide to Tolkien's worldview. -- Wired Delves into Middle-earth to show us how Tolkien can instruct us how to live a better life on Regular-earth. -- Boston Globe Smith urges hobbit-wannabes to embrace the original small-is-beautiful lifestyle-grow your own food, walk everywhere. And sing. Even to love Tolkien-style! -- USA Today

Author Information

Noble Smith is an author and award-winning playwright who has worked as a video-game writer, a documentary film executive producer, and the media director of an international human rights foundation. He is the author of the novella Stolen from Gypsies, the nonfiction book The Wisdom of the Shire: A Short Guide to a Long and Happy Life, and the first book in the Warrior Trilogy, Sons of Zeus. He lives in the Pacific Northwest with his wife and children. Simon Vance is an award-winning actor and an AudioFile Golden Voice with over fifty Earphones Awards and thirteen prestigious Audie Awards. He was named Booklist's very first Voice of Choice in 2008 and an AudioFile Best Voice of 2009. Peter S. Beagle has won the Hugo, Nebula, Mythopoeic, and Grand Prix de l'Imaginaire awards. He is also the recipient of the World Fantasy Award for Lifetime Achievement and the Damon Knight Memorial Grand Master Honor. His novel The Last Unicorn has sold a reported five million copies since its initial publication. His other novels include A Fine & Private Place, The Innkeeper's Song, Tamsin, Summerlong, and In Calabria. His short fiction has been collected in four volumes by Tachyon Publications, including The Rhinoceros Who Quoted Nietzsche, The Line Between, We Never Talk About My Brother, and Sleight of Hand.

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