The Mythmakers: The Remarkable Fellowship of C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien
A fascinating look at the friendship between C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien is also an ambitious exploration of the intersection of intellect, imagination, and faith in their lives. This graphic novel introduces the anthropomorphic Mr. Lion and Mr. Wizard as guides; they begin with an explanation of mythology and its related forms. The narrative then turns to the two men, recounting each of their childhoods and early adulthoods. Lewis and Tolkien met after World War I at Oxford, connecting first over shared love of mythology. Tolkien, a devout Catholic, found the integration of faith and myth seamless, while Lewis, a former Protestant who came out of the war an atheist, did not. But their deep, ongoing discussions led to a series of revelations for Lewis; Tolkien’s belief in myth-making and storytelling as human expressions of the divine led Lewis back to Christianity. If not for Lewis’s encouragement at key points, Tolkien, a perfectionist, might never have finished writing The Lord of the Rings; while Lewis’s integration of faith and creativity was the wellspring of much of his work. Dynamics within the Inklings, their critique and discussion group contributed to their eventual rift, a bittersweet endnote to each man’s success. Each remained an admirer of the other while mourning the loss of the closeness they once had. Teens (and adults) who are fans of their works will find much to appreciate in this rich exploration of their individual creativity and shared friendship. ©2025 Cooperative Children’s Book Center
Illustrated by John Hendrix
CCBC Age Recommendation: Age 14 and older
Age Range:
Grades 9-12 (Age 14 and older)
Format:
Graphic Novel
Subjects:
Biography
Books and Reading
British and British Americans
Faith, Spirituality and Religion
Fantasy
Friendship
Writers and Writing
Diversity subject:
Christian
Publishers:
Abrams, Abrams Fanfare
Publish Year: 2024
Pages: 217
ISBN: 9781419746345
CCBC Location: Non-Fiction, 741.5