This biography explores J.R.R. Tolkien's wartime experiences and their impact on his life and his writing of The Lord of the Rings. The period of Tolkien's life in which he fought in the Great War has remained largely unexplored and unresearched by his many and various biographers - this volume concentrates specifically on this period and relates it to his creation of some of the world's best-loved literary works. Written specifically for a general audience, and not just Tolkien fans, this book allows Tolkien's life, work, inspiration and success to be viewed from a new viewpoint.