Best known for his epic Lord of the Rings trilogy and The Hobbit,
J.R.R. Tolkien was born in British-occupied South Africa. His early life
was full of action and adventure. Tolkien spent his childhood roaming
the British countryside with his family and could read and write by age
four. He was naturally gifted with languages and used this skill as a
signals officer in World War I as well as in his fantasy writing. By
creating alternate universes and inventing languages in his work he
demonstrated that imaginary realms were not just for children. Fondly
remembered as the "Father of High Fantasy," Tolkien's books have
inspired blockbuster movies and legions of fans.