The First World War served as the crucible for J.R.R. Tolkien's nascent mythology, shaping the very foundations of Middle-earth. This biography meticulously details Tolkien's experiences as a signals officer during the Battle of the Somme and the profound impact of losing close friends to the conflict. It explores how these formative, tragic experiences, rather than being an escape, became the bedrock upon which he built his epic narrative of good versus evil. Garth argues that Tolkien's mythic imagination transformed the cataclysm of his generation, preserving enchantment in the face of widespread disillusionment and reshaping literary tradition.

John Garth's biography, 'Tolkien and the Great War,' is a meticulously researched account that posits the First World War as the fundamental influence on J.R.R. Tolkien's creation of Middle-earth. The work is praised for its detailed exploration of Tolkien's wartime experiences and the profound impact of loss on his mythology. Garth's central argument is that Tolkien's mythic imagination served not as an escape from reality, but as a means to process and transform the cataclysm of his generation. This perspective offers a compelling counterpoint to interpretations that view Tolkien's work solely as a reaction to the Second World War, highlighting the enduring power derived from his foundational tragic experiences.