A detailed work of reference and scholarship, this one volume Encyclopedia includes discussions of all the fundamental issues in Tolkien scholarship written by the leading scholars in the field.

Coverage not only presents the most recent scholarship on J. R. R. Tolkien, but also introduces and explores the author and scholar's life and work within their historical and cultural contexts. Tolkien's fiction and his sources of influence are examined along with his artistic and academic achievements- including his translations of medieval texts- teaching posts, linguistic works, and the languages he created. The 550 alphabetically arranged entries fall within the following categories of topics:
· Adaptations
· Art and illustrations
· Characters in Tolkien's work
· Critical history and scholarship
· Influence of Tolkien
· Languages
· Biography
· Literary sources
· Literature
· Creatures and peoples of Middle-earth
· Objects in Tolkien's work
· Places in Tolkien's work
· Reception of Tolkien
· Medieval scholars
· Scholarship by Tolkien
· Medieval literature
· Stylistic elements
· Themes in Tolkien's works
· Theological/ philosophical concepts and philosophers
· Tolkien's contemporary history and culture
· Works of literature

The work is edited by Michael D.C. Drout, from Wheaton College, with the participation of Tom Shippey, Verlyn Flieger, Marjorie Burns, and Douglas Anderson.