Tolkien fans are invited to join the West Virginia University Press in celebrating the release of Volume 2 ofTokien Studies: An Annual Scholarly Review.

From its beginning in 2004, the journal has garnered much praise from J.R.R. Tolkien enthusiasts of both Middle-earth and beyond.

This second installment features over 300 pages of scholarly work devoted to the prestigious author. Additional features, such as book reviews and bibliographies, are included to assist readers in exploring collegiate research in the area. An essay to note is an obituary by Douglas Anderson honoring Humphrey Carpenter (1946-2005), a memorable if eccentric Tolkien scholar.

Tolkien Studiesis the first journal to include pieces providing in-depth analyses of J.R.R. Tolkiens works. After an initial reading by the editorsDouglas A. Anderson, Michael D.C. Drout and Verlyn Fliegereach entry is subjected to peer review to ensure high academic standards.

John Ronald Reuel Tolkien (1892-1973) taught Old and Middle English at the University of Oxford. In addition he wrote several literary pieces includingThe HobbitandThe Lord of the Rings.New generations of readers continue to follow Tolkiens works, partly due to the blockbuster success of Peter Jacksons cinematic Lord of the Rings trilogy.

For more information onTokien Studies: An Annual Scholarly Review,contact the WVU Press, 304-293-8400, orwww.wvupress.com