What does the name "Tolkien" mean? To what nighttime activity does The Hobbit owe its origin? How many years did Tolkien devote to the writing of The Lord of the Rings? Which of his works did Tolkien consider the most important? Who counseled Bilbo to "Never laugh at live dragons"? By what other names was Morgoth known?

Find the answers to these questions and many, many more trivial truths inside this delightful little book for Tolkienphiles!

Sample Questions from The J.R.R. Tolkien Trivia Quiz Book (All questions in the eBook hyperlink to corresponding answers and in the print book, the answers are on the back of the page.)

Q: Was the story of Frodo’s adventures an instant bestseller?

A: No. At first, bookstore sales of The Fellowship of the Ring were steady, but unspectacular. It was only after word-of-mouth enthusiasm transformed the book into a campus favorite that sales blossomed. In response to the reader requests, Allen & Unwin sped publication of the trilogy’s other volumes and increased print runs.

Q: Was Tolkien hostile to the possibility of his books being transformed into movies?

A: On the contrary; Tolkien was eager that Hollywood would be tempted by his hobbits and elves.

Q: Do Hobbits wear boots or shoes?

A: They abhor both. Even though they have hairy feet, they prefer to be footwear-free.

Q: Is J.K. Rowling a Tolkien fan?

A: Yes. Though not an avid reader of fantasy, Rowling “loves” The Hobbit, which she first read after she had begun her Harry Potter books. She read The Lord of the Rings trilogy when she was a teenager. Like most authors, Rowling discourages comparisons with past masters. However, she has expressed admiration for Tolkien’s creation of a whole mythology, but adds, “On the other hand, I think I have better jokes.”

Q: What is the epigraph of The Fellowship of the Ring?

A: “One Ring to rule them all, One Ring to find them, One ring to bring them all and in the darkness bind them.”