The Lure of the Ring
Power, Addiction and Transcendence in Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings
by Alan James Strachan, Janet Coster
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Pub Date Jan 05 2019 | Archive Date Aug 01 2019
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Description
“The Lure of the Ring compellingly captures the essence of addiction, the seduction of power, and the nature of embodied spiritual transformation. I highly recommend this wise and engaging book.”
RICHARD ROHR, O.F.M., Founder, Center for Action and Contemplation
Concerned about PRESENT DAY USES – AND ABUSES – OF POWER?
The Lure of the Ring eloquently examines the psychology of power – an issue of crucial importance today. The Lure shows “ … how the human psyche can balance power, love, and integrity.” It is “a ’must read’ as it is so relevant for human beings, individually and collectively at this time in history!” (Angeles Arrien, Ph.D.)
Curious about THE INTERSECTION OF PSYCHOLOGY & SPIRITUALITY?
Drawing upon transpersonal psychology, nondual spirituality, and a psychodynamic understanding of the personality, The Lure of the Ring uses characters from The Lord of the Rings to illustrate the different stages of emotional and spiritual development, and offers “really one of the best descriptions of the enlightened person I have read,” according to a veteran psychotherapist with a Ph.D. in Transpersonal Psychology.
A Fan of THE LORD OF THE RINGS?
The Lure of the Ring will take you on a fascinating journey through the hearts and minds of some of Tolkien’s most colorful characters, exploring with depth and insight how they respond to the allure of the One Ring.
In addition, The Lure of the Ring provides a novel and thought-provoking answer to the most puzzling question in Tolkien lore: “Who is Tom Bombadil?”
Interested in ADDICTION?
The Lure of the Ring offers a clear and compelling description of the psychodynamics of addiction, explaining how it arises from the deepest levels of the personality.
Pursuing PERSONAL INSIGHT?
The Lure of the Ring provides an invaluable opportunity for the reader to explore more deeply his or her own relationship to power, addiction, love and the path of personal development.
Readers RESPOND
“You are to be wholeheartedly congratulated for the grace to write something so beautiful and good.”
“I have enjoyed The Lure of the Ring so much that I've read a lot of it yet again. . . the accessibility of your beautiful language invites the casual reader to become engaged in a search for that personal yet cosmic ocean of consciousness available to us all. A lovingly written treasure, & this reader wholeheartedly thanks you both.”
Advance Praise
“A stunning revelation on why Tolkien’s characters remain timeless, even today.” — Don Sloan, Midwest Book Review
“The Lure of the Ring compellingly captures the essence of addiction, the seduction of power, and the nature of embodied spiritual transformation. I highly recommend this wise and engaging book.” — Richard Rohr, O.F.M., Founder of Center for Action and Contemplation
“The Lure of the Ring is one of those few books that honors and ignites the power and mystery of the interior life. It is an inspirational book that demonstrates how personal mythology directs our actions and organizes our experiences. Strachan and Coster provide an exceedingly accessible and comprehensive psychological-spiritual analysis of Tolkien's work, and how the human psyche can balance power, love, and integrity. A 'must read' as it is so relevant for human beings, individually and collectively at this time in history!" – Angeles Arrien, Ph.D., Cultural Anthropology, Author of The Second Half of Life and Living in Gratitude
“The Lure of the Ring is a fascinating work, an exploration of the deeper meaning of Tolkien's Lord of the Rings. Drawing upon extensive immersion in both psychotherapy and Eastern philosophy, the authors find deep psychological insight in significant figures in the trilogy, especially in the evil narcissism of Sauron and the enlightened, non-dual awareness of Tom Bombadil. This short book takes us into the heart of Tolkien's genius showing levels of psychological and spiritual insight of which the great writer himself was unaware as he wrote Lord of the Rings but that he came to see in later life. Tolkien admirers have good reason to thank Alan Strachan and Janet Coster for their elegantly written and convincing reading of this 20th Century epic, and for their lucid analysis of its enduring relevance to all those on the path of personal growth and spiritual development.” – Ralph White is the author of the memoir, The Jeweled Highway: On the Quest for a Life of Meaning, and co-founder of the New York Open Center
Available Editions
| EDITION | Ebook |
| ISBN | 9781732315600 |
| PRICE | $4.99 (USD) |
Links
Featured Reviews
Adam D, Librarian
"The Lure of the Ring" was a lot of fun to read. I am a huge fan of Tolkien's work, so that may sway a bias, but this is a well-written collection.
Sherrie S, Reviewer
For fans of Tolkien and Hobbits, this is a great read. It helps explain some of the symbolism from Tolkiens books which also gives a glimmer of human spirit. Very intriguing and interesting book.
Julie G, Reviewer
I enjoyed this book, but I think it's a book for true Tolkien lovers, as some people may not understand it's appeal. Thoughtful reading as I found the symbolism interesting.
Thank you netgalley
Kelly P, Reviewer
This is a good book for those who are fans of J. R. R. Tolkien and The Hobbit and the Lord of the Rings series.
This book does a good job of explaining the symbolism that Tolkien used in these books.
Very interesting and intriguing analysis.
Loredanas@aol.com S, Reviewer
Wow! An elegantly written book about the Lure of the ring in the Tolkien's Lord of the Ring books. It looks at our desire for power, control of our fates, the effect of the power, etc against the backdrop of the story. Sauron being the most addicted to power, its effects are shown. Other characters are analyzed with respect to their abilities to resist tbe ring. Its a remarkably easy book to read but full of insights. There are comments and reflections from Tolkien himself as we see him change and grow in his perpectives about the themes of his books.
Highly recommended for thoughtful lovers of the series.
Katherine H, Educator
This is perfect for my students that have enjoyed the Lord of the Ring series. It will be helpful and even a good pairing novel for those who are currently reading to even better understand the series. Also, the cover art is freaking cool.
Thank you to the publisher and to Netgalley for allowing me to read this novel in exchange for an honest review.
Reviewer 539597
*received a copy for free from netgalley for honest review* Though short this was a pretty interesting book, I read a similar book about Zelda which I also enjoyed but was 2x as long. Good quick read for someone who liked LoR though!
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