# The J. R. R. Tolkien Companion and Guide: Volume 1: Chronology
## Introduction
- Overview of J.R.R. Tolkien's Life
- Early Years
- Academic Career
- Writing Career
- Legacy
## Part I: Early Life and Education
- Family Background
- Tolkien's Ancestry
- Parents and Siblings
- Childhood in South Africa and England
- Birth in Bloemfontein
- Move to England
- Mother's Influence
- Education
- King Edward's School, Birmingham
- Oxford University
- Exeter College
- Academic Achievements
## Part II: Academic Career
- Teaching Positions
- Leeds University
- Role as Reader and Professor
- Pembroke College, Oxford
- Professor of Anglo-Saxon
- Merton College, Oxford
- Professor of English Language and Literature
- Scholarly Works
- Contributions to Philology
- Essays and Articles
- Influence on Medieval Studies
## Part III: Writing Career
- Early Writings
- The Book of Lost Tales
- Development of Mythology
- Major Works
- The Hobbit
- Creation and Publication
- Reception
- The Lord of the Rings
- Writing Process
- Themes and Motifs
- Publication and Impact
- The Silmarillion
- Posthumous Publication
- Editorial Process by Christopher Tolkien
- Other Writings
- Short Stories and Poems
- Letters and Essays
## Part IV: Personal Life and Influences
- Family Life
- Marriage to Edith Bratt
- Children and Their Influence
- Friendships and Collaborations
- The Inklings
- C.S. Lewis
- Charles Williams
- Other Literary Circles
- Inspirations
- Mythology and Folklore
- Languages and Linguistics
- Religion and Philosophy
## Part V: Later Years and Legacy
- Retirement from Academia
- Continued Writing
- Public Appearances
- Death and Funeral
- Final Days
- Memorial and Tributes
- Posthumous Publications
- Edited by Christopher Tolkien
- Unfinished Tales
- The History of Middle-earth Series
- Cultural Impact
- Influence on Fantasy Literature
- Adaptations in Film and Media
- Tolkien Societies and Fan Communities
## Appendices
- Timeline of Major Events
- Bibliography of Tolkien's Works
- Index of Names and Places