The surprising and illuminating look at how Tolkien's love of science and natural history shaped the creation of his Middle Earth, from its flora and fauna to its landscapes. "Tolkien’s Middle Earth might be an imaginary world, but it was created by a master with a deep understanding of science. In this fun and whimsical book, leading scientists and Tolkien enthusiasts blend their passions to reveal the secrets of Middle Earth—from the anatomical reasons hobbits have big and hairy feet to the chemistry of the Ring. A new perspective on some of our most treasured stories, this book is a perfect companion to any of Tolkien’s works, or the films based on them."