He was previously a professor of European history and director of the Honors Program at Marymount University, in Arlington, Virginia.
He finds Snyder "most in his element" in the chapter on "Tolkien's Middle Ages" where he introduces everything from classical civilisation to the pre-Raphaelites and the early fantasy author George MacDonald.
[3] David W. Marshall, reviewing the book for Arthuriana, writes that it stands out on the well-trodden road as it explores all aspects from languages and Tolkien's sources to his artwork and life.
Marshall calls it "a lovely book, with early maps, manuscript illuminations, illustrations, and photos adorning pages that are printed to resemble vellum", and call-out boxes highlighting aspects such as the Sindarin language or the development of Gollum's character.
[4] Kate DiGirolamo, reviewing the book for Library Journal, notes that even fantasy fiction "has its roots in reality", and finds Snyder an "expert guide" through the historical context and literary influences on Tolkien's Middle-earth, though she finds the account of Tolkien's own life "sparse".