J. R. R. Tolkien was an English writer, philologist, and academic, best known for his high-fantasy works. He was born on January 3, 1892, and is most famous for creating the epic novels The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings, which have had a significant impact on modern fantasy literature. Tolkien's background in languages influenced his writing, as he developed entire languages for his fictional worlds. He served in World War I and later became a professor at Oxford University. His imaginative storytelling and detailed world-building have inspired countless adaptations, including films and video games.