J.R.R. Tolkien's "Smith of Wootton Major" is a charming and poignant novella that explores the nature of Faëry and its subtle influence on the ordinary world. The story centers on Smith, a talented craftsman from the village of Wootton Major, who, as a child, unknowingly swallows a magical star baked into a Great Cake.
This star grants Smith a unique connection to Faëry, allowing him glimpses into its enchanting and sometimes perilous realms. Over his lifetime, this gift deepens his artistry and understanding, enriching his perception of beauty and wonder in the everyday. Tolkien weaves themes of craftsmanship, tradition, the passage of time, and the enduring presence of magic, presenting a gentle yet profound fable about the extraordinary within the ordinary.
Illustrated by Pauline Baynes