The compilation of an annual Tolkien studies bibliography often catches in my net listings for articles which, until I read the full article myself, I can’t tell if it has enough on Tolkien to be worth listing.
A 30-page biographical article on “Dickie” Reynolds – who was one of Tolkien’s masters at King Edward’s School in Birmingham and, much later, the friend for whom he wrote the “Sketch of the Mythology” that was the seed for all later versions of the Silmarillion – has less to say about his relationship with Tolkien than does the entry on Reynolds in Scull & Hammond’s Companion & Guide, so it’s not going in the bibliography. But it’s such an interesting portrait of Reynolds’ life that I want to write about it here.
In a series of posts inspired by his reading of the new biography of Terry Pratchett – whose teenage fan letter to Tolkien was on display at the 2018 Bodleian exhibit – John D. Rateliff compares what he and Pratchett read next as a result of their reading Tolkien.
I had some similar experiences. (more…)
As we approach Christmas, some people are hunting around for a gift for a Tolkien fan. So, check out the list below of 10 suggestions which hopefully provide a range of ideas for every one. And, if you’re feeling the need for a pick-me-up, there’s always the option of picking up one of these for yourself! (more…)
On 2 September 2022 the landscape of Tolkien fandom, fantasy media and streaming services will fundamentally change with the release of The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power, the most expensive TV series ever produced. Amazon have funded the endeavour which is the brainchild of J.D. Payne and Patrick McKay, but so far the much of the online commentary is trapped either comparing the series (they haven’t seen) to Peter Jackson’s The Lord of the Rings film trilogy, or through the lens of the intentions and thoughts of the author. (more…)
Last week I was invited to London to get an exclusive glimpse at Amazon’s forthcoming series The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power which will première on Amazon Prime on Friday 2 September this year. (more…)
A personal follow-up to my post on reading Tolkien: remembrances of reading The Silmarillion when it was new …