10 August 2021 | Tolkien Experience Project | Krista
As a pre-teen in 1970 I swiped a paperback box set from my older brother’s room when he came home from military service for a visit. He had the coolest things and that was the greatest thing I could have ever taken from him. That set, plus a later purloined book from him, The Hobbit, gave me hours of joy as I tramped along the path with our trusty Hobbit and company.…
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As a pre-teen in 1970 I swiped a paperback box set from my older brother’s room when he came home from military service for a visit. He had the coolest things and that was the greatest thing I could have ever taken from him. That set, plus a later purloined book from him, The Hobbit, gave me hours of joy as I tramped along the path with our trusty Hobbit and company.
Oh, the Elves! It was enthralling that such a world existed. I’d dream of spending time in a flet with them, meeting Gandalf and Galadriel.
My mother bought me The Silmarillion for Christmas, I think in 1972. I may have hounded her for a copy, it sounds like something I would do. But when I opened that package – oh my god, it had a map even! I remember my delight. That is, until I found how HARD it actually was to read at that age! Memories: Saving my brothers old used calendars by the Brothers Hildebrant; stumbling onto a used VCR tape of Bakshi’s version of The Lord of the Ring; a friend giving me The Tolkien Companion. And finally, seeing the movies brought to such vibrant life.
Yes, after having first read the books 50 years ago I think I’ve become more analytical as opposed to reading for the sheer joy of it, although that is there as well. I find myself pausing in a chapter to consult maps or genealogies (thank you onering.net) to clarify my readings.
I do recommend to everyone to read it once because, well it’s not only a beautiful story, there are timeless themes there on love and loss, and important life lessons “…even the smallest hands can do important works”, etc. scattered throughout.
[Full text is provided here in the event that the original blog post is no longer available. If possible, please read the original post at Tolkien Experience Project – Luke Shelton PhD.]
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