Author J.W. Braun writes: I’ve got a new book out called The Lord of the Films, all about The Lord of the Rings movies. I’m pleased to announce that I’ve got book signings coming up in Wisconsin and Oregon that your TORNados may wish to attend. Read the rest of this entry »

Nancy Martsch writes: I just wanted to let you know that the Tolkien newsletter “Beyond Bree” is producing a beautiful colour Calendar for 2010! The theme is “hobbits”; the art is by many fine Tolkien artists, some never before published! We are very excited about our Calendar and hope that you will like it, too. Proceeds go to benefit “Beyond Bree” (newsletter of the JRR Tolkien Special Interest Group of American Mensa). More..

TORN Pal and author Ethan Gilsdorf has agreed to blog his West coast book tour for us!

Tinseltown as Middle-earth

I’ve been on the road non-stop since September 1, promoting my book Fantasy Freaks and Gaming Geeks, and I have met many a fantasy and Tolkien fan as I’ve traveled from New York City to the South, the Midwest, around Boston and New England (my home) and the West Coast. I’m in Los Angeles now and have been reflecting on the meaning of Tolkien and his ground-breaking creation. Sometimes the dreams of Hollywood seem more distant than Middle-earth. Read the rest of this entry »

TORN Pal and author Ethan Gilsdorf has agreed to blog his West coast book tour for us! Take a look at his first blog: One of the joys of traveling across the US on tour for my book FANTASY FREAKS AND GAMING GEEKS: An Epic Quest for Reality Among Role Players, Online Gamers, and Other Dwellers of Imaginary Realms is meeting so many other fantasy freaks and gaming geeks. Ive spoken to many folks who are dying to share their stories of how they got into gaming or what role fantasy plays in their lives. Its reminded me, again, how powerful these subcultures can be, and why a nerdy Oxford don (aka Tolkien) and all that he has inspired has such meaning in the lives of millions. Read the rest of this entry »

The folks from Heren Istarion write: In this, our 3rd edition of the Calendar of The Northeast Tolkien Society (www.herenistarion.org) , we are again grateful to and humbled by the contributing artists and editors. The focus of this calendar has been, and we hope will continue, to feature work from artists that may not entirely be “household” names in fandom. Yet have been illustrating and inspired by Tolkien for many years. The 2010 NETS Calendar as a portal of creativity inspired by Tolkien widens the the artistic lens with the work of Ruth Lacon,Henning Janssen and Sue Wookey, with sketches and illustrations by reknown Tolkien artist Ted Nasmith. The stunning visual representations of people, places and events from the history of Middle earth by these reknown artists stand as a testament to Tolkien’s plan, message and scope for a creative continuity of individual minds and hands to participate in a complex and beautiful world. A world Tolkien himself set the foundation for us all to build upon. Read the rest of this entry »

TORN Pal Ethan Gilsdorf sends us word on his new book ‘Fantasy Freaks and Gaming Geeks’ and a West Coast book tour, take a look!

Ethan Gilsdorf presents his travel memoir / pop culture narrative “FANTASY FREAKS AND GAMING GEEKS: An Epic Quest for Reality Among Role Players, Online Gamers, and Other Dwellers of Imaginary Realms.” The book is an exploration and celebration of fantasy and gaming subcultures. The events begin with a “geek trivia contest” with prizes that tests the audience’s knowledge of all things Tolkien, Harry Potter, Dungeons & Dragons and more. Gilsdorf will then read an excerpt from “Fantasy Freaks and Gaming Geeks,” followed by a Q&A and book signing. More info: http://www.fantasyfreaksbook.com

Read the rest of this entry »

“The Shadow Dragons (Chronicles of the Imaginarium Geographica),” released October 27, 2009, is the fourth installment of James Owen’s The Chronicles of the Imaginarium Geographica. In this installment, J.R.R. Tolkien, C.S. Lewis and Charles Williams, members of the Ancient Society of the Caretakers of the Imaginarum Geographica, are back to protect the Archipelago of Dreams and our world. Legendary Caretakers, past and present, will have to join forces with the mythical Don Quixote to prevent Mordred and his lieutenant, Sir Richard Burton, from rebuilding the collapsed Keep of Time and take over the world -both the Imaginary and our own. Time, space, legendary writers and larger than life characters meet as the Inklings take on the adventure of The Shadow Dragons.

As the excitement of the wonderful weekend many of us shared in New York City for the Radio City Fellowship of the Ring concerts winds down, TORn would like to officially thank the generous businesses that donated prizes for various events held throughout the weekend. Follow the links to check out their great merchandise: Royal Selangor – pewter Frodo goblet, pewter Galadriel goblet; Jens Hansen – silver chain from their LOTR collection; Impact Books – “Forging Dragons” book of dragon artwork by John Howe; author Ethan Gilsdorf – copies of his book “Fantasy Freaks and Gaming Geeks”; Fantasy Flight Games – Lord of the Rings – the Confrontation board games; artist Colleen Doran – “Gimli’s Gift” prints; Design Toscano – $25 gift certificate; Alpha Video – Christopher Lee oldies DVDs; Weta Workshop – key chains; Mythology Body – soaps; Vampirathemovie.com – temporary tattoos designed by Daniel Reeve; Shop New Zeeland – manuka honey samples; Connolly’s Pub – pens; Idaho Potato Commission – various ‘tater’ related prizes. Thank you all!

Malcolm from ADC Publications writes: Thank you for adding our earlier book to your website, so that your viewers are aware of its existence. This is our second and the newest publication this year: The Epic Realm of Tolkien Part One – Beren and Luthien (Authors: Alex Lewis & Elizabeth Currie)

Lewis and Currie continue their ground-breaking studies with an examination of Tolkien’s most personal story, the Tale of Beren and Lúthien in its various forms. It is analysed from the early version in the Book of Lost Tales, through the incomparable poetry of the Lay of Leithian, through to beyond the Silmarillion version and the ideas that Tolkien was working towards the end of his life. The astonishing and powerful connections between Beren and Lúthien’s tale and the Arthurian legends in their various forms are examined and give a fascinating glimpse into the world of medieval literature which Professor Tolkien knew and loved so well. Find out how Tevildo Demon-Prince of Cats came into the tale and then was dropped in favour of other concepts, how Tolkien pondered over whether Beren should be a mortal man or an immortal elf. And throughout these tales run the foundations of Arthurian Story in a fascinating way. The connections that Lewis and Currie pursue lead to an elegant and original explanation of the creative purpose behind the Book of Lost Tales as a concept, and also give compelling insight as to how this related to the concept inherent within the Silmarillion and Tolkien’s Legendarium itself. In Epic Realms of Tolkien, learn also of the true significance of the Eriol / Aelfwine character and his adventures and deeds. Read the rest of this entry »

The folks at Kingfisher Books Ltd have sent along a copy of ‘Lost Worlds by John Howe’ to review. Check this space soon!

Book Description

“Lost Worlds” draws together John Howe’s incredible artwork with a wealth of historical facts and mythological texts to create a visually stunning, classic title. This unique children’s book is a first for John Howe. It is a project which fascinates him entirely, so much so that this is the first subject he has committed himself to write about.

A visually stunning look at ancient historical cities, hidden kingdoms and legendary realms, this book draws together facts and mythologies about some of the most captivating places on earth and in the imagination. Babylon, Atlantis, Pompeii, Hollow Earth–real-world places are shown alongside fantastical settings. With an eye-catching, clear plastic window on the cover and a foreword by Sir Ian McKellen, this gift book would be any fantasy reader’s dream.

Order ‘Lost Worlds by John Howe’ on Amazon.com Today!