Scholars and fans of the great mythologist will find a rich vein of information in Humphrey Carpenter’s The Letters of J.R.R. Tolkien. Tolkien was a prodigious letter writer all his life; the sheer mass of his correspondence would give pause to even the most stalwart archivist (one shudders to think what he would have done with e-mail). But with the able assistance of Tolkien’s son Christopher and a healthy dose of determination, Carpenter manages find the cream of the crop–the letters that shed light on Tolkien’s thoughts about his academic and literary work, as well as those that show his more private side, revealing a loving husband, a playful friend, and a doting father. The most fascinating letters are, of course, those in which he discusses Middle-Earth, and Carpenter offers plenty of those to choose from. Tolkien discussed the minutia of his legend–sometimes at great length–with friends, publishers, and even fans who wrote to him with questions. These letters offer significant insights into how he went about creating the peoples and languages of Middle-Earth.
I have long ceased to invent (though even patronizing or sneering critics on the side praise my ‘inventions’): I wait till I seem to know what really happened. Or till it writes itself. Thus, though I knew for years that Frodo would run into a tree-adventure somewhere far down the Great River, I had no recollection of inventing Ents. I came at last to the point, and wrote the ‘Treebeard’ chapter without any recollection of any previous thought: just as it is now. And then I saw that, of course, it had not happened to Frodo at all.
This new edition of letters has an extensive index, and Carpenter has included a brief blurb at the beginning of each letter to explain who the correspondent was and what was being discussed. Still, we strongly recommend buying the companion volume, J.R.R. Tolkien: A Biography, in order to better understand the place these correspondents had in Tolkien’s life and get a better context for the letters. –Perry M. Atterberry
Posted in:
Share:
J.R.R. Tolkien’s THE HOBBIT is an epic tale of magical adventure that has captivated children and adults for more than sixty years. Its success comes from its combination of flawless storytelling and enchanting writing, including these twelve delightful poems. This miniature book, illustrated with thirty of Tolkien’s own paintings and drawings, contains all the poems, plus Gollum’s eight famous riddles, and will be a perfect keepsake for lovers of THE HOBBIT and Tolkien’s Middle-earth.
Posted in:
Share:
Join the staff of the Prancing Pony with this EXCLUSIVE t-shirt from The Lord of the Rings! The Inn of the Prancing Pony, in the town of Bree, is where Frodo Baggins first meets Aragorn. This 100% cotton, black t-shirt features the Inn’s logo on the front and “STAFF” on the back. Available in adult sizes.
Posted in:
Share:
Add this The Lord of the Rings Sauron wacky wobbler to your collection! The evil overlord is depicted in fantastic detail, holding his menacing mace. This plastic bobblehead stands approximately 6-inches tall and comes in window box packaging.
Warning: Choking Hazard – Small parts. Not for children under 3 years.
Posted in:
Share:
Here’s your chance to own a gorgeous reproduction of the leaf brooch worn by Frodo, Legolas, Aragorn, Boromir, and the other the members of the Fellowship in Peter Jackson’s film version of The Lord of the Rings. This inspiring and beautiful piece symbolizes the spirit and bond of those entrusted to save Middle-Earth. Made of finely handcrafted solid sterling silver and rich green enameling, the brooch measures 2 1/2 inches tall by 1 7/8 inches wide, and has a pin along the back so you can fasten it your shirt or jacket. The brooch is presented in a cotton filled box, and comes with a certificate of authenticity, which makes it a wonderful gift for men and women who are fans of The Lord of the Rings.
Posted in:
Share:
A WBShop.com exclusive, this The Lord of the Rings Middle-earth Map is a great gift for any The Lord of the Rings fan. Luxurious and personal, this fine archival quality canvas measures 30 x 30 inches and is set into a sleek black wooden box frame. This beautiful product arrives ready to hang on your home or office wall.
Posted in:
Share:
