From booksblog.dallasnews.com (via Gary L): Saturday evening, Nov. 21, 2009, lovers of two of the most popular writers of all time–C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien, known popularly for the Narnia series and Lord of the Rings–may spend an evening with Peter Kreeft of Boston. The dinner opens at 6:30 p.m. in Elliott Hall at Highland Park Presbyterian Church, 3821 University Blvd. in Dallas. Tickets are $70; the evening includes “the most literary silent auction in Dallas.” To reserve seats, email mdmonse@yahoo.com. More..

bilboWhat exactly is going on with the two-part adaptation of The Hobbit? The world seems to be holding its breath in anticipation, including us, but as the calendar turned to November, we turned to a trusted rock-solid inside source and found a dragon’s treasure of updates. Continue reading “Exclusive Hobbit update: Casting, monsters, costumes!”

The influence the Welsh language had on books by JRR Tolkien is to form part of a major new festival in Powys to honour the author. The Festival in the Shire will celebrate themes inspired by Tolkien, whose novels included Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit. Fans of the writer, leading academics and illustrators are expected to attend the planned event in Machynlleth. It is being organised by local book dealer Mark Faith for next August. More..

J.R.R. TolkienJ.R.R. Tolkien was the fifth top earning dead celebrity on Forbes’ list, earning $50 Million last year. From Forbes.com: The creator of hobbits and Middle Earth languages left a lasting legacy for his fans and family with The Lord of the Rings franchise. The Tolkien estate and publisher HarperCollins recently reached a settlement with New Line Cinema over allegedly unpaid royalties from the Lord of the Rings movies. September’s agreement was reported at over $100 million, meaning J.R.R. Tolkien earned a sizable income in the last year. His earning potential isn’t dimming: The Hobbit is rumored for release in 2011, with directors Guillermo del Toro and Peter Jackson at the helm. More…

Shadow Dragons“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.