David writes: There is a brilliant extract in the Wall Street Journal today from A.N. Wilson’s recent book, “Our Times: The Age of Elizabeth II”. A.N. Wilson describes LOTR as “one of the great masterpieces of twentieth century literature”. He explains in detail why Tolkien and the Lord of Rings is so prophetic and resonant with our worries about the modern world. It is well worth reading and (from a personal perspective) encapsulates why I think LOTR is as powerful today as it was 55 years ago. More..
Order “Our Times: The Age of Elizabeth II” on Amazon.com
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“In a hole in the ground there lived a hobbit.” — J.R.R. Tolkien
John Ronald Reuel Tolkien was born in Bloemfontein, S.A., on January 3, 1892. He would eventually move to England, become an accomplished linguist and scholar, an Oxford professor and a beloved husband and father. While in his twenties, he began developing a series of stories that went on to become the rich, complex history of a place called Middle-earth: a world that millions would eventually visit, both on the written page and on the big screen, and come to love. TheOneRing.net raises a glass to “The Professor!” today, in honor of all the enjoyment and camaradarie his birth would lead to. Thank you, professor Tolkien!
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Ian Collier, Tolkien Society Publicity Officer writes: At 9pm (local times) on January 3rd fans around the world are invited to raise a glass and toast J.R.R. Tolkien’s Birthday. The toast is: “The Professor”. For those unfamiliar with British toast-drinking ceremonies: to make the Birthday Toast, you stand, raise a glass of your choice of drink (not necessarily alcoholic), and say the words ‘The Professor’ before taking a sip (or swig, if that’s more appropriate for your drink). Sit and enjoy the rest of your drink.
The Tolkien Society has some webpages for the 2010 toast where fans across the globe can let other fans know where they’ll be celebrating if they’re hosting a party, or just what particular tipple they’ll be raising. Fans will be able to check the webpage and see who is celebrating where and if they wish to get in touch and join in.
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Nancy writes: Just wanted to let you (and TORN) know that there will be several talks about Richard Wagner and JRR Tolkien in connection with Los Angeles’ Ring Festival.
The Los Angeles Opera will produce 3 complete cycles of Wagner’s Ring operas in May and June. In connection with this will be Ring Festival LA, consisting of numerous events, lectures, exhibits, and performances running from January through August. (Information: www.RingFestivalLA.com) Continue reading “Tolkien in the Wagner Ring Festival”
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Amy H. Sturgis writes: Because it’s about fantasy in general, and two chapters in particular focus heavily on J.R.R. Tolkien, I wanted to let you know about my latest book project, now hot off the press: The Intersection of Fantasy and Native America: From H.P. Lovecraft to Leslie Marmon Silko. More.. Continue reading “New Book: The Intersection of Fantasy and Native America: From H.P. Lovecraft to Leslie Marmon Silko”
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Sotheby’s is delighted to announce that their English Literature, History, Children’s Books & Illustrations auction on 17 December (sale code L09777) will include an exceptionally early drawing by J.R.R. Tolkien. It is exceptionally rare for original artwork by Tolkien to be offered at auction. This early example depicts his aunt’s farm (‘Lamb’s Farm, Gedling, Notts’) and shows the location where he composed the earliest known writing that relates to his mythology.
The lot can be viewed here or the e-catalogue for the entire sale is available here (please note that the e-catalogue can take some time to load and the Tolkien drawing is lot 178).
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