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July 29, 2004
How Tolkien triumphed over the critics
The BBC has an interesting article about how Tolkien's Lord of the Rings trilogy was greeted by critics when it was first written.
"'This is not a work which many adults will read through more than once,' said the anonymous reviewer in the Times Literary Supplement, while American critic Edmund Wilson, dismissed the entire trilogy in 1956 as 'juvenile trash'".
Very interesting. I rather enjoyed the books although I will admit to skipping over some of the poems and songs.
Read it all here.
Posted by Daffodil at July 29, 2004 12:34 PM
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Comments
The books were, and are, very good. His critics probably knew it. I think the problem is that they took offense at it for deeper philosophical reasons. This was back during the "modern" era. Science could tell us all we needed to know about anything. Man had no soul, and was nothing more than a collection of chemicals. Even architecture was affected by the spirit of the times. Buildings were often hardly more than drab boxes providing nothing above functionality.
Fantasy is a genre that by it's very nature spits in the face of such thinking. So much more well-written fantasy.
Posted by: The Postmodern Puritan at July 29, 2004 2:19 PM
Or his critics were merely foolish and shortsighted.
Posted by: InsaneIdiot at July 29, 2004 8:42 PM
Most legends aren't appreciated in their own time.
Posted by: Dianne at July 29, 2004 8:49 PM
Too true. That's why Bush will be lauded in years to come for having true vision.
Posted by: Tom M. at July 30, 2004 4:20 PM
Bush will never be lauded. He will be remembered for exactly what he is...a power hungry idiot who tried to take over the world.
Posted by: Dianne at July 30, 2004 4:41 PM
When we're old and gray 50 years from now, we'll revisit this topic and see, OK?
Posted by: Tom M. at July 30, 2004 6:56 PM
Since we'll be old and gray, and I think it would be funny, while you're admitting you were wrong I'd like to see you do a little dance with your cane. We'll call it the cane dance. :O) LOL
Posted by: Dianne at July 30, 2004 7:37 PM
Tell you what, if I'm wrong, you're on. Think Social Security will be enough for the cane by then? :)
Posted by: Tom M. at July 30, 2004 7:47 PM
I doubt it. Tell you what I'll even buy you a cane! :o) Anyway aren't you a financial advisor? You should come up with a get rick quick fix for us all! LOL
Posted by: Dianne at July 31, 2004 10:09 PM
LOL! Yes, I am a financial advisor, but I'm in the "get wealthy slowly but surely" business. I have enough trouble sleeping with a newborn; I don't need to lose more sleep over my clients' life savings!
I'm going to start a cane savings fund on Monday. :)
Posted by: Tom M. at July 31, 2004 10:49 PM
What do you think canes will run when we are that age? (I'm assuming you're around my age 30.)
Posted by: Dianne at August 2, 2004 8:56 AM
Well, according to 1-800-WHEELCHAIR (http://www.1800wheelchair.com/asp/canes.asp) the cane I like is $52.00. That's the four-poster. Stylin', right?
Let's assume inflation to average 2.5% over the next 50 years. (You're right, I'll be 82 then.) That would put the cost of a cane at 52 * (1.025^50) = $171.86. Start saving! :)
Posted by: Tom M. at August 2, 2004 10:09 AM