I have already begun to read my copy. Here in Britain, it appeared on the shelving of our shoppes yesterday eve. It is quite wonderful, as one might expect. Though, to be sure, it is not a happy children's tale. This is Tolkien at his most creative, mature stage. The tale is set long before the time of the Lord of the Rings, though in the same world. The book is already causing quite a stir on this side of the Atlantic precisely because the literary establishment despises Tolkien. I could not be more delighted.
I hastened out to the book store and bought the book, then went home and spent my reading time on Marx and Engels' Communist Manifesto. No, I am not crazy; I had to read it for school, but now that I am through with reading Marx's fantasy work, I can get on to something serious.
In stylistic terms, this book is somewhere between The Silmarillion and Sir Gwain. So, fans of Hobbits may be a bit disappointed. But, for those who really appreciate Tolkien's depth and range, this is an utter delight. I am only halfway through and totally wowed!
I have already begun to read my copy. Here in Britain, it appeared on the shelving of our shoppes yesterday eve. It is quite wonderful, as one might expect. Though, to be sure, it is not a happy children's tale. This is Tolkien at his most creative, mature stage. The tale is set long before the time of the Lord of the Rings, though in the same world. The book is already causing quite a stir on this side of the Atlantic precisely because the literary establishment despises Tolkien. I could not be more delighted.
ReplyDeleteI cannot wait to delve into my copy. But, alas, I must. Greater priorities intervene.
ReplyDeleteI hastened out to the book store and bought the book, then went home and spent my reading time on Marx and Engels' Communist Manifesto. No, I am not crazy; I had to read it for school, but now that I am through with reading Marx's fantasy work, I can get on to something serious.
ReplyDeleteTiming is everything. I work next door to a great bookstore and I plan to board a plane for ~10 hours tomorrow. I can't wait!
ReplyDeleteIn stylistic terms, this book is somewhere between The Silmarillion and Sir Gwain. So, fans of Hobbits may be a bit disappointed. But, for those who really appreciate Tolkien's depth and range, this is an utter delight. I am only halfway through and totally wowed!
ReplyDeleteI just put this on hold at B&N yesterday and I cant wait to read it :-)
ReplyDelete