Read LotR before you die! - The Barrow-Downs Discussion Forum

davem · 03-04-2006, 11:05 AM

http://books.guardian.co.uk/news/art...721526,00.html

Ok, LotR came third in the poll for World Book Day conducted by the Museum, Libraries and Archives Council (MLA) after To Kill a Mockingbird & the Bible, but its still a substantial result (imo). I wonder what this tells us?

Has Tolkien finally been accepted by the literary establishment, or has it always been up there, & we've just fallen for the Literati's narrow-mindedness, & adopted a defensive position?

Its certainly high praise. I'm ashamed to say I haven't read either of the two above it (& only five of the others on the list) - ok, I've read most of number two in various translations, but not the whole thing.

Considering the other books there I have to say it shows Tolkien is considered a major literary figure, in this country at least. But does it tell us anything more?

EDIT

I also wonder what they think people will get from LotR - why is it the third most important book we should read? Considering the other books on the list it seems it wasn't chosen simply for its entertainment value but that it has something to say. What, exactly, do they think it has to say, I wonder.

03-04-2006, 11:05 AM	#1
davem Illustrious Ulair Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: In the home of lost causes, and forsaken beliefs, and unpopular names,and impossible loyalties Posts: 4,240	Read LotR before you die! http://books.guardian.co.uk/news/art...721526,00.html Ok, LotR came third in the poll for World Book Day conducted by the Museum, Libraries and Archives Council (MLA) after To Kill a Mockingbird & the Bible, but its still a substantial result (imo). I wonder what this tells us? Has Tolkien finally been accepted by the literary establishment, or has it always been up there, & we've just fallen for the Literati's narrow-mindedness, & adopted a defensive position? Its certainly high praise. I'm ashamed to say I haven't read either of the two above it (& only five of the others on the list) - ok, I've read most of number two in various translations, but not the whole thing. Considering the other books there I have to say it shows Tolkien is considered a major literary figure, in this country at least. But does it tell us anything more? EDIT I also wonder what they think people will get from LotR - why is it the third most important book we should read? Considering the other books on the list it seems it wasn't chosen simply for its entertainment value but that it has something to say. What, exactly, do they think it has to say, I wonder. __________________ “Everything was an object. If you killed a dwarf you could use it as a weapon – it was no different to other large heavy objects." Last edited by davem; 03-04-2006 at 11:20 AM.