Christopher Tolkien at it again....

[davem]

Yep, CT has let slip Clive, (his wild boar) on another author: http://www.techdirt.com/articles/201...-fiction.shtml

An author by the name of Stephen Hilliard has written a bit of historical fiction, that includes a bunch of historical characters and a fictionalized version of Tolkien. The book is supposed to be a historical novel and a form of literary criticism of Tolkien -- though I would imagine it's partly called that in order to aid with any potential "fair use" claims.

The Tolkien estate, of course, objects to the entire concept of the book, and sent a cease-and-desist letter to Hilliard, claiming that the book violated JRR Tolkien's publicity rights and "alleged that the cover art and typefaces in "Mirkwood" were similar to Tolkien's work to a degree that it would provoke unfair competition." That may be one of the more ridiculous assertions we've seen in a long time. "Unfair competition" to whom or what? Is anyone going to buy this novel and then say "well, that satisfies my need for Tolkien's work?" It seems like a pretty extreme argument, putting in the cease-and-desist just to pad out the threats part.

Get the book here http://www.amazon.co.uk/Mirkwood-Ste...8314819&sr=8-2

or Kindle it in a few seconds: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Mirkwood-Tol...8314819&sr=8-2

Get yours now - before Clive eats it.... & then comes for you

(EDIT: I just downloaded it - I knew about the book previously but had decided not to bother getting it just yet. But now CT has just annoyed me enough to buy the thing.....I'm just off to get me boar spear......)