"I don't have my books with me..."

[Osse]

As we all know, or have observed, most downers don't actually HAVE their books with them. The number of topics that are founded on someone who "dosen't have their books with them" or who's books are "in storage" or "written in swahili" is getting ridiculous...

I'd just like to ask, where are all the books?? If no-one has them, where are they?!?!

[Sleepy Ranger]

My friends keep taking them. Those crazy friends of mine. The things we go through to convert someone to a Tolkien fan. Crazy I tell you. Simply crazy. :rolleyes:

[mark12_30]

Some of us post during our lunch hour at work.

[Oddwen]

Most of my books are either upstairs in my bookcase, or in my backpack for reading at work.

However...I do have my one-volume edition right by my knee, where I can and do use it for reference. Ha ha! A jump on some of you! :D

[Encaitare]

They're usually upstairs on my shelf, and unless there's something I feel I must be to-the-letter exact on, then I'll just work from memory. I'm too lazy to get out of my swivel chair and go up two flights of stairs, being a very sedentary person :cool:

[Lalwendë]

I have 'downstairs' and 'upstairs' copies of LOTR, but the rest (e.g. HoME, The Sil. etc.) are all downstairs, and I have very steep stairs, so I can't always be bothered getting off my bum to go and get them! ;) I have severe book storage problems as all the shelves in the living room, computer room and on the stairs are now full, and the only solution is a larger house. :(

[The Only Real Estel]

Well, the problem with me is my computer is roughly 20 yards away from the cabinet where my lotr books are kept. Naturally, that's a major problem :eek:!

[Eomer of the Rohirrim]

They have been stolen by the Witch of Caithness, for use in a spell to rid the region of her white witch foes.

This is a Mirth thread, right?

[Mithalwen]

Most of my original texts have been lost in the primeaval swamp that is my god daughter's bedroom she also has custody of my DVDs and CD .... but LOTR did fall apart as she read it .......lol so I had to rebuy anyway.......

At the moment I tend to post in a Cyber Cafe instead of sitting in a traffic jam... and since my Tolkien books fill a small bookcase (a small piece of order in the primaeval swamp that is my bedroom) ... well I am notorious for carrying around my life in my handbag but.... even I have limits... :) Perhaps we should get them to do a wheeled-suitcase edition of the complete works....

[Morsul the Dark]

I work from memory usually but my books are in my room all lined up nifty

for the quiz room I treat my "Languages of Tolkien's Middle Earth" like a bible otherwise like enca I usually dont look anything up unless I deed exact quotes.

[Feanor of the Peredhil]

Ah, the long and complicated story of the location of my books.

The Fellowship of the Ring: For all that it's practically memorized anyhow, my copy of FotR resides on my bookshelf, except for when Keeper of Dol Goldur "borrows" it and it stays on his bedside table for weeks at a time. Currently it is in my da's den on the floor by some of my CDs.

The Two Towers: Resides most often on my bookshelf, next to FotR when that is where it should be. Currently... on my bookshelf.

The Return of the King: Resides occasionally on my bookshelf, but is more often half-read on the floor by my bed, or in Keeper's room. Currently right next to FotR.

The Hobbit: Lives on my bookshelf, except for the 9 month stay it had at a friend's house when I was trying to convert him.

The Silm: my local library. I don't own it yet.

Everything else: I get them by special order through the library. Takes awhile, so I tend to go online instead.

Or I could just say that my books were burninated by Trogdor.

Fea

[ninlaith]

These hypothetical books you speak of are usually found under the beds of the ...how do you say...so-called LOTR know-it-all's bed with an inch of dust piled on them! I think people like that just like challenging other BDers and when they find out they're wrong they have to come up with a lame excuse as to why they were wrong...when they could just easily admit they were wrong....Have a nice night everyone! :)

[Encaitare]

Or I could just say that my books were burninated by Trogdor.

LOL! ::sings and dances:: TROGDORRRR!!! THE BURNINATORR!!!!

Okay, enough silliness. ::tries to look serious and fails:: I too shall say where all my books are:

LotR all-in-one book: on special Tolkien-only shelf

Silm: also on said shelf

FotR: somewhere in my house; I'm not sure where

TTT: between my Argonath bookends!

RotK: also between bookends

HoME I-V (the only ones I've got), Languages book, and movie-related books (art of, weapons and warfare, etc.): on special shelf

Tolkien Reader: next to me because I'm currently reading "On Fairy Stories"

Woohoo!

[Sirithheruwen]

If it is something important, like a double-check on a QR Q/A or a post in the Books, then I walk up a flight of stairs to my bedroom to get my books. Otherwise, I, too, go from memory.

Currently:

FOTR: Book; special Tolkein-related shelf in room. Movie; Upstairs TV.
TTT: Book; in my "reading-space" in my room. Movie; Downstairs TV.
ROTK: Book; Reading-space. Movie; friend's house...darnnit!
Everything else (except Weapons and Warfare): At library....double darnnit! :(

[Firefoot]

Before I got my own computer for Christmas last year, all of my books would be upstairs in my room and if I wanted to check on something I would have to go all the way up there to get them. Now, I have most of my books (3-in-1 LotR, the Hobbit, UT, the Sil, and currently the Lays of Beleriand) stacked up right next to my keyboard. It makes things a whole lot easier.

[One of the Nine]

Well, all of my books are on my special Tolkein shelf, with a couple other books that needed somewhere to reside, along with the DVD of RotK. The family computer is sadly across the house from my room, and I never get up from the computer lest someone steal it from me, in which case I boot them off. :D :rolleyes:

[Saraphim]

My books lie scattered on any of the number of surfaces I use throughout my home. I do technically have a
special Tolkein shelf
but it doesn't have many actual books on it. Usually I have a paperback book or two somewhere in my trenchcoat, but as it's summer I can't wear it.

Hey, perhaps that's where my Lays of Beleriand is...

[Lalwendë]

Usually I have a paperback book or two somewhere in my trenchcoat

Ah, the joys of a coat which seems to have been cunningly designed for the bookworm! I once had a duffel coat which had paperback-sized pockets, and for this reason I used to wear it, despite being nicknamed 'Paddington'.

How many people have a special 'Tolkien shelf'? I have so many books that I always group like with like, so I naturally have a Tolkien shelf anyway, although some of the larger books are on the 'oversize' books shelves - I sound like a frustrated librarian... I keep my 'upstairs' LOTR on top of the poetry shelf which is at the top of the stairs, although the volumes are often scattered between various bedrooms and the bathroom and I have to round them up every few days.

[Hookbill the Goomba]

I am fortunate enough to have a computer in my own bedroom from which I can brows the Internet. SO I always have my books close at hand. Weather I can be bothered to get them from the cupboard behind me is a different matter. :p

[Morsul the Dark]

My rrom is only down the hall but still thats like 30 steps I have to take its like 45 seconds of my time! :p

The only things I keep close to the computer are as I said "Languages of Tolkien's Middle-Earth" and the CD set of the BBC Radio dramanization of the trilogy and the hobbit

[Tuor of Gondolin]

They probably give them away to others on their birthdays.

[Nilpaurion Felagund]

I usually use the internet at school - living in a rural province in a country not that famous has its downsides, like no internet access at home. My bag is a small Hello Kitty backpack - in pink, of course. Only two LotR books manage to fit there. Right now, I'm carrying the Fellowship and UT.

Of course, I carry another bag. This one's my IN - immediate need - bag. Contains all the things I need - lembas, miruvor, and the current Arda tome I'm reading. Right now it's The Two Towers. I'm rereading LotR for the first time this year.

First time? Blasphemy! Heresy! Burn him at the stake!

Hey, I've been out reading Tom Clancy, remember?

Yeah. The tank battles at Executive Orders was quite amusing.

Once - last year, I think - I tried to bring all Arda tomes I own - in a different bag, of course. That plan went to Angband once I owned HoME I-III. Now where do I fit my school stuff? And my food?

[Gorwingel]

Well they're in my room, which is about 20 feet from where the computer is located. They have never been borrowed because I don't lend them. So I really have no excuse for not using them while posting, but it is just that I am usually too lazy to go over, get them, and then find the passage in which I'm searching for :D

I usually reference the Internet instead because it's easier :cool:

[yavanna II]

Once I sit at the comp chair, it'll take hours before I part withit. Except when I'm hungry, or nature's calling.
As for my books..... welll.... I use the net on our Comp Labs during Recess at school.
At home my bookcase is way too high for me to reach without exerting much effort :eek: (see how lazy I am...)
Those are the major reasons.

THe minor reasons:
Once in a blue moon a friend borrows those
My dad hides them, then says" Consuelo if you don't study your chemistry I'll never buy you a novel again"

As for the hiding, I always know where he hides them. :p But then again, I musn't get caught while stealing my babies back.

[Mad Baggins]

Oh, no! My books are so far away...twelve steps is too many to climb! The staircase to the upper level of my home seems to carry on forever...I simply can't deal with the long, arduous journey to my bedroom upstairs. :rolleyes:

[the phantom]

I usually use the internet at school
I, too, often use the computers at school, so I don't have my books with me for about 90% of my posts.

When I know something from the books well enough to post without looking it up I make sure and say "I don't have my books with me". I do this for two reasons- 1) in case (this hasn't happened yet) I'm completely wrong or 2) to show off my Tolkien smarts (sort of like saying "I don't even need a book to answer that question! Ha ha!"). :p

[Encaitare]

Usually I have a paperback book or two somewhere in my trenchcoat, but as it's summer I can't wear it.

No fair! *My* trenchcoat doesn't have handy book-sized pockets!

[Osse]

my books have been mysteriously swallowed up by a tenticled beast. "It was suprising that of all the trilogy, it was the Fellowship of the Ring, that the beast went for first..." - Or something close, i don't have my books here, or i'd look up the exact quote.

[Estelyn Telcontar]

Since my computer and my Tolkien bookshelf are right next to each other, I *never* post without my books! I have all of the major and minor works, plus reference material, biography, etc. at arm's length, and the ones that are currently being used are stacked on the table around my keyboard with lots of paper slips bookmarking the quiz/quotes passages or chapters being discussed.

[Lhunardawen]

The books are with Nilpaurion Felagund. :mad:

*groan* I have to get my own copy...

[Mithalwen]

No fair! *My* trenchcoat doesn't have handy book-sized pockets!


Well let that be a lesson to you.... always take your books when selecting your wardrobe..... :p

[mark12_30]

Since my computer and my Tolkien bookshelf are right next to each other, I *never* post without my books! I have all of the major and minor works, plus reference material, biography, etc. at arm's length, and the ones that are currently being used are stacked on the table around my keyboard with lots of paper slips bookmarking the quiz/quotes passages or chapters being discussed.

Once again, Esty puts us all to shame. *hangs head*

[Estelyn Telcontar]

Well, if I can't brag about all the books and use them frequently, what's the use of spending so much money on them?! ;) :rolleyes: :D

[mark12_30]

Is THAT why my shelves (http://members.cox.net/hrwright61/collection.JPG) are bending under the weight?

[Child of the 7th Age]

Esty,

You're really organized. My house looks like Bag-end at the beginning of the movie with books and papers scattered all around!

The crazy thing is this. I have multiple copies of most of Tolkien's works as well as various critical studies but many of them are kept in my bedroom or living room on bookshelves. There's just not enough space in the room where the computer is.

I quite frequently post very late at night when everyone else in the house is snoring away. I do keep a one-volume LotR near my computer, but lots of times I need other things. The problem is if I creep to where the books are, the dog in my son's room starts barking (a giant standard poodle that looks like a mop) and everyone wakes up! My husband has to get up at 5:00 am and he somehow does not appreciate being woken at 1 am. :eek:

So, in the interests of family peace, I sometimes post without my books.

Cami

P.S. These various "excuses" for posting without the books are really quite creative. In their diversity and cleverness, they remind me of the tales I used to tell my teacher when I didn't have my assignments.

[Lalwendë]

mark12_30, let me shake your hand. That's the finest collection I've ever seen and I'm beyond jealous. I'd presume you've been hunting editions down in second-hand shops as that must have cost you many £££s! I'm now going to look for old editions a little more often I think - I did get an illustrated Hobbit for 50p the other day though.

[Hookbill the Goomba]

50p!!!!????!!!!

(Is green with envy, or it may be the fact that I’m dead, I can’t tell)

That's not fair! My nearest Waterstones sells it for £15! Which is annoying, as I don't make a lot of money! >.<

[Lalwendë]

It is this one (http://www.amazon.co.uk/exec/obidos/ASIN/0395362903/qid=1093637002/sr=1-6/br_lfbnb_b_6/202-6253819-0755868), illustrated by Michael Hague. It was in a Barnardos charity shop that I found it - the one near work has a huge book section - but I left them more than 50p with it being a charity, and it was such a bargain!

[mark12_30]

I love the picture of the elves in the trees, playing harps. Perfect.

[Hookbill the Goomba]

It is this one, illustrated by Michael Hague. It was in a Barnardos charity shop that I found it - the one near work has a huge book section - but I left them more than 50p with it being a charity, and it was such a bargain!

Oh, I see.

I've never seen that version. Only this (http://images-eu.amazon.com/images/P/026110330X.02.LZZZZZZZ.jpg) one. which is Illustrated by Alan Lee

[Lalwendë]

I like Alan Lee's Smaug - he's almost lizard-like. It makes me wish I could draw dragons but they tend to come out like mutated horses. :(

I do like Alan Lee's illustrations, they remind me of the artist Friedrich.

[Hookbill the Goomba]

I wish I could draw horses, but they always come out as mutated Dragons. ;) :p

[Lindril Arvilya]

A group of dwarves stayed to tea, and I was lamentably out of cakes and coffee, so they ate my books instead. Gandalf promised to replace them, but you know how he is about getting things back to you.

[Lhundulinwen]

Do you realize the physical limitations on owning the one volume edition!? That thing weighs a ton! Must remeber to get single volumes...

[Annalaliath]

My books just disintegrated before my eyes the last time I picked them up... I guess that's the bad thing when you don't have money and steal you mother's copies of LOTR. Yes, it's true. I wonder if she knows yet.

[Hookbill the Goomba]

Do you realize the physical limitations on owning the one volume edition!? That thing weighs a ton! Must remeber to get single volumes...

Aaagh! Don't! Its more trouble than its worth! It’s nice to have the three volumes at home, but if you want to read Lord of the rings when you are out and about, it is MUCH easier to have the paperback full version! It's not as heavy as the hard back one and it’s good for checking forward as I do all too often. I don't know about you, but I always find myself going back and forth in the book. So it’s best to have the full version.

That's my opinion any way.

I usually bring my "Complete Tolkien companion" as well as Silm when I go to School and know I'll end up on the Downs at some point. They are always good to have around, Like a portable encyclopaedia of Arda! :D

[mark12_30]

Or you can buy an e-text and put it on your PDA. Then it fits into a pocket.

[Kath]

Yes, if you're rich and can spend the extra money on such items.

[Lhundulinwen]

Yes a pocket version of the entire LOTR would be divine, but I do love my paperback one volume, its just very heavy on top of Biology, History, etc. books. I plan on collecting all the versions of the books over a period of years. Its a goal, anyway. :cool:

[Nilpaurion Felagund]

My books just disintegrated before my eyes the last time I picked them up . . . (Annalalaith)
Mine, too . . . my paperback LotR was not able to handle all the stress of travel.

[Annalaliath]

Holy crap I should have replied to this 2 years ago... well its worse now, I can't find my copy of the FOTR. *cries*

[Lalwendë]

Brill bump-up - I've spotted some of my earliest posts! :D

Course, now I have even more copies of the books! We have 3 sets of HoME and strategically placed copies of the books around the house (handy for bedtime, the bathroom, the living room etc). And I've got that super-lightweight India paper edition of LotR that davem found for a ridiculously low price on the flea market - it's printed on that think bible paper so it's very portable but alas worth too much to 'port' too often.

And technology has moved on in four years....Does anyone have one of those E-Book reader thingummyjigs? I wouldn't want to read a book off one, but I'd still quite like one just to cart round the entire works of Tolkien!

[Naz]

I have all of LotR broken up into the three books, & today none would fit into my backpack. :\

...my FotR is on the road to disintegration. It's beginning to resemble the Book of Marzarbul.

[Annalaliath]

*is posting before heading to a final* Dude! I just remembered where some of mine are, I think my buddy in the army has them and he's in Iraq! >.> *wanders off to "acquire" a copy from grandmother*

[Beregond]

All my Tolkien books are on the shelf directly above my computer, within easy reach, save for my original and favourite and failing John Howe covered copies of LotR which live in a glassed bookcase downstairs, a haven for special tomes. The hardcover illustrated LotR and Sil are on another shelf in my room.

I feel organized. :)

[Annalaliath]

see I wish I had some nice ones. But I will have to live with my old beat up 60's ones that are missing covers and stuff.

[Lalwendë]

Where's the most bizarre places us Downers have copies of Tolkien's books stashed?

I used to have them on my desk at work (I liked to call it: Placing Hobbits At The Heart Of Government), and now I keep copies on a shelf outside the bathroom door for taking in there to read (come on, who doesn't confess to going in there for a quiet five minutes' reading?).

I seem to remember from an ancient thread that the most weird places Tolkien books had been read were all offered by narfforc who took them out on ops with him ;)

[Annalaliath]

LOL

My grandmother and I have stacks of books in the bathroom. And I have a ton of them sitting on my sewing table and under my computer desk, and in my closet and in the bookshelves and in the garage and in my car. I have found LOTR books in my bookbags and in boxes full of art supplies.

[Annalaliath]

Seems pertinent again, as I have moved since my last post.

Most of my books had been co-opted by my grandmother and family member. A buddy of mine at university ave me a boxed set of the LOTR from 1965. This set is on my new Tolkien/fantasy shelf along with my remaining copies of The Professor's work, as I am missing some. My cousin got me new copy of the Hobbit, as mine has walked off with an uncle who will remain nameless.

I have recently acquired the kindle versions of The Silmarillion, The Children of Huron, the Lost Tales, and the Unfinished Tales Volume 1. Christmas money well spent. They are always a few swipes away.

So, after digging this fun old thread up, where are yours?

[Elyna of Rivendell]

Every single book even semi-related to Tolkien is on a "Tolkien-shelf"..

Unfortunately, said shelf is at my dad's house, and i haven't figured out how to take it with me when i go to stay with my mum.. I'll get them there one day..

P.S. and no i can't just take the books, because half of them technically belong to my dad, and i'm not sure if he trusts me with them.. probably for good reason... :D

[MCRmyGirl4eva]

Well, I prefer not to touch my 70's copy of TTT, and while I'm happy to flip through my leather-bound copy of The Hobbit, my copies of Fellowship and newer copy of TTT are tucked safely away in my dresser to avoid the sharp claws of my new kitten. My copies of The Sil and ROTK are somewhere in the tsunami of books that my family owns. (I'm not exaggerating, we could open a secondhand bookstore).

Long story short, my home is literature roulette.

[Lotrelf]

In my computer.

[Aganzir]

I used to have mine in my bedroom, but under my current living conditions I keep them in the living room shelf along with my housemates' books. I was sometimes too lazy to get up and walk the two metres to get them before, preferring to google a particular quote instead, and now I'm even worse.

Then again, I sometimes post from work and have a legitimate excuse for booklessness.