Red Book Of Westmarch

[Jimmay]

Hi,
I've heard of this Red Book Of Westmarch and don't know what it is (apart from a book) and want to know where I can find it if it exists...thanks

[LePetitChoux]

I do believe it is the collective name for The Hobbit and LotR...though I may well be wrong. Welcome to the downs!

[Bêthberry]

You will find several entries for the Red Book of Westmarch in the Index to Lord of the Rings, the book which Tolkien wrote. It is said to be Bilbo's private diary. A good place to start for information is the Prologue, and then LOTR itself.

[ January 07, 2003: Message edited by: Bethberry ]

[Lugbúrz]

Tolkien, as a translator of the tales concerning the end of the Third Age, translated the Red Book of Westmarch into English. His role as narrator is visible in many places along the story.

The Red Book was handed from Bilbo to Frodo, who later left it for Sam to add onto. These three are primary authors of the tales that concern these times. When Sam departed, the book came into possession of his daughter, Elanor, who was in Westmarch, along with her husband. From then on the Red Book came into the family of the Wardens of Westmarch, and thus had their name added onto it.

If you come across the Red Book anywhere, be sure to let us all know. Tolkien must have hidden his copy safe and sound, away from Allen and Unwin. smilies/smile.gif

May his pipe still be full of weed.

[Bêthberry]

*curtsies to the erudition of Lugbúrz*

Who knows what may yet be found in the dusty recesses of the British Museum or in shoe boxes of the Tolkien family.

Bethberry

[Jimmay]

Thanks everyone and it sounds like a great book (if it ever gets published).....anyone know Christopher Tolkien's phone number lol?