[Thinhyandoiel]

I think fantasy has become more widespread as a result of this latest craze. I say craze, because many of those who like it now won't in a few years. Sad really. I started reading the books before Christmas. After Christmas and the FOTR movie, I came to school and saw about ten girls I didn't even think could READ with their noses deeply imbedded in The Hobbit. Guys who saw my LOTR books started asking questions about them. When I went out to buy the Silmarillion, there was half a wall at Coles devoted to Tolkien, with LOTR, The Hobbit, Unfinished Tales and The Silmarillion all lined up neatly from three different publishers in three different covers. Every gaming store I go to has a life-size stand up of Saruman and Gandalf (usually 'guarding' the entrance). I think it's great, and I do credit the LOTR movie with that. But also, I'm more than willing to give some of that credit to the Harry Potter craze, even if LOTR is a million, billion, trillion, gazillion times better! [img]smilies/biggrin.gif[/img]