[Glenethor]

Um...I'd just like to add that another of my criteria is that a transcendent work of art be spiritually uplifting. It must nourish the soul, not merely reflect a part of our nature in a mirror. I think, of this century's authors, Tolkien's works will still be read by our children's children's children. So too, will people listen to The Beatles (amongst others) in 200 years. My only real concern about these works of art surviving the millenia is that they (the books and music) are the property of commercial organizations and access to them will be determined on the basis of whether or not those organizations can derive a profit from them. Then there are political considerations, but all things being equal, LoTR will follow our genes through time. So, really, objectively, time will tell.
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