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Tirinor · 12-28-2001, 08:53 AM

hey Lush, you are right. I do love the books, and i do want others to read it. but I want people to read it and enjoy it because of the great work of art it is and not because it is popular. <P>I guess I would just like to see LOTR grouped with works worthy to be called equals.<P>I'm not sure if it was you who made the comment about how Literature is being diminshed too, but I must admit that is only to true. when you see John Grisham books grouped with the likes of Steinbeck and Hugo, it is a sad day.<P>My hope is that readers exhibit proper discernment when approaching a book. It is fine to enjoy popular books, I do so myself occasionally, but just because they are enjoyable does not mean they are good. <P>We could get into a huge discussion about aesthetics, and what "good" is, but I would rather not right now. but there is a canon of books that have withstood the test of time and are considered "good." and I believe that LOTR should be a part of that group. when LOTR is grouped in a "popular" genre like fantasy, I get irked. Poe and O'connor stand among the greats, they are not relegated to the ranks of horror, macabre or mystery. perhaps it is because they are older. maybe Tolkien has to put in his time before he gets promoted. but I think his time will be extended because of the movies.

12-28-2001, 08:53 AM	#27
Tirinor Haunting Spirit Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Alabama, U.S.A. Posts: 90	hey Lush, you are right. I do love the books, and i do want others to read it. but I want people to read it and enjoy it because of the great work of art it is and not because it is popular. <P>I guess I would just like to see LOTR grouped with works worthy to be called equals.<P>I'm not sure if it was you who made the comment about how Literature is being diminshed too, but I must admit that is only to true. when you see John Grisham books grouped with the likes of Steinbeck and Hugo, it is a sad day.<P>My hope is that readers exhibit proper discernment when approaching a book. It is fine to enjoy popular books, I do so myself occasionally, but just because they are enjoyable does not mean they are good. <P>We could get into a huge discussion about aesthetics, and what "good" is, but I would rather not right now. but there is a canon of books that have withstood the test of time and are considered "good." and I believe that LOTR should be a part of that group. when LOTR is grouped in a "popular" genre like fantasy, I get irked. Poe and O'connor stand among the greats, they are not relegated to the ranks of horror, macabre or mystery. perhaps it is because they are older. maybe Tolkien has to put in his time before he gets promoted. but I think his time will be extended because of the movies. __________________ War Eagle.