Good point Bruce, you beat me to it. I also read on a blurb of a book that Tolkien is considered the father of modern fantasy, but he is definitely more than that. Terry Brooks was once compared to Tolkien, but his work is definitely missing the epic style that Tolkien was so good at, and the depth of description. I think the ultimate superiority of JRRT's writing reflects the time and painful revision that he did. Also the classic and quality education, coupled with a great philological mind (he was the proofreader of my Icelandic textbook by Gordon btw)are contributing factors.
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-Halbarad to Aragorn, 'The Passing of the Grey Company' Book V, Return of the King."A little people, but of great worth are the Shire-folk. Little do they know of our long labour for the safekeeping of their borders, and yet I grudge it not"
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