Will The Hobbit do damage to the books? - The Barrow-Downs Discussion Forum

Rhod the Red · 01-04-2013, 07:12 AM

That depends on how you define 'successful'. If Tolkein tried to get it published today he'd obviously be rejected out of hand. His book breaks all the rules; no sex, no this, no that, etc.

He didn't exactly get overall acceptance in the literary community. Most just waved it off, remember. The same as with the possibility of ever being made into film(s), as you might recall.

One trend in the 1950s and 60's in literary circles, particularly in Britain was opposition to high fantasy. That's why Tolkein's work wasn't as widely accepted at the time as compared to today. JK Rowling got much the same treatment and rejection by the literary community too if I recall correctly; it was only the films for her books that shut the critics up, except maybe the religious nuts.

Or do you disagree?

01-04-2013, 07:12 AM	#9
Rhod the Red Shade of Carn Dûm Join Date: May 2006 Location: Melbourne, Australia Posts: 257	That depends on how you define 'successful'. If Tolkein tried to get it published today he'd obviously be rejected out of hand. His book breaks all the rules; no sex, no this, no that, etc. He didn't exactly get overall acceptance in the literary community. Most just waved it off, remember. The same as with the possibility of ever being made into film(s), as you might recall. One trend in the 1950s and 60's in literary circles, particularly in Britain was opposition to high fantasy. That's why Tolkein's work wasn't as widely accepted at the time as compared to today. JK Rowling got much the same treatment and rejection by the literary community too if I recall correctly; it was only the films for her books that shut the critics up, except maybe the religious nuts. Or do you disagree? __________________ Head of the Fifth Order of the Istari Tenure: Fourth Age(Year 1) - Present Currently operating in Melbourne, Australia