Question about CT's editing hand in the Sil - The Barrow-Downs Discussion Forum

Maglor · 02-27-2007, 04:29 PM

Hey, thanks for responding!

I'm with you really, and do understand that Christopher has the right to do what he has done with his father's work. And for that I am very thankful--The Silmarillion is probably my favorite Tolkien work, and without his contributions in getting the stuff compiled and published we would have been oblivious to the true scope and grandeur of his father's mythology. So I harbor no ill feelings whatsover.

I'm still curious though if the extent of his involvement in arranging the actual word is actually known: Is JRR responsible for the writing style? I know some call it "dry" or "detatched", but I find that a boon to its authority (in a way) and relish the almost poetic flow of language. Do we know if JRR actually wrote his Silmarillion tales in that manner or did Christopher take his father's ideas and present them as such? Knowing that the latter is responsible wouldn't detract from my enjoyment; I'm just wondering who to give credit to

.

William Cloud Hicklin · 03-18-2007, 11:53 PM

Maglor,

The best way to answer your question is to refer you to the History of Middle-earth, especially Volumes X and XI, which contain Tolkien's latest (post-Lord of the Rings) versions of the First Age material.

In general, your Option 2 is essentially correct: the text Christopher published in 1977 was 'assembled,' not written, by him: the words are all JRRT's (well, about 96% aside from half of one chapter), 'selected and arranged' from the Professor's mountain of disparate manuscripts.

Maglor · 03-19-2007, 06:00 PM

Thanks for your response as well. I had wondered how much of a role Christopher Tolkien played...interesting to know that his presence was, for the most part, minimal. And regarding the HoME, it's definitely on my "To-Read" list...so I hope to discover more about the process in due time.

But I appreciate you answering my basic question. Thanks again!

Aiwendil · 03-20-2007, 12:30 PM

You may want to take a look at the Silmarillion chapter discussions where I've been highlighting some of the more significant changes and editorial decisions CT made.

Maglor · 03-20-2007, 05:49 PM

Thanks for the link, Aiwendel. I've just purchased Unfinished Tales as well, so already I'm beginning to get a clearer picture about how The Silmarillion was shaped

.

Maglor · 03-21-2007, 11:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by William Cloud Hickli

the words are all JRRT's (well, about 96% aside from half of one chapter)

I wasn't sure which one you were referring to at first but now having done a little more research: Doriath, right?

03-18-2007, 11:53 PM	#2
William Cloud Hicklin Loremaster of Annúminas Join Date: Oct 2006 Posts: 2,330	CRT's Editing Maglor, The best way to answer your question is to refer you to the History of Middle-earth, especially Volumes X and XI, which contain Tolkien's latest (post-Lord of the Rings) versions of the First Age material. In general, your Option 2 is essentially correct: the text Christopher published in 1977 was 'assembled,' not written, by him: the words are all JRRT's (well, about 96% aside from half of one chapter), 'selected and arranged' from the Professor's mountain of disparate manuscripts.

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02-27-2007, 04:29 PM	#1
Maglor Pile O'Bones Join Date: Dec 2006 Posts: 25	Hey, thanks for responding! I'm with you really, and do understand that Christopher has the right to do what he has done with his father's work. And for that I am very thankful--The Silmarillion is probably my favorite Tolkien work, and without his contributions in getting the stuff compiled and published we would have been oblivious to the true scope and grandeur of his father's mythology. So I harbor no ill feelings whatsover. I'm still curious though if the extent of his involvement in arranging the actual word is actually known: Is JRR responsible for the writing style? I know some call it "dry" or "detatched", but I find that a boon to its authority (in a way) and relish the almost poetic flow of language. Do we know if JRR actually wrote his Silmarillion tales in that manner or did Christopher take his father's ideas and present them as such? Knowing that the latter is responsible wouldn't detract from my enjoyment; I'm just wondering who to give credit to .

03-19-2007, 06:00 PM	#3
Maglor Pile O'Bones Join Date: Dec 2006 Posts: 25	Thanks for your response as well. I had wondered how much of a role Christopher Tolkien played...interesting to know that his presence was, for the most part, minimal. And regarding the HoME, it's definitely on my "To-Read" list...so I hope to discover more about the process in due time. But I appreciate you answering my basic question. Thanks again!

03-20-2007, 12:30 PM	#4
Aiwendil Late Istar Join Date: Mar 2001 Posts: 2,224	You may want to take a look at the Silmarillion chapter discussions where I've been highlighting some of the more significant changes and editorial decisions CT made.

03-20-2007, 05:49 PM	#5
Maglor Pile O'Bones Join Date: Dec 2006 Posts: 25	Thanks for the link, Aiwendel. I've just purchased Unfinished Tales as well, so already I'm beginning to get a clearer picture about how The Silmarillion was shaped .