The First LOTR Fans

[ArathornJax]

I was just born in the mid 60's, 65 so it was 1976 when I first read The Hobbit, and 1977 when I first read each of the LOTR books. Since then I have re-read them about once a year or so, finding them enjoyable each and every time.

I did read each of the HOME as they came out and have enjoyed the study of them. I have to say that the books are a major part of my life (literature in general is) and I have passed that on to each of my children. I guess that is not a bad legacy to leave to them.

However, Tolkien has set such a high standard for me in the realm of fantasy, that I find I am very particular about purchasing new fiction before reading it (thank goodness for the library). There's a lot of fantasy out now, since the 1960's and the 1970's, and a lot of that fantasy is badly written fantasy.