A Truly Proper Opening Text?

[Durelin]

Kalimac: You're absolutely right! It was just the comments such as that, including the one about the horrid 1950s (odd), that made me more than a bit...wary.

I come to resurrect this thread, as I have recently found something Tolkien himself wrote in his own introduction to The Fellowship of the Ring.

As for any inner meaning or 'message', it has in the intention of the author none. It is neither allegorical nor topical.

Before, I accepted that Tolkien was 'anti-imperialistic', as he seems to have been labeled. Then I came to understand more of the meaning of the compound word 'anti-imperialism', and so I became wary of it. I find it to be a tricky word, and an even trickier label.

Now, after finding the quote above, doubt grew almost to a certainty that Tolkien has been unfairly labeled, as are so many people, alive or deceased.

Unless, of course, 'anti-imperialistic' views can be found in other writings, of which I am certainly not all that aware of. Still, I will have trouble believing this until a clear definition of 'anti-imperialism' is given.

But, I have had many certainties shattered easily before. So, I ask if anyone else believes that 'anti-imperialist' is the correct label for Tolkien, that they should inform me of the basis of this, and give me a definition for 'anti-imperialism'.

(Sorry about all the quotations...couldn't help myself!)

-Durelin

Oh, and let's forget the conquistadors and Sarcens, shall we? Thanks a bunch... I started it, I know...truly sorry. Though I must say, some excellent points on Columbus and such, Kalimac. Please, forgive me for my mistake.