"The Downsters And The Critics" - The Barrow-Downs Discussion Forum

davem · 01-05-2004, 04:33 AM

I like this idea, & wish I felt qualified enough to contribute as well as Mark. I have read a lot of the recent books on Tolkien, & found most of them trivial, unfortunately. Also, as I'm posting from work, I don't have the relevent volumes to hand, so I can't post all the details Mark asked for. But...

One recent favourite though is: Secret Fire: the Spiritual Vision of JRR Tolkien http://www.secondspring.co.uk/fantasy/secretfire.htm

This is a book by a Catholic author which goes deeply into the symbolism of Tolkien's work, but unlike so many similar works, doesn't use it as a way to try & convert anyone. I'd say its the best intro for anyone wanting to know how Tolkien's beliefs were 'translated' into his fiction.

I've just begun reading Matt Dickerson's 'Following Gandalf', & am finding it quite fascinating, but I won't speak too soon!

01-05-2004, 04:33 AM	#8
davem Illustrious Ulair Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: In the home of lost causes, and forsaken beliefs, and unpopular names,and impossible loyalties Posts: 4,240	I like this idea, & wish I felt qualified enough to contribute as well as Mark. I have read a lot of the recent books on Tolkien, & found most of them trivial, unfortunately. Also, as I'm posting from work, I don't have the relevent volumes to hand, so I can't post all the details Mark asked for. But... One recent favourite though is: Secret Fire: the Spiritual Vision of JRR Tolkien http://www.secondspring.co.uk/fantasy/secretfire.htm This is a book by a Catholic author which goes deeply into the symbolism of Tolkien's work, but unlike so many similar works, doesn't use it as a way to try & convert anyone. I'd say its the best intro for anyone wanting to know how Tolkien's beliefs were 'translated' into his fiction. I've just begun reading Matt Dickerson's 'Following Gandalf', & am finding it quite fascinating, but I won't speak too soon! __________________ “Everything was an object. If you killed a dwarf you could use it as a weapon – it was no different to other large heavy objects."