Question about CT's editing hand in the Sil

[Lalwendë]

Fair enough question!

Given that Tolkien appointed Christopher full rights over his work, we can say that even had Christopher rewritten Tolkien's work in whatever manner he wished, that Tolkien would have been content.

Here's what Tolkien said in his will:

’Upon Trust to allow my son Christopher full access to the same* in order that he may act as my Literary Executor with full power to publish edit alter rewrite or complete any work of mine which may be unpublished at my death or to destroy the whole or any part or parts of any such unpublished works as he in his absolute discretion may think fit and subject thereto’

*unpublished works

He was given "absolute discretion", including the right to put the whole lot onto a bonfire if he so wished. During his life, Christopher worked very closely with his father, offering advice and support, and was fully aware of his father's intentions and style, so we can feel comfortable that any works edited by Christopher are edited to the very best standards that they could be. And its a bit of a red herring, this whole 'debate' about whether CT edited works are 'canon' or not, though we must always be careful as one line from HoME may not be 'proof' of a point - we know how much Tolkien changed his mind!

Nobody could have done a better job than CT, except perhaps another member of the Tolkien family; I believe the job will pass on to Adam Tolkien when Christopher passes away. The family are fully involved in the work of the estate and fully involved with The Tolkien Society - don't believe some of the rubbish put about around the net about sinister intentions because it's blatantly untrue and unfair. Sorry, had to say that. It's one of those things which really irks me.