Fantasy: Pre and Post Tolkien - The Barrow-Downs Discussion Forum

Rumil · 09-12-2007, 04:30 PM

Hi all,

I was wondering if anyone had read any pre-Tolkien 'modern' (ie not Homer, the Edda or mediaeval) fantasy. I'm thinking of Lord Dunsany here who I've heard of but never read. How does pre-Tolkien fantasy compare to Middle Earth? Are they forgotten masterpieces or as formulaic as some of the current crop? Did they influence Tolkien?

Most of all is it worth my while seeking them out at the bookshop?

09-12-2007, 04:30 PM	#5
Rumil Sage & Onions Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Britain Posts: 894	Hi all, I was wondering if anyone had read any pre-Tolkien 'modern' (ie not Homer, the Edda or mediaeval) fantasy. I'm thinking of Lord Dunsany here who I've heard of but never read. How does pre-Tolkien fantasy compare to Middle Earth? Are they forgotten masterpieces or as formulaic as some of the current crop? Did they influence Tolkien? Most of all is it worth my while seeking them out at the bookshop? __________________ Rumil of Coedhirion