Films gain major convert

[William Cloud Hicklin]

And as for Christopher Tolkien, to the best of my knowledge he's never even watched the films

He has.

BTW, most Tolkien scholars are not disposed to regard the names "Salo" and "Martinez" especially favorably.

[zxcvbn]

Originally Posted by William Cloud Hickli

He has.

How do you know?

BTW, most Tolkien scholars are not disposed to regard the names "Salo" and "Martinez" especially favorably.

Why is that? They certainly know their Tolkien well. Martinez's essays really helped further my understanding of Middle-earth, and Salo has to be one of the best Tolkien linguists out there.

EDIT: Salo I understand. Whenever there is a shortage of defined words in a Tolkien language, he makes up new words and grammar to 'fill the gap' which, I suppose would provoke the ire of some Tolkienists. For example, most of the Khuzdul, Orcish, Black Speech etc. used in the movies are actually words invented by Salo, since Tolkien only defined a handful of words for those languages.

[William Cloud Hicklin]

How do you know?

We correspond. He was not impressed.

Salo: in addition to synthesizing 'neo-Sindarin', Salo also has a habit of 'correcting' attested JRRT forms when they don't fit his personal theories- and then not indicating that he's done so. It doesn't help that he continually badmouths other Tolkien linguists.

As for Martinez, well, "His knowledge is deep, but his pride has grown with it." MM does know his stuff (when he's not using it to prop up one of his crank-ish theories)- but he's possessed of a singularly abrasive personality, which manifests itself in flames, accusations and personal insults. Not many people in the community can tolerate him any more.

[zxcvbn]

Originally Posted by William Cloud Hickli

We correspond. He was not impressed.

I thought Christopher doesn't communicate with anybody except through his lawyers? Well, if that's true, could you tell me what he thought of the films?

[William Cloud Hicklin]

I thought Christopher doesn't communicate with anybody except through his lawyers?

You make him sound like some sort of misanthropic old hermit, keeping the rev'nooers off his still with a shotgun!

CT is a very pleasant, sociable and witty fellow. He doesn't give out his home address to just anybody because, come on, do you remember what happened to his father before he fled into hiding in Bournemouth? JK Rowling doesn't give out where she lives, either.

You can write to him, if you like, c/o his publishers (like any author); and if your letter is polite and intelligent in due course you can expect a reply.

Well, if that's true, could you tell me what he thought of the films?

I'm afraid I can't. This is an especially sensitive area, for reasons discussed on this board; and CT wouldn't want his private critique circulated publicly. Suffice it to say he thought a better job could have been done.

[davem]

Interestingly, if you use the Ixquick search engine phone directory you can get addresses for both Priscilla (Oxford) & Adam Tolkien (in France)

though it don't say if they're current...

[William Cloud Hicklin]

Priscilla has always been in the Oxford phone book. Apparently she doesn't attract the number of deranged fans that besiege her better-known brother. Adam's address I didn't know about, but I know you can reach him by e-mail through the 'Contact' page at www.tolkienestate.com (he's the webmaster).