Tolkien himself - The Barrow-Downs Discussion Forum

Galadriel55 · 01-06-2012, 01:38 PM

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Originally Posted by TheLostPilgrim

Is there anyone else that wishes they might've had the chance to meet him?

Everyone here does.

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I just have this image of him as a solitary, lone scholar by candlelight--Probably not at all accurate. But not the most "approachable" man--Not for any meanness of character, but simply just someone removed from others in a way. I suppose I am just coloring my image of the Professor with the beautiful shades of his works, making him an almost real life Gandalf type figure.

From what I've heard it was the opposite - he was always cheerful and "approachable".

Estelyn Telcontar · 01-06-2012, 02:32 PM

LostPilgrim, have you read Carpenter's biography of Tolkien? It gives some very interesting insights into his life and personality. There are other books that add to that, but this one is the best book to start with. Carpenter also edited Tolkien's Letters for publishing, and they're fascinating to read.

Guinevere · 01-06-2012, 02:43 PM

If you wish to know more about the Professor's private life, I highly recommend you read his biography
and even better, his letters (to his publishers, friends & familiy)

To dissuade you from the idea of Tolkien as a solitary lone scholar, I also suggest you have a peep at the ongoing chapter-by-chapter discussion here (with some illustrations!)of Tolkien's "letters from Father Christmas" that he wrote for his children. I cannot imagine a more affectionate and loving father!

Galadriel · 01-10-2012, 02:57 PM

[QUOTE]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Galadriel55

Everyone here does.

Not me. I'd faint before I got a word out

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From what I've heard it was the opposite - he was always cheerful and "approachable".

I'd think so, too. He seemed to have quite a few close friends...at least, before half of them died

Lalwendë · 01-10-2012, 04:57 PM

I was introduced to his grandaughter, but I'd had quite a number of pints of cider at the time so I don't think I asked her anything more pertinent than whether she was having a lovely evening.

01-06-2012, 02:32 PM	#2
Estelyn Telcontar Princess of Skwerlz Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: where the Sea is eastwards (WtR: 6060 miles) Posts: 7,500	LostPilgrim, have you read Carpenter's biography of Tolkien? It gives some very interesting insights into his life and personality. There are other books that add to that, but this one is the best book to start with. Carpenter also edited Tolkien's Letters for publishing, and they're fascinating to read. __________________ 'Mercy!' cried Gandalf. 'If the giving of information is to be the cure of your inquisitiveness, I shall spend all the rest of my days in answering you. What more do you want to know?' 'The whole history of Middle-earth...'

01-06-2012, 02:43 PM	#3
Guinevere Banshee of Camelot Join Date: May 2002 Location: Switzerland Posts: 5,830	If you wish to know more about the Professor's private life, I highly recommend you read his biography and even better, his letters (to his publishers, friends & familiy) To dissuade you from the idea of Tolkien as a solitary lone scholar, I also suggest you have a peep at the ongoing chapter-by-chapter discussion here (with some illustrations!)of Tolkien's "letters from Father Christmas" that he wrote for his children. I cannot imagine a more affectionate and loving father! __________________ Yes! "wish-fulfilment dreams" we spin to cheat our timid hearts, and ugly Fact defeat! Last edited by Guinevere; 01-06-2012 at 02:44 PM. Reason: cross-posted with Esty

01-10-2012, 04:57 PM	#5
Lalwendë A Mere Boggart Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: under the bed Posts: 4,737	I was introduced to his grandaughter, but I'd had quite a number of pints of cider at the time so I don't think I asked her anything more pertinent than whether she was having a lovely evening. __________________ Gordon's alive!