The Inklings Laughed

[Galadriel55]

That sucks. I thought it was a nice good-humoured story... Doesn't sound so nice or good-humoured anymore...

[Bêthberry]

Originally Posted by Galadriel55

That sucks. I thought it was a nice good-humoured story... Doesn't sound so nice or good-humoured anymore...

I don't think it's such a bad story. It gives a good view of how the Inklings "operated" and how they interacted with each other. So Dyson didn't like LotR. Maybe that dislike was helpful to Tolkien; perhaps it gave him a more clear sense of who he was writing for and why.

Dyson wanted centre stage and sometimes he was given it. Maybe he preferred readings from Amanda McKittrick Ros?

[Pervinca Took]

I think that story has been disputed, though. IIRC there was also an Inkling who was very good friends with Tolkien, and vice versa, even though they disliked each others' work ... was that Charles Williams?

[Bêthberry]

Originally Posted by Pervinca Took

I think that story has been disputed, though.

I think you are right, Pervinca Took--and welcome to the Downs! It has been. However, what has been most disputed is whether the comment included the expletive or not.

It is true that Wilson, Lewis' biographer, was not present at Inkling meetings and so he is not reporting something he witnessed but would appear to be quoting Tolkien's opinion of the proceedings.

Apparently Warren Lewis in his diary mentions that Dyson had a veto over LotR, but I haven't read the diary.

Originally Posted by Pervinca Took

. . . was that Charles Williams

Funny you should mention Williams. As someone said to me on another site, about this question, it would be funnier if Williams said this comment.