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Glorthelion · 05-24-2012, 04:23 AM

Would the letters of Tolkien be more interesting?

Glorthelion

Mithalwen · 05-24-2012, 11:34 AM

More interesting than UT? Different. But certainly fascinating and very readable.

I would say that UT gives extra information nn things that fit fairly easily with the main stories as published in The Silmarilllion, Hobbit and LOTR. You get more information about Numenor, The wizards, the Battles of the Fords of Isen where Theoden's son, was killed, the Palantiri, Gandalf's meeting with Thorin, Isildur's death. I love it since I love the world of Middle Earth as shown in the main texts.

The letters by their nature give some fascinating snippets when he answers specific questions from readers and also give an insight into his personality and life. Read both!!! Both can be dipped into. It may be helpful to read the Humphrey Carpenter biography too since he edited the letters and the letters are in chronological order. I happen to have read the bio ages ago and the letters relatively recently and I think having read the biography made the letters more interesting since you knew a bit aboout the correspondents.

Boromir88 · 05-24-2012, 12:02 PM

Aye, the Letters are interesting in not only providing some commentary from Tolkien, post-LOTR, but just thoughts about world affairs, other books, authors...etc.

I caution when using Letters to determine some new, hidden information about Tolkien's story, though. Tolkien admits when responding to fans' questions, a lot of what he wrote could have been as long as 30-40 years ago, so he may misremember something, or what he consciously reflects upon after having written the story might be completely different. That's not so much of a problem with Letters, more a note-to-self when reading them. Personally, I find the stuff in Letters more interesting then reading his early draft material, but that's just individual preference.

Valier · 06-28-2012, 03:04 PM

*lurking* hello all....it's been awhile

Galadriel55 · 06-28-2012, 03:13 PM

The Return of Valier!

Welcome back!

Valier · 06-28-2012, 03:25 PM

thanks Galadriel

Im debating on weither I should make a grand return

Mithalwen · 06-28-2012, 05:27 PM

Squeeee!

Go for the grand return... you know you want to...

05-24-2012, 04:23 AM	#1
Glorthelion Haunting Spirit Join Date: May 2012 Posts: 58	Would the letters of Tolkien be more interesting? Glorthelion __________________ What did Aragorn say when Gandalf died in Moria? Damn Gulf

05-24-2012, 11:34 AM	#2
Mithalwen Pilgrim Soul Join Date: May 2004 Location: watching the wonga-wonga birds circle... Posts: 9,461	More interesting than UT? Different. But certainly fascinating and very readable. I would say that UT gives extra information nn things that fit fairly easily with the main stories as published in The Silmarilllion, Hobbit and LOTR. You get more information about Numenor, The wizards, the Battles of the Fords of Isen where Theoden's son, was killed, the Palantiri, Gandalf's meeting with Thorin, Isildur's death. I love it since I love the world of Middle Earth as shown in the main texts. The letters by their nature give some fascinating snippets when he answers specific questions from readers and also give an insight into his personality and life. Read both!!! Both can be dipped into. It may be helpful to read the Humphrey Carpenter biography too since he edited the letters and the letters are in chronological order. I happen to have read the bio ages ago and the letters relatively recently and I think having read the biography made the letters more interesting since you knew a bit aboout the correspondents. __________________ “But Finrod walks with Finarfin his father beneath the trees in Eldamar.” Christopher Tolkien, Requiescat in pace Last edited by Mithalwen; 05-24-2012 at 02:47 PM.

05-24-2012, 12:02 PM	#3
Boromir88 Laconic Loreman Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: USA Posts: 7,521	Aye, the Letters are interesting in not only providing some commentary from Tolkien, post-LOTR, but just thoughts about world affairs, other books, authors...etc. I caution when using Letters to determine some new, hidden information about Tolkien's story, though. Tolkien admits when responding to fans' questions, a lot of what he wrote could have been as long as 30-40 years ago, so he may misremember something, or what he consciously reflects upon after having written the story might be completely different. That's not so much of a problem with Letters, more a note-to-self when reading them. Personally, I find the stuff in Letters more interesting then reading his early draft material, but that's just individual preference. __________________ Fenris Penguin

06-28-2012, 03:04 PM	#4
Valier Twisted Taleswapper Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: somewhere between sanity and insanity Posts: 1,706	lurking hello all....it's been awhile __________________ grand return?........

06-28-2012, 03:13 PM	#5
Galadriel55 Blossom of Dwimordene Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: The realm of forgotten words Posts: 10,518	The Return of Valier! Welcome back! __________________ You passed from under darkened dome, you enter now the secret land. - Take me to Finrod's fabled home!... ~ Finrod: The Rock Opera

06-28-2012, 03:25 PM	#6
Valier Twisted Taleswapper Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: somewhere between sanity and insanity Posts: 1,706	thanks Galadriel Im debating on weither I should make a grand return __________________ grand return?........

06-28-2012, 05:27 PM	#7
Mithalwen Pilgrim Soul Join Date: May 2004 Location: watching the wonga-wonga birds circle... Posts: 9,461	Squeeee! Go for the grand return... you know you want to... __________________ “But Finrod walks with Finarfin his father beneath the trees in Eldamar.” Christopher Tolkien, Requiescat in pace