May 4, 2002

Tolkien: Author of the Century
Kailam

Has anyone here ever read the book "J.R.R. Tolkien: Author of the Century", by T. A. Shippey? Shippey goes into great detail about the real-life inspirations Tolkein may have used to create the world of Middle-Earth, including its place-names and languages. Though it may not address religious allegory or the like (I'm not even half way through it yet), and though some may find it incredibly boring (not me), it may give some insight into the ongoing debate about WHERE Tolkein's themes originated, plus it may just be incredibly interesting to those who care. Just an FYI!!