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Lord of the Rings

Discussion

"Those looking for science fiction are bound to be disappointed in reading LOR. This is not Dune (which I adore), and is not meant to be. This is not a work to be read and analyzed. This is a work to be FELT. Now, I can just hear the growns from some. It is a poem of imagination, of the heart, and of youthfulness. When such a work (as others by Lewis, Charles Williams, George McDonald, etc.) is approached with the adult mind only, the heart recoils because in its retired places some drops of childhood's dew still linger, defying manhood's fiery noon; it remembers; it forecasts; it dares not leap the black chasm of the life to come. In this type of literature---which is of great worth for its language alone --- not "getting it" is self-revelatory. I think the work will gather an increasing number of critics in our time simply because more readers are coming to age in an era and society where even our children are denied their childhood. This is a pity, because it is a portent of suffering to come." - Bob Ferguson 6/10/98

Nice distinction between fantasy and science fiction - and reminder of its value! Thanks. - Steve

Information on movie plans 8/26/98

"This is Directed to the fellow who wishes Terry Brooks had written the prose with Tolkien's ideas. Read the _Sword of Shanarra_. That _is_ Terry Brooks writing prose with Tolkien's ideas." - Bertrand 8/14/98

"This is without doubt the best and most captivating book I've ever read. From my experience it compares to nothing else. Since I read it for the first time 7 years age I've been searching for something that can even come close to giving me the same experience of participation... I haven't found anything, even though I've tried more than half of the books on the TOP 100 list. Maybe I just got blocked that first time I finished The Lord of The Rings and literaly cried for days because the fantastic story had ended and Frodo and Gandalf were going into the west never to be seen again, or maybe at this older age I'm not receptible to that kind of absolute acceptance of a story... But either way I don't think that, nomatter how hard I try, I'll ever find it's like. Film? I fear one... How is it possible to improve on that book... Is it possible to succeed in retelling that great story?" - Kristian Andåker 6/23/98

Did you also look at the Top 20 page? I think there are some books that compare. In terms of fantasy, did you ever read Little, Big or the Chronicles of Thomas Covenant? For sf, The Stars My Destination or Dune? - Steve 6/23

"I can't believe this terrible piece of literature to be on top of your list. I tried to read it more than once, always hoping to find some meaning in it. I never ever found any. Besides it bored me like no other book did. If this is supposed to be the best Science Fiction book ever, I can only pity it's readers for they have never really read anything meaningful. No offence intended, but this is an embarrassing vote." ­ Robert, Germany 2/10/98

It's 7th on our "Top 20 List". The Internet top 100 is a compilation of many, many people's votes - you can send yours to tcooke@maths.adelaide.edu.au. It's not at all a science fiction book - pure fantasy, quite a different genre really. I thought it was great but my daughter felt much like you do. I read it 30 years ago, not sure how I would feel about it now. Did you read the essay link to the book review? Steve

"Science Fiction" was of course not correct for Tolkienís trilogy. It should have read: "Speculative Fiction". I actually didn't read the essay until you mentioned it. It is interesting to see where people find relevance. Simply reading those names again, makes me angry. I have found it extremely difficult to take this story seriously. I had an aversion to be immersed in it's world and repeatedly felt like being ridiculed. Perhaps, the flexibility of magic, providing means for escaping weaker passages,is what made me lose patience. However, this has not happened with other Fantasy, or Science Fiction stories. Whatever it is, I'm glad to hear there is at least one other person who feels the same about it. I came across your fine pages because I was looking up the net for Frank Herbert's Dune. And I totally agree with you on that one." ­ Robert 2/11/98

Actually there is a large contingent of people who feel like you do. Have you heard of the book, "Bored of the Rings"? It's quite a spoof and you would probably have fun and lots of agreeing laughs. Interesting how people can have passionately disparate feelings about books. If you have a chance, check out the discussion on the "Starship Troopers" page (under Hugo Winners) - someone said they thought I was "brain dead" but we still had a great discussion. Steve 2/12/98

"I just found your Discussion accidentally in a web search. I thought you'd like to know that there is a film version of LOTR in production *right now*. It's being directed by New Zealand director Peter Jackson, who dabbled in so-gory-ya-gotta-laugh horror movies before breaking through to the mainstream a couple years ago with "Heavenly Creatures", starring a young Kate Winslet. From what little I've heard about it, Jackson is going to combine real actors, puppets, and computer animation, similar to what he did in the girls' fantasy sequences in "Heavenly Creatures". I'm really excited about it, myself." David 5/18/98

"I agree with you whole-heartedly. The LOTR intrigues me and then immerses me into a world that is so real. I read The Hobbit and I liked it but what got me hooked onto Tolkien was the LOTR. Since I read the LOTR, i have tried to buy whatever Tolkien book that I can get my hands on." - Kim 5/11/98

"I loved Lord of the Rings. I loved everything Tolkien ever wrote. I believe, as do others, that this trilogy would make a fantastic movie.There has never been, nor will there ever be a greater work of fiction written. Tolkien's Lord of the Rings is second only to the Bible." ­ Heidi 2/12/98

"I agree with you about the lord of the rings. I think its the best book ever written" - Allegra 6/8/98

"What continues to boggle my mind is why Hollywood has Never attempted a movie-version of any of the books. Cartoons don't count, I want real actors. Now that James Cameron has convinced Paramount that 200$million is chump change there really is no excuse for LoftheRs not to be made. Have you heard any rumblings, can we exert any pressure, does Christopher Tolkien et al have a copyright problem? Help!" ­ Pol 1/14/98

Personally, I'm happy with just the print version. Imagination is so much better than what gets condensed into film. I can't think of many movies I liked as much as the book . . . Princess Bride and Dr. Zhavago are the only ones that come to mind. ­ Steve

"Thanx for the answer. Don't get me wrong, the books are great but I think they're a tough read. While it's obvious that Tolkien had a ton to say he wasn't the best narrative writer. It's too bad Terry Brooks wasn't of Tolkien's era, JRR could have explained it while Brooks turned into prose. Having read the entire trilogy 4 times plus plodding through the Simirillion I still feel the same way. A movie it needs to be!" ­ Slainte vaith," Pol 1/19/98

"I'm also happy to see that the first place goes to The Lord of the Rings , the book that reveals to me the true meaning of magic... Continue your work, it's very interesting!" ­ Daëwath. 11/13/97

Please email comments to stroy@jade-mtn.com.

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