Stories shape worlds, worlds shape stories. And sometimes, a story about stories can change how we see both. On Fairy Stories (1947) The essay got a fresh face in 2008. A lecture becomes a touchstone, a scholarly reflection on imagination, myth, and meaning. On December 4, 1947, J. R. R. Tolkien’s essay On Fairy Stories was published in EssaysContinueContinue reading “December 4: ‘On Fairy Stories’ Turns 76”
Tag Archives: literature
In Memoriam: Edith Mary Tolkien (1889–1971)
On November 29, 1971, Edith Mary Tolkien slipped quietly from this world when she was eighty-two, leaving behind a life woven into the fabric of her family and the imagination of Middle-earth. To the world, she may have seemed the quiet wife of J.R.R. Tolkien, but her life was more complex than any simple label.ContinueContinue reading “In Memoriam: Edith Mary Tolkien (1889–1971)”
The Hobbit That First Opened My Door to Middle-earth — Celebrating the 48-Year Legacy of Rankin/Bass’ Hobbit
I met Bilbo Baggins when I was thirteen years old, standing in the hallway of DeRidder Junior High. The library door carried a poster that stopped me in my tracks. A curious, round fellow stood in his front doorway, pipe in hand, sending smoke rings lazily into the air. The art looked like watercolor washedContinueContinue reading “The Hobbit That First Opened My Door to Middle-earth — Celebrating the 48-Year Legacy of Rankin/Bass’ Hobbit”
November 22: The Adventures of Tom Bombadil
Some stories wander through the edges of legend, light and elusive, inviting readers to step into a world both familiar and mysteriously wild. The Adventures ofTom Bombadil (1962) A whimsical collection of Tolkien’s poetry, capturing the playful, enigmatic spirit of Tom Bombadil and his corner of Middle-earth. The Adventures of Tom Bombadil collects poems by J.ContinueContinue reading “November 22: The Adventures of Tom Bombadil”
November 21: The Birth of Christopher Tolkien
Some inherit stories. Christopher Tolkien inherited a whole world. Born November 21, 1924, he was the youngest son of J.R.R. and Edith Tolkien — and the first audience for The Hobbit. His father’s voice filled his childhood evenings with dwarves, dragons, and a little hobbit named Bilbo. Before the world knew those names, Christopher did. TheContinueContinue reading “November 21: The Birth of Christopher Tolkien”
Veni, Vidi, Scripsi 