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piosenniel · 07-15-2002, 10:26 AM

I have to confess that when I first read Tolkien's 'The Hobbit' and then went on to the Trilogy, I was a young, college student of the '60's, & honestly quite shallow in my thinking. Though, as I recall, I thought my self quite intellectually adept. Reading Tolkien, at that time, was also part of my 'image' as a member of the nascent counter-culture that was growing in response to the Viet Nam War and the policies of the U.S. government.

Those first readings of the books for me were simply great adventure stories written exceedingly well. I do remember appreciating at that time the incredible love of language and its use that Tolkien poured onto every page.

It has only been as I've continued to read the books, and expanded the reading to the works edited by his son, that I've really begun to appreciate the depth and breadth of his vision in writing them.

This is what has affected me the most in my outlook on life - that there is the possibility of being so enthused or taken by an idea that it can be the driving force of one's life and its accomplishment the rod by which one is measured.

[ July 15, 2002: Message edited by: piosenniel ]

07-15-2002, 10:26 AM	#18
piosenniel Desultory Dwimmerlaik Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Pickin' flowers with Bill the Cat..... Posts: 7,779	I have to confess that when I first read Tolkien's 'The Hobbit' and then went on to the Trilogy, I was a young, college student of the '60's, & honestly quite shallow in my thinking. Though, as I recall, I thought my self quite intellectually adept. Reading Tolkien, at that time, was also part of my 'image' as a member of the nascent counter-culture that was growing in response to the Viet Nam War and the policies of the U.S. government. Those first readings of the books for me were simply great adventure stories written exceedingly well. I do remember appreciating at that time the incredible love of language and its use that Tolkien poured onto every page. It has only been as I've continued to read the books, and expanded the reading to the works edited by his son, that I've really begun to appreciate the depth and breadth of his vision in writing them. This is what has affected me the most in my outlook on life - that there is the possibility of being so enthused or taken by an idea that it can be the driving force of one's life and its accomplishment the rod by which one is measured. [ July 15, 2002: Message edited by: piosenniel ] __________________ Eldest, that’s what I am . . . I knew the dark under the stars when it was fearless - before the Dark Lord came from Outside.