[Ainaserkewen]

In almost every review and praise that can be found about Tolkien's world and all of his writings you will find some such phrase "It has changed the way we write and read fantasy."

After hours of searching not only this thread but various search engines web-wide I've failed to come to grips with this statement that everybody makes. I'm sure I believe the impact that LOTR made on the world, on it's art and history, but I can't find examples, real opinions as to why so many people believe this.

It was a milestone for literature in so many ways, but perhaps I've taken this too literally and such things are only said by critics to get across what a wonderful world of ideas it is.

Can anyone help me with examples?