Public Research: Field of Study - The Barrow-Downs Discussion Forum

Child of the 7th Age · 02-03-2006, 01:15 PM

It's interesting how an imaginery history inspires readers to take an interest in "real" history. Tolkien was a major factor that led me towards a doctorate in medieval English history. I've noticed that, among academics, Tolkien is often more appreciated by history folk than lit folk. I guess we just "smell" one of our own.

I also had an interest in archaeology that was somewhat linked to my interest in Tolkien (studied with Alcock and went on the Cadbury/Camelot dig many years ago).

I've already told him in person but just wanted to say publicly what a great achievement for Squatter. I was never very good with the old languages. It takes great patience and skill to master them.

View Poll Results: Because of Tolkien, I was driven to study:
Literature	21	52.50%
Philology	6	15.00%
Criticism	4	10.00%
Philosophy	4	10.00%
Theology	8	20.00%
English language	14	35.00%
Other languages	11	27.50%
Poetics	6	15.00%
History	16	40.00%
Other/Nothing	14	35.00%
Multiple Choice Poll. Voters: 40. You may not vote on this poll

02-03-2006, 01:15 PM	#11
Child of the 7th Age Spirit of the Lonely Star Join Date: Mar 2002 Posts: 5,133	It's interesting how an imaginery history inspires readers to take an interest in "real" history. Tolkien was a major factor that led me towards a doctorate in medieval English history. I've noticed that, among academics, Tolkien is often more appreciated by history folk than lit folk. I guess we just "smell" one of our own. I also had an interest in archaeology that was somewhat linked to my interest in Tolkien (studied with Alcock and went on the Cadbury/Camelot dig many years ago). I've already told him in person but just wanted to say publicly what a great achievement for Squatter. I was never very good with the old languages. It takes great patience and skill to master them. __________________ Multitasking women are never too busy to vote.