Hmmmm...Did you know that... - The Barrow-Downs Discussion Forum

davem · 08-02-2006, 08:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bêthberry

There's also a mention of something called The Grammar and Lexicon of the Gnomish Tongue by Tolkien. I've never heard of that before. Has anyone seen it?

Here

Mithalwen · 08-02-2006, 10:11 AM

How wonderful that the scope of the gifts goes beyond the obvious. A wonderful tribute to Tolkien's humanity as well as his literary skill (whatever the fiscal advantages - cynical bean counter thought...

).

Hilde Bracegirdle · 08-02-2006, 10:47 AM

So wonderful to see how his efforts have helped so many, and in so many corners of the world. I only wish he could have known this would happen as he was chipping away at his epic, seemingly overwhelmed by the constant need to make ends meet.

And a hardy bravo for his family!

davem · 08-02-2006, 11:52 AM

It also apears that the Charity's assets include the copyright of a good many of Tolkien's works. Makes me wonder how much the family are making personally from their father's works - probably not as much as we thought.

Perhaps we will now see an end to the criticism that CT is making a profit out of his father's work. Have to say that reading the lists of donations is a very humbling experience.

Good people.

Lalwendë · 08-02-2006, 01:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by davem

It also apears that the Charity's assets include the copyright of a good many of Tolkien's works. Makes me wonder how much the family are making personally from their father's works - probably not as much as we thought.

Perhaps we will now see an end to the criticism that CT is making a profit out of his father's work. Have to say that reading the lists of donations is a very humbling experience.

Good people.

They're probably still earning a lot more than we think given the massive continuing sales of not just the books but all the merchandise. It's good to see that some of that money is being given out as donations - including some interesting things such as Brecon mountain rescue!

Mithalwen · 08-03-2006, 06:24 AM

I am not sure how much of the merchandising revenue the estate would have claim on - I imagine it rather depends on the deal originally made way back when - I think one of our legal beagles made some comments on copyright a year or so ago but I am not sure if it were Sauce or Mithadan. Interestingly the "book" names are trademarked to New Line/ Saul Zaentz not the Tolkien estate on the plastic figurines. However I have a spin off book that states that quotations from the original book are made with the permission of the Estate.... and the payment for this would surely count as an indirect royalty.

In an interview with Michael's grandson, he said that while they did benefit from the estate it wasn't riches beyond imagination and that they all worked...admittedly they probably have had the scope to chose congenial work without having to worry about keeping the wolf from the door. However it still suggests that as a family they have a fairly healthy attitude to the money.

davem · 08-03-2006, 11:29 AM

I notice that one of the books listed on the site as owned by the trust is The Tolkien Famiy Album - so its odd that they have refused it to be published again (or so I've heard. Certainly its no longer available & many fans would like to get hold of a copy).

Mithalwen · 08-03-2006, 03:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hilde Bracegirdle

So wonderful to see how his efforts have helped so many, and in so many corners of the world. I only wish he could have known this would happen as he was chipping away at his epic, seemingly overwhelmed by the constant need to make ends meet.

He was pretty comfortably off at the end of his life - The Bournemouth bungalow is in "millionaires' row" and he probably knew his family would be "cushioned" at least. But given that the gifts are at the choice of the trustees it does show how nasty the freeloading accusations are, as Davem points out. Of course these "freeloaders" that have donated to so many life affirming causes have gone about their giving discreetly so no doubt the image will stick

. I heartily approve of their regular small amounts policy too. The amounts may seem small when the total is looked at but having worked as Finance Officer for a small charity I know such gifts can make a huge difference. If you google the "Tolkien Trust" you will find that it is the major donor for a lot of the benifitting charities.

I can't help thinking it is a pity that the National Lottery charity committee does not comprise a quartet of Tolkiens....

Mithalwen · 03-28-2007, 11:21 AM

HI-ing this - the YE2006 accounts are on now....

08-02-2006, 10:11 AM	#2
Mithalwen Pilgrim Soul Join Date: May 2004 Location: watching the wonga-wonga birds circle... Posts: 9,460	How wonderful that the scope of the gifts goes beyond the obvious. A wonderful tribute to Tolkien's humanity as well as his literary skill (whatever the fiscal advantages - cynical bean counter thought... ). __________________ “But Finrod walks with Finarfin his father beneath the trees in Eldamar.” Christopher Tolkien, Requiescat in pace

08-02-2006, 11:52 AM	#4
davem Illustrious Ulair Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: In the home of lost causes, and forsaken beliefs, and unpopular names,and impossible loyalties Posts: 4,240	It also apears that the Charity's assets include the copyright of a good many of Tolkien's works. Makes me wonder how much the family are making personally from their father's works - probably not as much as we thought. Perhaps we will now see an end to the criticism that CT is making a profit out of his father's work. Have to say that reading the lists of donations is a very humbling experience. Good people. __________________ “Everything was an object. If you killed a dwarf you could use it as a weapon – it was no different to other large heavy objects."

08-03-2006, 06:24 AM	#6
Mithalwen Pilgrim Soul Join Date: May 2004 Location: watching the wonga-wonga birds circle... Posts: 9,460	I am not sure how much of the merchandising revenue the estate would have claim on - I imagine it rather depends on the deal originally made way back when - I think one of our legal beagles made some comments on copyright a year or so ago but I am not sure if it were Sauce or Mithadan. Interestingly the "book" names are trademarked to New Line/ Saul Zaentz not the Tolkien estate on the plastic figurines. However I have a spin off book that states that quotations from the original book are made with the permission of the Estate.... and the payment for this would surely count as an indirect royalty. In an interview with Michael's grandson, he said that while they did benefit from the estate it wasn't riches beyond imagination and that they all worked...admittedly they probably have had the scope to chose congenial work without having to worry about keeping the wolf from the door. However it still suggests that as a family they have a fairly healthy attitude to the money. __________________ “But Finrod walks with Finarfin his father beneath the trees in Eldamar.” Christopher Tolkien, Requiescat in pace Last edited by Mithalwen; 03-28-2007 at 11:29 AM.

08-03-2006, 11:29 AM	#7
davem Illustrious Ulair Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: In the home of lost causes, and forsaken beliefs, and unpopular names,and impossible loyalties Posts: 4,240	I notice that one of the books listed on the site as owned by the trust is The Tolkien Famiy Album - so its odd that they have refused it to be published again (or so I've heard. Certainly its no longer available & many fans would like to get hold of a copy). __________________ “Everything was an object. If you killed a dwarf you could use it as a weapon – it was no different to other large heavy objects."

03-28-2007, 11:21 AM	#9
Mithalwen Pilgrim Soul Join Date: May 2004 Location: watching the wonga-wonga birds circle... Posts: 9,460	HI-ing this - the YE2006 accounts are on now.... __________________ “But Finrod walks with Finarfin his father beneath the trees in Eldamar.” Christopher Tolkien, Requiescat in pace

08-02-2006, 10:47 AM	#3
Hilde Bracegirdle Relic of Wandering Days Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: You'll See Perpetual Change. Posts: 1,480	So wonderful to see how his efforts have helped so many, and in so many corners of the world. I only wish he could have known this would happen as he was chipping away at his epic, seemingly overwhelmed by the constant need to make ends meet. And a hardy bravo for his family!