A fascinating insider's interview

[Andtaurwen]

Pearce in his biography makes some interesting points;
Tolkien's insistence and Edith's hesitence on her conversion to the catholic faith caused their first major disagreement. He says that Edith was an active member of the Church of England, had many friends through the Church and enjoyed a certain status in the Paish. She was afraid of being ostracised whith Tolkien had no sympathy with. This led to Edith entering the Catholic church with mixed feelings which resulted in some resentment.
Pearce also says that Edith resented the time her husband spent with his academic friends, particularly C S Lewis. She never felt comfortable in academic circles and began to feel lonely and isolated.
He mentions that Tolkien was always concerned about Ediths health also that in later life that she was riddled with arthritis. This can show signs early in adult life so perhaps this is why she gave up the piano as she was suffering pain in her fingers?

[Lalaith]

On a less gossipy and more literary level I'm also quite interested in the Icelandic folk influence on the Hobbit.
Tom, Bert and Bill: Tomas, Vilhjalmur and Berti, I think....