The Inklings Laughed

[Bêthberry]

Originally Posted by Pervinca Took

I think that story has been disputed, though.

I think you are right, Pervinca Took--and welcome to the Downs! It has been. However, what has been most disputed is whether the comment included the expletive or not.

It is true that Wilson, Lewis' biographer, was not present at Inkling meetings and so he is not reporting something he witnessed but would appear to be quoting Tolkien's opinion of the proceedings.

Apparently Warren Lewis in his diary mentions that Dyson had a veto over LotR, but I haven't read the diary.

Originally Posted by Pervinca Took

. . . was that Charles Williams

Funny you should mention Williams. As someone said to me on another site, about this question, it would be funnier if Williams said this comment.