This is one in a series of posts where the content is provided by a guest who has graciously answered five questions about their experience as a Tolkien reader. I am very humbled that anyone volunteers to spend time in this busy world to answer questions for my blog, and so I give my sincerest thanks to Dom and the other participants for this.

To see the idea behind this project, check out this page

I want to thank Donato Giancola for allowing me to use his stunning portrait of J.R.R Tolkien as the featured image for this project. If you would like to purchase a print of this painting, they are available on his website!

If you would like to contribute your own experience, you can do so by using the form on the contact page, or by emailing me directly.

Now, on to Dom Lane’s responses:

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1. How were you introduced to Tolkien’s work?

My mother had loved The Lord of the Rings when it came out in the 50s. I was an avid reader from a young age and she bought me a copy of The Hobbit when I was eight. This would have been in 1971. I moved on to The Lord of the Rings as an 11 year old in 1974.

2. What is your favorite part of Tolkien’s work?

What a tough question! The richness of the work probably, the vast creative backstory.

3. What is your fondest experience of Tolkien’s work?

Reading his letters for the gaps they fill in, and the insight into the man.

4. Has the way you approach Tolkien’s work changed over time?

Most definitely. We’ve been together now for nearly 50 years, and what started out as a bringing to life legendary elements I was familiar with from Norse and Celtic myths, has become a many faceted engagement, as I played D&D from the early 70s, then Runequest, then studied literature at university, lived in Wellington as Jackson started and finished his work, joined the TS – I find now I can dip in and out of his work, and works about him, savouring them with the wisdom (if I can be so bold) – or at least insight – of years.

5. Would you ever recommend Tolkien’s work? Why/Why not?

I have done so on many, many occasions, to family and friends, young and old.