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 fan.
To see the idea behind this project, or if you are interested in sharing your own, visit the project homepage. If you enjoy this series, please consider helping us fund the project using the support page.
I want to thank Donato Giancola for allowing me to use his artwork for this project. Prints are available on his website!
Now, on to Colin’s responses:
1. How were you introduced to Tolkien’s work?
On a school trip in 1976, borrowed Bored of the Rings, had to then read the original.
2. What is your favorite part of Tolkien’s work?
The hobbits waking up from the wight-dream in LoTR. It shows the tone shift from The Hobbit to LoTR, and is just so evocative
3. What is your fondest experience of Tolkien’s work?
Coming to grips with Middle-earth, photocopying the map portions, sellotaping them together, mapping out events in the books.
4. Has the way you approach Tolkien’s work changed over time?
I used to read LoTR avidly. Now I listen to the audiobook avidly, that means I am, in part, subject to someone else’s interpretation, but it means that I can “read” it with aging eyes.
5. Would you ever recommend Tolkien’s work? Why/Why not?
Yes, if the person seemed like it might be for them. If not, not, the person would have to be receptive to a Saga like experience with a lot of human emotion, motivation and tragedy.
You can find more writing about Tolkien by Colin on his blog!
Luke Shelton PhD 