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Re: Cancelled - Wheelbarrows at Dawn: Memories of Hilary Tolkien

Subject: Re: Cancelled - Wheelbarrows at Dawn: Memories of Hilary Tolkien
by Stu on 2010/11/8 21:04:44

The Tolkien Estate's purpose in life is, of course, to continue to monetize Tolkien's work to the maximum extent possible and squeeze every last penny from the buying public. Unfortunately, I think this means they have to try to protect an authorised "reality" (which may well be distinct from actual reality).

That said, I'm personally not quite sure what is terribly interesting about the brother of someone famous (but perhaps I would have discovered something unexpected if I had had the opportunity to read the book). In truth, whilst [JRR] Tolkien's literary output interests me, the man himself not so much. Likewise, I tend to feel that his brother would only be of interest in the context of his own work.

Still, I think it is a real shame for those who who have put in a lot of effort to create this book and for those whose tastes differ from my own and would have gained value from it. I think it is a pity that the official Tolkien establishment cares so little about the kinds of people who cherish it's output the most. A pity, but not a surprise.

Stu