Hello all
My first posting so here goes.

One of the stars in my collection is a 1925 copy of The Devils Coach Horses. It is a great read although I have to store safely as so delicate. I have tried to do some research into it as a friend told me it was partially this writing that inspired Tolkien to create the Balrog.

Does anyone know anything more about this or can point me in the right direction. Thanks

Hi laurel.

I hadn't heard that The Devil's Coach-horses had anything to do with balrogs; though in his book 'The Road to Middle earth', Prof.Tom Shippey speculates something of the kind, to do with another of Tolkien's writings: Sigelwara land, in Medum Aevum (1932, 1934).

The Devil's Coach-horses was first published in 'The Review of English Studies Vol.I, no.3, (Sidgewick and Jackson, July 1925). There's also an off-print; is this the one you have?

There was also one dated 1925, printed by Edwards Bros, Jersey, but acording to Hammond's bibliography, this is printed in Monotype Bembo , which was not cut till 1929.

Just a quick correction: there is no 'e' in "Sidgwick". Sorry 'bout that.

>grin<

Hi Garm
Thanks for that - Not read Medum Aevum, I will have to try and gt a copy.
Yes it is the off print - flimsy phamflet type. Quite rare as i understand.
Thanks