Every twenty-four years in the village of Wootton Major the Feast of Good Children was held. This was a very special occasion and to celebrate it a...
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reviews
Aug 29, 2011
Ron
rated it: 
A visit to Faery. Beware. It may touch your soul.
Unlike Lord of the Rings, which Tolkien labored over for decades, Smith came to him in a flash, and he dashed it off whole. It has a rough quality which betrays both that inspiration and that lack of refining. Nonetheless, it should entertain and enrich any reader who appreciate "Farmer Giles of Ham" or "Leaf by Niggle".
An excellent companion for "On Fairy Stories" from The Tolkien Reader, since S More...
Unlike Lord of the Rings, which Tolkien labored over for decades, Smith came to him in a flash, and he dashed it off whole. It has a rough quality which betrays both that inspiration and that lack of refining. Nonetheless, it should entertain and enrich any reader who appreciate "Farmer Giles of Ham" or "Leaf by Niggle".
An excellent companion for "On Fairy Stories" from The Tolkien Reader, since S More...
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Nov 18, 2011
Nikki
rated it: 
Smith of Wootton Major is a fairytale, by Tolkien's own definition. The fairies are not small and precious, but real and potentially dangerous, and so is their land. It's a rather quiet story, I think -- there are no great dangers, no dragons to be fought or Dark Lords to be overthrown, though you might see echoes of that story here. The precious star was, in earlier drafts, a ring, after all.
In any case, it's a thoughtful little story. I almost said sweet, but I think that would be More...
In any case, it's a thoughtful little story. I almost said sweet, but I think that would be More...
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Dec 29, 2011
A great and profound little book. My first reading of it remains one of my most memorable reading experiences in fantasy, and literature generally: a deeply moving and poignant experience. It remains a very fine book in terms of the fantasy elements and its solemn, ruminative tone of melancholy mixed with wonder. Roger Lanceyln green aptly said of it that to analyze its meaning is to "cut open a ball in search of the bounce." T.A. Shippey has refuted this statement somewhat, and gone t
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Apr 19, 2010
William
rated it:
One of the finest of Tolkien's lesser-known writings. We've read this as a family several times. I'm taking my kids through Shakespeare's Midsummer Night's Dream, and thought it would be good for them to get Tolkien's take on Faerie (or Faery as he spells it here). Tolkien disliked Midsummer and what he called Shakespeare's "damned cobwebs." Smith is highly recommended, especially for those who think of Tinkerbell when they hear the word "fairy."
Jun 03, 2010
Chanin
rated it: 
Interesting and weird. But I guess that is Tolkien for you.
It is the story of a young boy who swallows a fairy star and in time can use its power to enter Faery. He has many adventures there, but in the end he must surrender the star. Something that Tolkiens "Hobbit" was never able to do. Hmmmm.
It is the story of a young boy who swallows a fairy star and in time can use its power to enter Faery. He has many adventures there, but in the end he must surrender the star. Something that Tolkiens "Hobbit" was never able to do. Hmmmm.
Feb 21, 2009
Ashley
rated it:
This version also includes Farmer Giles of Ham.
It is a couple of charming and fun little tales. Intended, I imagine, for those of a young age. But it is a pleasant read and in this edition, certainly worth it for the illustrations inside.
It is a couple of charming and fun little tales. Intended, I imagine, for those of a young age. But it is a pleasant read and in this edition, certainly worth it for the illustrations inside.
Jul 24, 2010
Sarah
rated it:
At this point, I can only vaguely remember what the story was about. Right after I read it, I wrote this in journal: "Tolkien has a great way of putting sentences together. There wasn't a lot of plot, but it was still enjoyable."
Aug 16, 2011
Elizabeth
rated it:
This story is grouped in with "The Light Princess" by George MacDonald for me as one of the books that makes me feel exactly the way I want to feel about magic. This story has things that you want. This story has cake.
Jan 31, 2012
Solveig
rated it:
Das hat mir nicht so gut gefallen. Irgendwie ist die Geschichte langatmig und weder spannend noch besonders berührend. Hm, nicht der Tolkien, den ich so schätze. Auch die Elben bleiben hier sehr blass und haben nichts von der Qualität und Intensität, die wir aus "Der Herr der Ringe" so schätzen.
Oct 30, 2010
Chris
rated it:
Boy swallows magic star and sees things differently. This book will break through the "watchful dragons of your heart." Be careful, it is dangerous but delicious! Fairy or Faerie; you decide?
Oct 16, 2011
Anne
rated it:
Anne, Faerie. Faerie, Anne.
So pleased to make your acquaintance Faerie, but I have the strange feeling that we've met before, somewhere just outside of physicality.
I believe that's true, Anne.
So pleased to make your acquaintance Faerie, but I have the strange feeling that we've met before, somewhere just outside of physicality.
I believe that's true, Anne.
Jan 27, 2011
Abigailann
rated it:
A charming short(er) story of the fairy-tale ilk, this is an interesting read for Tolkien fans. Its not what I was expecting- nothing deep or complex- but I liked it all the same.
Oct 28, 2010
Troy
rated it:
This small story sent shivers up my spine - if the last line doesn't make you feel something special, you are either dead or unaware that you are, in fact, spiritually comatose.
Dec 11, 2009
epg
rated it:
I thoroughly recommend this superb audiobook edition read so well by Derek Jacobi. This story is charming, with delightful allusions to ethereal sojourns in Faery.
On this CD, there is also "Leaf by Niggle” a thought-provoking & touching story. It is the most wonderful tale. It is beautiful, human, atmospheric, inspirational, warm, melancholic, sad, soul-searching, philosophical, dreamy, truth seeking..., but told in such successful simplicity. Though all ages would enjoy thi More...
On this CD, there is also "Leaf by Niggle” a thought-provoking & touching story. It is the most wonderful tale. It is beautiful, human, atmospheric, inspirational, warm, melancholic, sad, soul-searching, philosophical, dreamy, truth seeking..., but told in such successful simplicity. Though all ages would enjoy thi More...
Jul 24, 2011
BoekenTrol
rated it:
I loved this little story, this fairy-tale.
When I was a small child, I loved fairy tales, legends, sagas. After reading a lot of them and growing up, I do not like fairy tales as much as I used to. But this one was new to me. A very original little story that I read with great pleasure.
When I was a small child, I loved fairy tales, legends, sagas. After reading a lot of them and growing up, I do not like fairy tales as much as I used to. But this one was new to me. A very original little story that I read with great pleasure.
Dec 03, 2011
Monika
rated it:
Another journey to the fantasy world where good and bad behaviour has its own awards. I liked this short story.
Sep 15, 2009
Abe
rated it:
I think I only read Smith of Wooton Major. Need to go back and read Farmer Giles of Ham sometime.
Sep 02, 2010
Nyleen
rated it:
This short story holds within its pages all that is good and bad within the heart. A beautiful story.
Feb 01, 2009
K.
rated it:
Cute little fairy story, but I have to admit, I didn't really get it--that is, if it had a point. Can anyone enlighten me? :) Should one really rate a book low just because she doesn't get it? Is it my fault or Tolkiens? ha ha
Nov 26, 2007
Kirsten
rated it:
Smith of Wootton Major is obviously not one of Tolkien's more well known works. It isn't the epic adventure that one finds in middle earth. It is, however, a good fairy tale told by one well studied in the elements of that genre. He knew exactly what those elements were, and someday I will conduct a worthy study of that world of thinking. It must suffice for now that the story is equal to any other truly good fairy tale and would be enjoyed by anyone looking for such a thing.
Jan 23, 2010
Sandi
rated it:
A gem of a short story, almost perfect with an air of antiquity without being fey or twee. Pauline Baynes illustrations from the first edition are here reproduced to great effect. They perfectly accompany the timeless, Medieval world that the story is set in. It embodies Tolkien's vision of sub-creation and Faery as revealed in his lecture, and subsequent essay, On Fairy-stories.
Feb 09, 2008
James M.
rated it:
Smith of Wootton Major was in the way of a valedictory for J.R.R. Tolkien and is a touching story that comes alive even more with Verlyn Flieger's excellent analysis and her provision of earlier manuscripts of the work. A must read!
