Joe’s Comments (group member since Aug 29, 2007)

Joe’s comments from the J.R.R. Tolkien group.

Yeah, it's too bad Tolkien wasn't able to get to those. He considered those stories two of the "Great Tales" (along with the Children of Hurin).

I agree! I also really liked the illustrations that were in the hardcover.

I read the Lay of Leithian from the Lays of Beleriand this past spring. It was amazing! It's too bad Tolkien never finished it. He really was a perfectionist, and his idea of perfect is far removed from mine.
The rhyming couplets of this epic poem do feel contrived; the rhythym lilts and flows beautifully.
I highly reccomend reading this out loud (unless you're on the subway cause then people might think you're crazy).
I had a harder time getting into the epic Turin poem that's in The Lays of Beleriand. I couldn't quite place the meter of the poem, and that was frustrating to me. Perhaps a real poet or poetic critic could help me appreciate it.

I know! It's pretty predictable though, I bet he left behind enough notes for someone to finish his series. I think he planned ahead.

No clue if it's finished. I heard that the author had some rare disease. People have told me that they are a great story and very addicting.

What about Robert Jordan? I lot of people have reccomended his Wheel of Time series, but I fear they might just make me angry that he's ripping off Tolkein. Is this a legitimate fear or should I read them?