From the Bookshelf of J.R.R. Tolkien…
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As this isn't the first time I've read these poems, I already knew I was going to like them. The added elements in this edition are the commentaries on every poem by the editors, which usually include earlier variants of the core poems, together with a very brief outline by Tolkien of a never realised, stand-alone Tom Bombadil story. Well worth the relatively modest cover price, but I'd have happily paid more for better paper, a larger format and colour illustrations.
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The bulk of this edition is the commentary from Scull and Hammond, which is, largely, very interesting. Each poem is detailed with notes on its history and, often, a previous version of the published poem. To have some idea of the history and development of the piece adds a nice depth to the poems. My only criticism is, as always with Scull and Hammond, how their writing is so particularly for an American audience. This I don't mind, I just wish that the unnecessary parts were edited out for the
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This was such a fun read. It's obvious that Tolkien had a blast writing these poems. You can tell by the way it is written.
Just a heads up, the first two poems are about our beloved Tom Bombadil. The rest have nothing to do with them, but definitely have roots in Middle Earth.
My favorite out of the lot was Errantry. ...more
Just a heads up, the first two poems are about our beloved Tom Bombadil. The rest have nothing to do with them, but definitely have roots in Middle Earth.
My favorite out of the lot was Errantry. ...more
Apr 03, 2021
Andrew
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