There's a wonderful little site for Tolkien enthusiasts that I came across a while back and wanted to share. The Tolkien Professor is fronted by English professor Corey Olsen who holds a PhD in medieval literature, with a specialization in Chaucer and Mallory--ooh, the good stuff! (My own thesis centered on Arthurian Lit. And hey, Chaucer is just made of win and awesome. :P)
The very nice thing is the site offers a series of lectures on Tolkien's works, beginning with The Hobbit, and going through The Lord of the Rings. Followers will also have access to discussions on Tolkien's more difficult works, like The Silmarillion. How cool is that?
So if you've ever wanted to study Tolkien's work at length, you might want to consider downloading these in depth these lectures, and then discussing the material on the site's discussion board.
I think for me personally, this is a great opportunity to get back to re-reading all the professor's books, which I've been planning to do for a long while, but haven't been able to sit down and find a time and place to begin. The Tolkien Professor's lectures give you a nice little schedule to follow, and you might even have access to the occasional live discussion, if you so choose.
So if anyone is interested, I recommend you do as I am planning, and take what looks like a nicely thorough and academic course in Tolkien. Having had the opportunity to have taught Tolkien myself once, I'm glad for the chance to always learn more.
very cool. Thanks, Newmoon. Im looking forward to spring break to be able to put some time in to this.
Thanks Newmoon. This is great for lovers of the Silmarillion, like me. Is the Book of Lost Tales discussed at all?
The thief in the dark steals the bread in the basket.
Sorry for the double post, but is this going for all the works of J.R.R? Including the small books?
The thief in the dark steals the bread in the basket.
Welcome to LI Dodwyn. :crown:
I don't believe all the professor's works are included; would be nice though. Some of his smaller books/poems ("Leaf by Niggle," "Smith of Wootten Major," "Mythopoeia" are included as part of the Washington College course lectures, but I don't see The Book of Lost Tales as part of the course. Professor Olsen is also doing a series of free-standing lectures beginning with The Hobbit and going through The Lord of the Rings, but I'm not sure if there will be other works after that. And also there are various recorded discussions on some of the themes that can be found in Tolkien's works. :)
I've been listening to the lectures and I have to say I really like the quality and level of detail in the discussions; just the ticket for a Tolkien enthusiast/fan/geek like me. ;)
Such fortune! This resource is astounding, and I shall read it with hope and speed; for a scholar I am, of nature.
I do look forward to discussion of these fine novels, please; do not hesitate to speak with me, regarding. I enjoy conversation!
Nauth velui,
Andarne Glingaeron, "Baingol", o Lothlórien.
Herven o Malliel.
Creator of 'Edhellen Gûr - An Elven Guide'
Master of Elven Lore on [EN-RP] Laurelin