A suggestion by Dawn

[drcodemilich.livejournal.com]

Hey... Um the easiest way to put this is that I am in a history course that requires me to write a 10 page paper, so I chose to write about how J.R.R. Tolkien's work on Lord of the Rings and the Silmarillion was impacted by his experience in the trenches. STOP... I am familiar with the fact that he denied this and I am also aware fully that this is a controversial subject; however, I wanted to write about LOTR and the Silmarillion having to do with WW1. I simply need some sources that could lead me into the right direction that are analyzing his work. I am not completely familiar with the Silmarillion so it is my weakest point. It would be great if I could have tips on how to organize my thoughts as to fit the timeline of Tolkien's potential experiences and other's experiences in the trenches with the explanation and analysis of his writing... basically this means I need help fitting a square in a small circle slot. Any kind of suggestions about anything to do with it or sources like interviews, analysis, critics etc. would be awesome. Also if anyone were to be interested a potential interview with someone who is qualified as a scholarly individual with a great understanding of either LOTR or the Silmarillion it would be paradisaical. Thanks to Dawn for the suggestion and if this was not the right place to put this please say so.

-Thanks,
drcodemilich

Comments

[dreamflower]

I second this recommendation. I think it is by far one of the best Tolkien biographies, and shows a lot about how the war affected JRRT and his work.

I have read it, and found it not only informative and insightful, but also very moving.

[azalaisdep.livejournal.com]

Thirded. I heard the author, John Garth, speak at Oxford University's Tolkien Spring School earlier this year with altariel and edge_of_ruin - both he and the book (which I subsequently read) are excellent. I did briefly post about Garth's lecture here (http://azalaisdep.livejournal.com/127933.html), but the post only really acts as a teaser for the book...