Tag Archives: The Lord of the Rings

CS Lewis’ Response to Critics of The Lord of the Rings: The Dethronement of Power

Posted on January 6, 2018 by

C. S. Lewis’ defence of Tolkien’s work gives insight into the types of criticism it elicited. Chief among those criticisms were its supposed lack of realism, and lack of character development or moral complexity. Lewis robustly argues against both allegations, … Continue reading →

Posted in Literature, Tolkien | Tagged , , , , , , | 18 Comments

Reading and Drawing the Lord of the Rings Part 3: On Being an Oddity

Posted on December 10, 2017 by

In his Foreword, Tolkien describes ‘The Shadow of the Past’ as the oldest part of the tale and ‘the crucial chapter’ of the book. One can see why, as it anchors the entire tale in gravitas, thanks in no small … Continue reading →

Posted in Tolkien | Tagged , , , , | 11 Comments

The Lord of the Rings Through The Eyes Of An 11 Year Old

Posted on November 19, 2017 by

The first and original book review of The Hobbit was candidly supplied in 1936 by the ten-year old son of publisher Sir Stanley Unwin: “Bilbo Baggins was a Hobbit who lived in his Hobbit hole and never went for adventures, … Continue reading →

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Atmospheric Railway Journeys and Stories

Posted on August 9, 2017 by

The rain is lashing down. Drops dot and dash against the windows, while some run sideways as the train speeds on. On and on, hurtling forward. Through the speckled window I can see dark, heavy clouds. Greyness fills the sky, … Continue reading →

Posted in Journeys, Literature | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 14 Comments

Reading and Drawing the Lord of the Rings Part 2: Enter Frodo Baggins and the Ring

Posted on November 16, 2015 by

The morning after the night before – Drawing with ink and wide nib Welcome to my 50th post on this blog! The Influence of the Ring It is in this chapter that we get our first glimpse of the power … Continue reading →

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Reading and drawing The Lord of the Rings Part 1: Bilbo’s Long Expected Party

Posted on November 1, 2015 by

Gandalf arrives in Hobbiton – Drawing with ink and wide nib WHENEVER autumn arrives, when the leaves turn red and orange, and there’s a new chill in the air, I feel it’s a time for new challenges. I’m sure there’s a strong … Continue reading →

Posted in Literature, Tolkien | Tagged , , , , , , | 16 Comments

Middle-earth on the back of an envelope: Sketch of Thorin and Others

Posted on August 2, 2015 by

Every now and again it’s fun to opt for something less wordy here at the blog.  Middle-earth usually provides the inspiration. I have a habit of doodling on random bits of paper I find – very often it will be the proverbial … Continue reading →

Posted in Art, Tolkien | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | 10 Comments