4 ms·
I don't understand how people can even find the Silmarillion but somehow don't understand what it is. Its just pieced together mythology. Its not some lost LOTR
by drzaiusapelord 9y ago
I don't understand how people can even find the Silmarillion but somehow don't understand what it is. Its just pieced together mythology. Its not some lost LOTR sequel. Its a bit like saying, "So I ran out and bought Infinite Jest. No one told me it was long and ponderous!"
Uh, who is recommending these books to these people and why aren't they at least reading the descriptions?
- Steuard 9y agoI used to sometimes see random volumes from the middle of The History of Middle-earth series sitting in airport bookstores. I'd look at that and just feel sorry for anyone who thought "Oh, I loved The Hobbit! I'm looking for something to read on the plane: maybe this book The Shaping of Middle-earth will be fun." Even Unfinished Tales or The Silmarillion could be more or less reasonable there, but this felt like tricking people into buying a specialized third-year college textbook.
- duskwuff 9y agoPart of the problem -- in my opinion -- was that the publisher treated The History of Middle-Earth like a typical fantasy series. Mass market paperback edition, cover art, the works. A different presentation might have made it more clear that it was a scholarly work, not a novel. (Or perhaps that was the intent. Sigh...)
- nmeofthestate 9y agoNobody recommended the Silmarillion to me - I bought it when I was a teenager, after reading LotRs. People buy it looking for more material from someone they enjoy reading. (and yes I found it a boring slog)