Browsing the Compleat Middle-Earth Library - Page 6
© Michael Martinez
Every literary tradition begins with one person. Someone, somewhere, wrote the first story about King Arthur. Somewhere in time, someone composed the first lay about Robin Hood. Homer composed "The Iliad" and "The Odyssey". Of course, all these people (like Tolkien and others after them) drew upon older sources. But they launched traditions which continue today. King Arthur, Robin Hood, and Troy remain vibrant and alive in our popular imagination, literature, and entertainment. There is no end in sight for these traditions, as well as others of equally ancient origin. Hence, we have no reason to doubt that Tolkien's tradition will succeed. It has already succeeded in a way that no other literary creation of the 20th century has succeeded.
So, if you're feeling brave and want to step out onto the road of Tolkien literary adventure, the good news is that you have a lot of material to explore, and many choices lie before you. There is a little something for everyone. And a lot of Middle-earth for everyone. The historical information is immense, and it provides insight into the way Tolkien envisioned a mythical storyscape, a world of continuously unfolding adventure.
Finally, since I've been asked this more than once, I'll conclude with a list of the primary and secondary sources, and some comments on each. Your mileage may vary. Don't obligate yourself to try and read every book. And keep in mind that one person's Silmaril is another person's Tree restored. We value these books in different ways. Two tertiary sources are also included in the list.
Primary texts
- The Hobbit
For an introduction to Tolkien's sense of adventure and the basic setting of his northern world, The Hobbit works best. It's not very complex but is fun to read and very enjoyable. Although Tolkien eventually came to regret telling this story on a level intended for children, I think it serves to demonstrate the immense diversity in literary applicability that Middle-earth ultimately offers. Middle-earth began with The Hobbit, although Tolkien never intended to create Middle-earth, and had no idea of what the world of Bilbo Baggins would evolve into when he published this book. The 1st edition (1937) is notable for lying outside the Middle-earth canon. Tolkien suggested revisions for the book in 1947, and he was received galleys for a 2nd edition in 1950 which forced him to alter some of the material in The Lord of the Rings. The 3rd edition of 1965 was produced in response to ACE Books' unauthorized reprint, and it introduced some minor changes to the Middle-earth canon.
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