Our parents read us the Hobbit and got us started on LOTR, where we took over for ourselves around grade 5. I love the books. I know the basics in the mythology behind the Silmarillion, but have never read it. All that said, I could probably go back and do a lot of re-reading as it's been a while.
Fabulous books of course. It is important to remember when comparing the two, that The Hobbit was originally styled as a children's book (can you imagine children having the patience for that book now?) so that's why there is a significant difference between the two. As for LOTR, it was the most published book (and most languages as well, I believe) after the Bible in the 20th century, so that goes to show it's cultural significance worldwide. And of course it's success and the love others found in it, started the whole modern fantasy fiction craze, and many of the authors we enjoy today. Tolkien created many of his races and beasts, like orcs I believe, many of which have become staples in books and games today.
|