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Tolkien Fan HOWTO

by Peter Hutnick

What is this?

This document proposes to guide readers who want to enter into J.R.R. Tolkien fandom. It is a reaction to the difficulties and frustrations I encountered.

What is the point of a document describing how to become a fan of something?

A person usually becomes a fan of something through some sort of casual exposure to that thing. The Lord of the Rings (or LotR for short) is not really susceptible to casual exposure. Peter Jackson's films (about which I have strong mixed feelings) have added a gateway of sorts, and I hope many people will read and enjoy the books because of (and in spite of) the films.

Additionally, the books are somewhat difficult reads, and some guidance will make it easier for people to become fans.

So, I want to be a fan. What now?

Of course the first thing you must do is obtain the books. You shouldn't borrow them from a library, lest you return them unfinished when they are due. Borrow them from a friend or purchase them.

I recommend the boxed set of The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings [1] [2]. The boxed set gives you a matching set of volumes at a bit of a discount on the price you would pay for them individually. Paperbacks are easier to read and it is less of a tragedy if one is disappears or is damaged. If you care more about how the book looks on your shelf I suggest the single-volume version. (Which would pair nicely with this edition of The Hobbit.)

Reading The Hobbit first will ease you into Tolkien's world: Middle-Earth. It is a fairly easy read, and introduces characters, geography, and other material that will benefit the reader later.

Before beginning LotR proper, I suggest you obtain a copy of The Complete Guide to Middle-Earth: Tolkien's World from A to Z. One of the most difficult things about LotR is the huge cast of characters and large number of locations. The problem is exacerbated by the fact that many characters have two or even three names. This guide provides quick and clear answers when you become lost in the sea of monikers.

If you haven't seen the movies yet it is best to wait until you have read the books. Seeing the films first might make a first read of the books easier, but it will prejudice the reader and detract from the overall experience.

That's it?

I don't know. Are you a fan yet? It certainly isn't up to anyone else to judge if you are a fan or not. On the other hand one reading doesn't rise to the level of fandom in most people's minds. This is where things might get complicated. You should, of course, enjoy Tolkien's works as you'd like, but I suggest that you not run out and get twenty-whatever volumes of lost and forgotten tales just yet.

First, understand that J.R.R. Tolkien only ever published the four volumes we have discussed to this point. It is clear that he intended to publish The The Silmarillion in some form but did not complete the task before his death. I am not aware of any suggestion that he intended to publish any of his other related notes. The new fan might think twice as to whether he or she is interested in this material.

I am a fan, like my father before me.

When you re-read the LotR you might benefit from the maps contained in The The Atlas of Middle-Earth. These maps include the paths and campsites used by the characters. They aid the reader in understanding where the characters are in relation to one another, and how events correspond to one anther temporally.

If you hunger at this point for information about the first age, the history of the elves, and the formation of Middle-Earth you should read the Silmarillion. Be aware that it reads like a History text, not an action novel. If it leaves you thirsty for more you should branch out into the volumes that Christopher Tolkien has published subsequently. I am not of the opinion that a person has to digest all of this esoteric and dry material to be a true fan.

I hope this guidance is of some aid to aspiring Tolkien fans. Please direct any questions or comments through my normal feedback page.

[1] It is worth noting that The Lord of the Rings is the name of the story. It consists of six books and several appendices, which are normally published in three named volumes, The Fellowship of the Ring, The Two Towers, and The Return of the King. Many Tolkien fans become pedantic when these named volumes are referred to as books.

[2] You might see my note about Amazon links. Particularly note that in the case of this page my recommendations are not influenced by monetary incentive.

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