Who Are You, Medieval Author?

This week, we consider the textual history of Tolkien's Legendarium, from the stories told in the Cottage of Lost Play to the Red Book of Westmarch. How does Tolkien's framing of his work shift from myth to history? What are the benefits of this careful chain of texts? What are the other accounts that we wish we could read?

Thanks to Suzanne for the question!

Show Notes

• The Book Of Lost Tales, Part One and Part Two
• J.R.R. Tolkien and Dorothy L. Sayers (From The Heart Of Europe)
• Creating Imaginary Languages: An Enduring Form of Artistry (Dmitra Fimi)
• Ursula K Le Guin’s maps of imaginary worlds are charted in a new exhibition (Wallpaper)
• ‘Cosy and comforting’: why The Fellowship of the Ring is my feelgood movie (The Guardian)

Shire Reckoning is a Next Word production. For bonus episodes and to support the show, visit Patreon.com/NextWord.

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Music by Corvus from Pixabay.  

What is Shire Reckoning?

Shire Reckoning is a twice-weekly podcast dedicated to the work of Professor J.R.R. Tolkien. Join Alastair Stephens every Sunday for the latest from the Shire, and accompany our Fellowship every Tuesday evening as we study Tolkien's work in a welcoming, unhurried journey through the most influential fantasy stories of all time.