Which Tolkein book to read?

[Siva]

I was assinged a research project today, have to do something with literary criticism and a british author, so I figured I'd do Tolkein. LOTR trilogy is out, because we already read that for school, so I figured I"d read one of his other books. Any recommendations? I know the Silmarilian is an option, but that's a bitch to read (I tried it in 5th grade and couldn't even get past the first page),

 

[SaltBoy]

Start with the Hobbit. It's relatively easy reading and gives a good intro into LOTR.

 

[Juniper]

Start with the Hobbit. It's relatively easy reading and gives a good intro into LOTR


I agree

 

[jjones]

well, i don't know about doing literary critique on tolkein if you're counting out LOTR. why not use dickens instead? "tale of two cities" or "david copperfield". lots of info on the internet that could help you out with critiquing dickens.

 

[StageLeft]

why not use dickens instead?

Maybe because he'd rather cut his own head off than voluntarily read tale of two cities

 

[djs1w]

I've got 20 pages left in 'The Hobbit.' Great book, I'm looking forward to finishing it up tonight.

 

[jjones]

<< Maybe because he'd rather cut his own head off than voluntarily read tale of two cities >>


roflmao!

i love reading dickens.

 

[Siva]

Did you guys read my post? I already read LOTR, and the hobbit for that matter, I'm looking for other books by Tolkien.

 

[Swag1138]

Read one of my favorite Non-LOTR related storys of his. Farmer Giles of Ham.

Short, but excellent and fun read
Plus...its one of the few other real "stories" he has.

I mean sure, there are the unfinished tales, and the Lay of Belariand(sp), but Farmer Giles of Ham is a great read

 

[NikPreviousAcct]

<< Start with the Hobbit. It's relatively easy reading and gives a good intro into LOTR. >>

 

[Aquaman]

Hobbit for sure

I read the Silmarilian and was not to impressed by it.

Cheers,
Aquaman

 

[FrogDog]

WTF? He JUST said that he has already read The Hobbit and there have been 2 posts after than saying he should read it.

 

[Swag1138]

The Silmarillion was good, but it was tooooooo much like reading the Bible, something that I, a relatively devout christian, have trouble doing.

 

[damocles]

The Silmarillion is excellent, but read it as a series of short stories- rather as one long history. Otherwise you can get bogged down by the whole thing. After reading the Silmarillion it really fleshes out the world the LOTR is set in

 

[yakko]

<< WTF? He JUST said that he has already read The Hobbit and there have been 2 posts after than saying he should read it. >>

That is because some people don't read before they spout off.

 

[BigNeko]

Try CS Lewis or Arthur C Clarke instead.