Well that was different, and very interesting..... an enjoyable read. Most of your layers of information about the trilogy passed me by in my scant two reads of it (the second reading was out loud to my young teenage children). Your numerous readings of it make me gasp, but Tolkien's wonderful trilogy certainly contained a breadth and depth that would reward that I'm sure. I didn't see the Mastermind show and hope your effort paid off. I like that you are so well armed on this topic as to be able to dismiss the ridiculous claims about it. Thanks.
The study regime for Mastermind was very intense - I actually broke out over 3000 facts asnd reduced them to Q and A flashcards - question on one side and the answer on the other. My wife had never read the books and we went through some of the flashcards on the afternoon before the show. She knew the answers to half a dozen of the questions which shows that the methodology was sound.
I imagine I saw your Mastermind turn as it was compulsory viewing..thanks for link. Like your wife I have never read the books, husb did, youngest daughter turned on by a primary school teacher reading The Hobbit aloud. Sheryl has said what I would've, bravo. Apparently that Maddow gets paid many millions for her spot on that network, sheesh. Have enjoyed the odd Oldie (amongst others) article on JRR ...his bro was named Hilary, one 'l'. Very clever people are plain interesting & I particularly like the linguist variety.
Thanks for the comment Hilary. I have a whole lot of material for a number of posts that are forthcoming but I have been reflecting on my very long relationship with Tolkien and his works - one that has lasted for 67 or 68 years - and I still manage to achieve a sense of wonder as I return to the Lord of the Rings and The Silmarillion. I thought I might write a piece about the whole journey because although I never met Tolkien a number of other interesting people were part of the trip including Rayner Unwin who recommended the Hobbit for publication at the age of 10 to his father which is how the whole business got started.
The Song of Middle Earth is available on Amazon for NZ$19.95
Well that was different, and very interesting..... an enjoyable read. Most of your layers of information about the trilogy passed me by in my scant two reads of it (the second reading was out loud to my young teenage children). Your numerous readings of it make me gasp, but Tolkien's wonderful trilogy certainly contained a breadth and depth that would reward that I'm sure. I didn't see the Mastermind show and hope your effort paid off. I like that you are so well armed on this topic as to be able to dismiss the ridiculous claims about it. Thanks.
Sheryl
Thanks for your comment and observations.
The study regime for Mastermind was very intense - I actually broke out over 3000 facts asnd reduced them to Q and A flashcards - question on one side and the answer on the other. My wife had never read the books and we went through some of the flashcards on the afternoon before the show. She knew the answers to half a dozen of the questions which shows that the methodology was sound.
The LOTR segment of the show is here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OdIIWhePLwA
The full show (if you have the time and the inclination) is here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y3Wa7T_q1u4
The Nuremburg Ode to Joy Flashmob is far more inspiring.
Thank you.
I imagine I saw your Mastermind turn as it was compulsory viewing..thanks for link. Like your wife I have never read the books, husb did, youngest daughter turned on by a primary school teacher reading The Hobbit aloud. Sheryl has said what I would've, bravo. Apparently that Maddow gets paid many millions for her spot on that network, sheesh. Have enjoyed the odd Oldie (amongst others) article on JRR ...his bro was named Hilary, one 'l'. Very clever people are plain interesting & I particularly like the linguist variety.
Thanks for the comment Hilary. I have a whole lot of material for a number of posts that are forthcoming but I have been reflecting on my very long relationship with Tolkien and his works - one that has lasted for 67 or 68 years - and I still manage to achieve a sense of wonder as I return to the Lord of the Rings and The Silmarillion. I thought I might write a piece about the whole journey because although I never met Tolkien a number of other interesting people were part of the trip including Rayner Unwin who recommended the Hobbit for publication at the age of 10 to his father which is how the whole business got started.
The Song of Middle Earth is available on Amazon for NZ$19.95
Well done! And fantastic article as well.