The Lord of the Rings has been read by many people since it finally appeared in print; and I should like to say something here with reference to the many opinions or guesses that I have received or have read concerning the motives and meaning of the tale. The prime motive was the desire of a tale-teller to try his hand at a really long story that would hold the attention of readers, amuse them, delight them, and at times maybe excite them or deeply move them. As a guide I had only my own feelings for what is appealing or moving, and for many the guide was inevitably often at fault. Some who have read the book, or at any rate have reviewed it, have found it boring, absurd, or contemptible; and I have no cause to complain, since I have similar opinions of their works, or of the kinds of writing that they evidently prefer.

It's that line in black (my emphasis of course) that has always struck me. Like any good bit of material that resonates with me, it makes me think of many different things. I might wonder how much it chafed for Tolkien to be considered boring, absurd, or contemptible. It would chafe for me. Or, I might wonder, did he really shrug it off with the confidence of a soul who knows who he is, what he wants, and what he enjoys... or doesn't enjoy? Some people never seem to doubt themselves. Regardless of which of these describe Tolkien more, he got a bit frank with his detractors. I really enjoy and admire frankness. I have never known any other way to be and I admire people who are willing to speak their mind with respect and decorum but also with self assuredness.

But, in a more contemporary context, I contrast Tolkien's choice of words to how people today are more apt to react to criticism. Not to put a dark note on a day of celebration... but we could do with more Tolkien in this world. His simply put comment on his detractors works as well as any of the many unpleasant ways people might react today.

I think it works to finish off that paragraph from the Foreword. I won't comment further on it (except maybe to say that my mind really wandered to many of the current discussion on the upcoming Hobbit movies here) but I'd love to hear your thoughts on any of this paragraph (first and last halves). Where does you mind wander when you read the Foreword? Do you read the Foreword?

But even from the points of view of many who have enjoyed my story there is much that fails to please. It is perhaps not possible in a long tale to please everybody at all points, nor to displease everybody at the same points; for I find from the letters that I have received that the passages or chapters that are to some a blemish are all by others specially approved. The most critical reader of all, myself, now finds many defects, minor and major, but being fortunately under no obligation either to review the book or to write it again, he will pass over these in silence, except one that has been noted by others: the book is too short.