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malickfan
Gondor
Nov 13 2012, 12:29pm
Views: 1430
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Is it worth purchasing the entire set?-Yes and No
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I purchased the entire set about 6 months ago, and haven't yet finished an entire volume (mind you I'm reading quite a few other things as well)-that's not to say its terrible or boring reading, just haven't found the time to do it, I probabaly won't for several years. They are normally quite expensive, and often quite difficult books to read (the earlyier volumes you can't really dip and out off), and I suggest you borrow a volume or two from your local libary before you rush out and buy any. They really are books for massively dedicated fans, and reading the 'behind the scenes' process of writing,and numerous slightly differnt drafts isn't always as fun as it sounds,That said if you consider a hardcore fan they are defintely worth reading.
I don't really think of the HOME as fiction, more as as 'literacy archaeology'-that is like Unfinshed Tales, a continuation, and exploration of Tolkien's writing, but not necessarily canon. It's certainly interesting to see the process Tolkien took whilst writing LOTR, and the New Shadow I personally found fascinating (if a little short), but for me personally I found the essays on Dwarven and Elvish culture (Particulary 'Laws and Customs' and 'Cirdan') and languages the most interesting.
I myself asked your question a few months ago, and whilst in the end I took the plunge and purchased the set, you may want to check out the thread before you make a desision:
http://newboards.theonering.net/...%20to%20read;#433614
If that dosen't work search for 'What is the History of Middle Earth Like to Read?' in the Reading Room Archives.
Hope that Helped
‘As they came to the gates Cirdan the Shipwright came forth to greet them. Very tall he was, and his beard was long, and we was grey and old, save that his eyes were keen as stars; and he looked at them and bowed, and said ‘All is now ready.’
Perhaps the most fascinating Individual in Middle Earth
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