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rebekahflora's review
challenging
informative
reflective
slow-paced
4.0
The first 30 or so pages I found to be beyond me, but I presume upon second reading that I will be able to grasp Jirt’s meaning more effectively. The rest of the essay was extremely insightful and just what I had heard it to be when it was recommended to me. This will be a piece I return to often.
isabellarobinson7's review
4.0
Rating: 4 stars
The fact that Tolkien himself essentially bought fantasy back into the world, and showed that it was not a genre only for children, really makes me happy after hearing him say some of these comments.
The fact that Tolkien himself essentially bought fantasy back into the world, and showed that it was not a genre only for children, really makes me happy after hearing him say some of these comments.
guerra_sio's review
4.0
Why are (fairy)stories so fascinating? Tolkien explores the topic when studying folklore was all the rage. Filled with nerdy references, this work contains the seeds that will bloom in the LOTR.
gosia_maria99's review
5.0
"Fantasy remains a human right: we make in our measure and in our derivative mode, because we are made: and not only made, but made in the image and likeness of a Maker."
I grew up reading almost no fantasy (No Tolkien, no Narnia, no Harry Potter, very little Mythology), as it was deemed to skew reality and make children dissatisfied with real life. Funny, because reading The Fellowship of the Ring and Narnia last year brought me to a greater love of what our lives are here on Earth. I have been discovering why we write fairy stories, and that "Fantasy is a natural human activity. It certainly does not destroy or even insult Reason; and it does not either blunt the appetite for, nor obscure the perception of, scientific verity. On the contrary. The keener and the clearer is the reason, the better fantasy will it make."
My favourite part was the Epilogue; when Tolkien brings the whole essay to focus on the greatest Story of all time: "The Christian joy, the Gloria, is of the same kind; but it is preeminently (infinitely, if our capacity were not finite) high and joyous. But this story is supreme; and it is true. Art has been verified. God is the Lord, of angels, and of men—and of elves. Legend and History have met and fused."
I grew up reading almost no fantasy (No Tolkien, no Narnia, no Harry Potter, very little Mythology), as it was deemed to skew reality and make children dissatisfied with real life. Funny, because reading The Fellowship of the Ring and Narnia last year brought me to a greater love of what our lives are here on Earth. I have been discovering why we write fairy stories, and that "Fantasy is a natural human activity. It certainly does not destroy or even insult Reason; and it does not either blunt the appetite for, nor obscure the perception of, scientific verity. On the contrary. The keener and the clearer is the reason, the better fantasy will it make."
My favourite part was the Epilogue; when Tolkien brings the whole essay to focus on the greatest Story of all time: "The Christian joy, the Gloria, is of the same kind; but it is preeminently (infinitely, if our capacity were not finite) high and joyous. But this story is supreme; and it is true. Art has been verified. God is the Lord, of angels, and of men—and of elves. Legend and History have met and fused."
marimenegati's review
5.0
As a lover of fairy tales and fairy-stories, this book really spoke to me. Tolkien put into page a lot of what I think and feel about fantasy, and made me think about things I hadn't before.
Tolkien, as it's noticeable in his fiction, is an incredible writer, the way he phrases things is very beautiful. I highlighted a lot in this book, not only the wonderful phrases but the things he said as well.
It gave me so much insight on crafting stories, the impact they have, originality and so much more. I'll definitely be coming back and rereading what I highlighted.
Tolkien, as it's noticeable in his fiction, is an incredible writer, the way he phrases things is very beautiful. I highlighted a lot in this book, not only the wonderful phrases but the things he said as well.
It gave me so much insight on crafting stories, the impact they have, originality and so much more. I'll definitely be coming back and rereading what I highlighted.
loganmaloney's review against another edition
5.0
Beautifully written per usual of Tolkien. He argues for the beauty and necessity for the fantasy genre and explains how it is the easiest genre to show gospel narratives. Such a cool essay to read!
lizzye33's review
adventurous
challenging
informative
inspiring
reflective
relaxing
medium-paced
4.75