Hobbitwulf

J.R.R. TOLKIEN  is certainly not the only person to ever translate  the word "middangeard" in Beowulf as "Middle-earth"  -- but his word choice, obviously, is more conspicuous (and interesting) to us than it is in other editions. The recent publication of his version of the epic poem is hardly a mere tiber to his fans — that's "gift" … Continue reading Hobbitwulf

Reading now: Tolkien’s Beowulf

In the years since Hemingway's death, many books have been found among his papers and published so that it feels like he's never left us. The only other writer who impresses me more with his posthumous prolificity is Tolkien. Of course he's had some help from his son Christopher, who's served as an astounding guardian … Continue reading Reading now: Tolkien’s Beowulf

‘When a warrior is gone’… Seamus Heaney

Ah God, I thought we'd have Seamus Heaney for at least a few more years. The wispy white-haired Irish laureate died in Dublin today, at the age of 74, according to various media reports, and there are no words to properly express what he contributed to poetry and language during his immense career. He was … Continue reading ‘When a warrior is gone’… Seamus Heaney