Excellent introduction to Tolkien's writings

I'm sorry to have to make this my first point, but please try to ignore some of the reviews here, one of which unaccountably heads the whole list, whining in offensive terms about alleged "woke" content in lecture 9. Lecture 9 is a straightforward, uncontroversial assessment of some of Tolkien's views regarding women and race, which were informed by the culture in which he lived. Dr Fimi is uniquely well qualified to reflect on the influence of Tolkien's cultural and personal background, having researched and published a major study on the subject. Woke warriors: take your culture wars elsewhere.

This is a very well rounded series of introductory talks on the major themes running through Tolkien's entire legendarium and the various influences on his ideas. Dr Fimi also examines some aspects of his unique legacy as a writer of fantasy. This is a wide-ranging survey which will be especially useful for people who are just starting to explore Tolkien's writings beyond The Lord of the Rings, or who have been introduced to him through the Amazon Prime TV series and have some lingering questions about the background.

Dr Fimi's delivery is mostly clear and her writing is fluent and succinct. Her English (and Elvish!) pronunciations are sometimes a little odd, but always comprehensible. (Her German pronunciation certainly needs work, but listeners without knowledge of the language won't notice that.)

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

1 person found this helpful

A fantastic introduction to Tolkien scholarship

Fimi is well-loved in Tolkien scholarship, and with good reason. Here she gives a brilliant tour of Tolkien’s legendarium as a subject of scholarship. These lectures are accessible for new scholars and casual fans but offer a breadth that will appeal to familiar readers. It is surprising and moving, showing great love for Tolkien’s work, but looks squarely also at its flaws and controversies. An excellent listen.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

2 people found this helpful

A new perspective on Tolkien’s influences

A most informative analysis of the whole body of Tolkeins work. Provides an excellent survey of his influences. And a good final chapter on the enduring impact of his novels.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

1 person found this helpful

Interesting

Very interesting read, was entertaining throughout. however if you are a fan of Tolkein and not some mindless woke person skip chapter 9

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

Immersive and Fascinating

Dr Fimi's lectures were one of the many highlights of the Fantasy Literature Masters course I took last year (Nightingales), so being able to listen to this new mini-course on the go is brilliant!
I love that the series covers so many different ways you can look at Tolkien's work (gender, race, biographical context, influential sources such as Beowulf, theology etc.) but keeps the analysis accessible and easy to understand for more casual readers.
I'll definitely be listening to this course again in the future to refresh my Tolkien knowledge and to keep discovering fascinating new ways to interact with Tolkien's world.
If you're thinking of taking the Fantasy Literature Masters course at Glasgow Uni, this works as a great taster for what it's like.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

1 person found this helpful

Fascinating

I had the pleasure of being taught by Dimitra during my English Literature undergrad and Fantasy Masters courses (Nightingales) and it was wonderful to learn from her again!

Dimitra is truly an expert in her field and makes the complexities of Tolkien and his works accessible to all. Each lecture is beautifully presented, fascinating and full of wonderful examples and tales from the various stories, legends and from Tolkien's life.

This is a MUST listen for any Tolkien fan! Excellent work Dimitra.

CDW

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

1 person found this helpful

Fantastic

Great for anyone interested in the origins of JRRTs mythology and/or a further interest Anglo Saxon literature and older European Mythologies

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

Fantastic introduction to Tolkien's World

Dr Fimi is, rightly, an absolute legend in Tolkien scholarship, and this series is the perfect introduction for anyone who wants to start getting a bit more background on their reading of his work or dipping into Tolkien scholarship. It's also great for folks who've already done some background or specific study, striking the balance between hugely informative and highly accessible. Would recommend to literally anyone who's interested in Tolkien's world and work.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

1 person found this helpful

Excelente!!

All that we wish to known about this amazing autor, as a Catholic I’m really love his books. Theology key reading is amazing

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

Highly recommended as a comprehensive introduction

I really enjoyed this series of lectures, almost wishing to be caught in traffic so I could finish it!
As a long term Tolkien fan, some of the topics were familiar but if you can forgive me the conceit of quoting the man himself "A part of this tale was known to some there, but the full tale to none". It was very rewarding to get a comprehensive view of Tolkien literature and there are plenty of pointers to what to read next, both of Tolkien and his influences.
A quick note on lecture 9, which sadly seems to have pushed a unfairly negative review to the top of the list. I thought this lecture was even handed, covering where Tolkien followed the themes of his day but also giving credit where he was progressive. This lecture shouldn't put you off listening to this series or harm your enjoyment of it.
I recommend this to both new and long term Tolkien fans

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

2 people found this helpful