Tom Shippey on Tolkien's Critics (Throwback!)

In this classic video from ancient days, Tom Shippey discusses some of the earliest critics of J.R.R. Tolkien's Lord of the Rings -- and how wrong they were. Enjoy!

[blackbird]

Spot on, thank you! Incidentally, why is 'infantile' so often used as a perjorative term? I would see 'appealing to children', still unpolluted by adult virtue-signalling, rank-flaunting & other corruptions of innocent responses, as a compliment!

[Hananotaka]

Prof. Shippey’s “Well, that’s just name-calling, ” has lived in my head for years. It comes unbidden to my mind whenever I read some haughty, condescending piece of criticism.

[JohnHoranzy]

There is not enough infantile happiness in the world.😛😛😛

[byrnemoore]

Does anyone know where this interview is from? Need to reference for a essay

[ButternoteBackingTracks]

I recall a rather derogatory comment by Terry Pratchet years ago that went something like:

"If you thought LOTR was the best book you've ever read at age 13, you can be forgiven for your naivety, but if you still think it's the best book in adult life, then you really cant"

Words to that effect. I thought it sounded like bitter professional jealousy! Lost respect for him after that 😂

[Tim_Climie]

I've read it, once. When, there is a new cut from PJ&Co, I will read it, again.

[pphedup]

The comments Shopey reads sound like weak YouTube snipes.

[Kwyjibo]

Depth?!?! What about Aragorn's tax policy?