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by Benjamin Bassett
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- Nov 23, 20251h 13m
Professor Michael Drout: The Tower and the Ruin
Professor Michael Drout speaks to me about his fascinating and deeply moving new literary memoir cum detailed literary analysis The Tower and the Ruin. Drout's book, published December 2nd, analyses Tolkien from the persective of one reader, whilst also providing evidence for how Tolkien is best read in the context of his academic discipline, philology, and Tolkien's creative response to his medieval sources.
- May 31, 202543 min
Interview: Giuseppe Pezzini
In this interview I chat with Giuseppe (Beppe) Pezzini, author of the fascinating new book, 'Tolkien and the Mystery of Literary Creation'. Together, we delve into the intricacies of Tolkien's imagination, explore the reception of Tolkien in Italy, and discuss the role of Tolkien Studies in readers' appreciation of Tolkien's texts. Please join us.
- Jul 2, 20239 min
The Silmarillion Sessions: Chapter 11 - Of the Sun and Moon and the Hiding of Valinor
In this minisode I discuss the myth of the Sun and the Moon in The Silmarillion. I jump right into my thoughts so it is recommended that you have read the chapter recently.
- May 27, 202316 min
The Silmarillion Sessions: Chapter 10 - Of the Sindar
In this episode I discuss the Sindar in Chapter 10 of The Silmarillion, and offer brief thoughts on my recent re-read of The Lord of the Rings.
- Jan 29, 20231h 15m
Silmarillion Sessions: Chapter 7, 8 & 9
We discuss Fëanor (somewhat drunkenly!) in this new podcast, our first for 2023! For those who think Fëanor 'did nothing wrong' this is the podcast for you! We defend the great Elf's actions and discuss the bias of The Silmarillion narrator at this part of the story. But did Tolkien intend us to read his 'Bible' in this way! For answers to these and other questions please join us! Find Reading Tolkien on twitter: @PodReading, and on Substack.
- Sep 8, 202235 min
The Rings of Power discussion: Episodes 1 & 2
Sridhar and Ben discuss the first two episodes of the new Amazon series, The Rings of Power.
- May 8, 20222h 6m
JRR Tolkien, George RR Martin, and writing morally dubious characters
In this episode Sridhar and I discuss the upcoming Amazon show, Rings of Power, and the prequel to Game of Thrones - House of the Dragon. The discussion turns to the variant means by which Tolkien and Martin approach morally dubious characters like Gollum, or the Lannisters. Both of us are unrepentent in our bias to Tolkien, and I frequently argue that much of what is said to constitute Martin' s genius is done better elsewhere, and frequently with much greater nuance. So, if you're a Martin fan, you will probably find a lot here to argue with.
- Mar 13, 20221h 2m
Silmarillion Sessions 2: Chapters 1-4
Join Ben and Sridhar as they discuss Chapters 1-4 of the Quenta Silmarillion. They touch on the nature of the Valar, the status of The Silmarillion as a text within the world of The Lord of the Rings, the various theodicies presented in the text, and the efficacy of mythological vs. theological approaches to the text.
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