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Reading Tolkien

Reading Tolkien

By: Benjamin Bassett
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This show examines Tolkien's work from a variety of literary perspectives. We examine Tolkien's lesser known works, his well known novels and his thematic and philosophical preoccupations and sentiments. Please join us!Copyright Ben Bassett and Razib Khan Art Literary History & Criticism
Episodes
  • Professor Michael Drout: The Tower and the Ruin

    Professor Michael Drout: The Tower and the Ruin
    Nov 23 2025

    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.
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    1 hr and 13 mins
  • Interview: Giuseppe Pezzini

    Interview: Giuseppe Pezzini
    May 31 2025

    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.

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    44 mins
  • The Silmarillion Sessions: Chapter 11 - Of the Sun and Moon and the Hiding of Valinor

    The Silmarillion Sessions: Chapter 11 - Of the Sun and Moon and the Hiding of Valinor
    Jul 2 2023

    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.

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    9 mins
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Featured Article: When Does The Rings of Power Take Place? Tolkien's Second Age, Explained


The Prime Video streaming series The Rings of Power is set thousands of years before the events of The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings trilogy. Rooted in J.R.R. Tolkien's history of Middle-earth, the series is expected to cover all of the major events of the fictional world's Second Age. But what is the Second Age, and how does this period of time factor into the rest of Tolkien's world? Read on to find out.

Featured Article When Does The Rings of Power Take Place Tolkien's Second Age Explained
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