it has long been said that Tolkien is the master of Fantasy, and although I take my hat off to one of the forefathers of the genre, I feel that he has since been surpassed in the area of epic fantasy.
Does the title still belong to him, or would you hand it to someone else? Who?
2006-06-12 05:46:41 · 9 answers · asked by Kya 3 in Arts & Humanities ➔ Books & Authors
I don't think he ever had it. Tolkien was exceptionally gifted at world building and creating languages, but his style is among the driest I've ever read. For fantasy epics, I'd probably give the title to David Eddings for the Belgariad.
2006-06-12 08:04:06 · answer #1 · answered by lcraesharbor 7 · 10⤊ 3⤋
I think that it still belongs to him. He has created an entire world with history languages and creatures. He has so many books that tell the history leading up to his stories. I haven't seen another author that has created the background leading up to their books and certainly not another author that wrote books meant to tell the history and created languages and scripts for different races. Most people don't actually know about the books that Tolkien wrote they only know a few. I think that like so many authors you dont hear about that new book that comes out, sometimes when current authors release new books some of the older ones can get lost in the shuffle. Other author are great but Tolkien started it. I love J.K. Rowling but she has not done the background that Tolkien did for his books. If you read the Lord of the Rings and then read his other books he has a background book for how Middle Earth was formed and books on the 2 age and the first age. And stories telling what happened to Bilbo after the series. And think about how much time. I wish that I knew exactly how many books he had but I don't off the top of my head. The thing is that even if Tolkien is not what you like to read he started it for a lot of other authors. He affected the way that fantasy books are written.
2006-06-12 12:51:36 · answer #2 · answered by ffantasy1984 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Eh, I'd still give it to Tolkien. I honestly don't think I've ever read a fantasy trilogy that has captured my attention so well. I didn't put the books down for three or four days, and when I can't stop myself from reading to get up and go to the bathroom, I consider it a win for the author.
2006-06-12 12:52:02 · answer #3 · answered by Not Allie 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
This is actually a very good question. I would certainly say he was the father of the genre High Fantasy, but there have been others who have built upon the foundation he has left behind. I would direct you to Dennis L McKiernan and the various books and collections he has completed for this fantasy world (granted, his Iron Tower draws a lot of 'inspiration' from Middle Earth!).
2006-06-12 13:34:40 · answer #4 · answered by sdvwallingford 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
My best friend is a Tolkein fanatic...and because of him I just last year read the trilogy. I loved it...it was hard work, but worth it.
I am NOT a "fantasy" fan...and not a fan of very flowery, detailed writing. (I am a huge Chuck Palahniuk fan..you can sever an artery on how sharply he writes), but Tolkein was pretty impressive.
I think he deserves his place in the upper rankings because of his ability to create such a COMPLETE universe...there is so much detail...it is obvious he worked through every detail and lived in Middle Earth in his mind.
I think to say that others have surpassed him I would have to be more of a fan of the genre to offer an opinion.
But the bottom line is good writing is good writing...and he has given us classics that will endure.
2006-06-12 12:53:53 · answer #5 · answered by Monkey Queen 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Tolkien actually took most of his ideas from Old English literature. And since then, he has been a source for many authors as well. Literature is a constantly evolving arena that borrows and mixes ideas together. I don't really believe that any one person can truly be given the title as everyone is influenced by others.
2006-06-13 00:30:31 · answer #6 · answered by medusaswrath 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's hard to say because of the vastly different time period involved and the changes in society since then. It does say a lot that his work is still as well received today as it has been in the past. Personally.. I prefer Terry Brooks and the Shannara series.
2006-06-12 12:51:43 · answer #7 · answered by claymore 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I am not a follower of the genre, but from my limited exposure, I would have to say JK Rowling, for her fan base and how everyone waits for the next book....
2006-06-12 12:48:48 · answer #8 · answered by curiositycat 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I like pumpkin seeds.
2006-06-12 12:49:22 · answer #9 · answered by SWIFFER THE WONDER MUTT 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋