- "American English is essentially English after having been wiped off with a dirty sponge." - from a letter in 1953 to Robert Murray, a Jesuit priest, in the book, 'The Letters of J.R.R. Tolkien' (1981)
- 'The Lord of the Rings' is of course a fundamentally religious and Catholic work; unconsciously so at first, but consciously in the revision. That is why I have not put in, or have cut out practically all references to anything like 'religion,' to cults or practices, in the imaginary world. For the religious element is absorbed into the story and symbolism.
- It's a job that's never started that takes the longest to finish.
- I cordially dislike allegory in all its manifestations, and always have done since I grew old and wary enough to detect its presence.
- ...The Hobbits are just rustic English people, made small in size because it reflects the generally small reach of their imagination - not the small reach of their courage or latent power.
- I am in fact a hobbit in all but size. I like gardens, trees, and unmechanized farmlands; I smoke a pipe, and like good plain food...and even dare to wear in these dull days, ornamental waistcoats...
- If more of us valued food and cheer and song above hoarded gold, it would be a merrier world.
- Little by little, one travels far.
- The Hobbits are just rustic English people, made small in size because it reflects the generally small reach of their imagination.
- I do not love the bright sword for it's sharpness, nor the arrow for it's swiftness, nor the warrior for his glory. I love only that which they defend.
- The wise speak only of what they know.
- A single dream is worth more than a thousand realities.
- There is one criticism of the Lord of the Rings I keep hearing, that I agree with, that it is too short.
- He who breaks a thing to find out what it is has left the path of wisdom.
Contribute to this page
Suggest an edit or add missing content