Not an Epoch, or even a Modern "Age", But not quite an Aeon One of the first things that strikes a careful modern reader in the Tolkien world & legendarium, is the existence of his "Ages". While most educated people do have an analogy in "the Dark Ages" (or the "Middle Ages"), the deepening of modernity has lead to atemporal slurring of all ages and boundaries into an infinitely extended present. In this way, even the past (when notice at all) is read through modern eyes. This infinite present tends to render past time or "Ages" a moral non-entity, or even turn it into a kind of opaque Anti-Reality.
This was such excellent reading!! I've enjoyed most of your prior writings, but I do think this first chapter of "Tolkien's Grand Project" was stellar! Just FYI - none of the links work, they all just go to the 'blogger reading list' page.
I want to add my apologies for not being able to offer a financial pledge with my subscription...my husband holds the 'internet' purse strings and his budgetary concerns don't allow for paid Substack reading, no matter how 'valuable' I may find it to be.
But, when you have this 'project' published into book form - I will absolutely purchase a copy! I actually bought and read, "The Flame Imperishable" due to it's being referenced in one of your earlier essays.
This was such excellent reading!! I've enjoyed most of your prior writings, but I do think this first chapter of "Tolkien's Grand Project" was stellar! Just FYI - none of the links work, they all just go to the 'blogger reading list' page.
I want to add my apologies for not being able to offer a financial pledge with my subscription...my husband holds the 'internet' purse strings and his budgetary concerns don't allow for paid Substack reading, no matter how 'valuable' I may find it to be.
But, when you have this 'project' published into book form - I will absolutely purchase a copy! I actually bought and read, "The Flame Imperishable" due to it's being referenced in one of your earlier essays.
God Bless you, Mr. Smallwood!