Stu wrote:

I genuinely can't imagine Tolkien's opinions (on anything) remotely influencing my own. I flat out disagree with almost his entire belief system! I mean, I love his fiction, but beyond that, meh...

You've radically misinterpreted the point and purpose of my post, which was really a sly reference to The Nature of Middle-earth, and not in any way at all meant to "influence" anyone, least of all you. But thanks for sharing, I guess?

Stu wrote:

What about 10,001 times the going rate?

I can totally relate to having possessions that are not especially fine items in and of themselves, but the sentimental value can be tremendous. The item is just a vessel to carry the memories and associations.

My evil plan worked, I have Stu bartering for my awful books

These designs really are a strangely sought after thing.

onthetrail wrote:

Stu wrote:

What about 10,001 times the going rate?

I can totally relate to having possessions that are not especially fine items in and of themselves, but the sentimental value can be tremendous. The item is just a vessel to carry the memories and associations.

My evil plan worked, I have Stu bartering for my awful books

These designs really are a strangely sought after thing.

I have them, got them for a really good price, but wasn't really looking at the time. I certainly wouldn't pay what I see many of the sets going for on the 2nd hand market today. I really don't see what all the fuss is...the cover art is cool but only mildly so.

Aelfwine wrote:

Stu wrote:

I genuinely can't imagine Tolkien's opinions (on anything) remotely influencing my own. I flat out disagree with almost his entire belief system! I mean, I love his fiction, but beyond that, meh...

You've radically misinterpreted the point and purpose of my post, which was really a sly reference to The Nature of Middle-earth, and not in any way at all meant to "influence" anyone, least of all you. But thanks for sharing, I guess?

Sure, but I didn't say I thought your post was trying to influence me... You've "radically misinterpreted the point and purpose of my post", which was that our opinions on every day things don't have to be related to Tolkien's opinions on such matters.

onthetrail wrote:

Stu wrote:

What about 10,001 times the going rate?

I can totally relate to having possessions that are not especially fine items in and of themselves, but the sentimental value can be tremendous. The item is just a vessel to carry the memories and associations.

My evil plan worked, I have Stu bartering for my awful books

These designs really are a strangely sought after thing.

I have no idea why they seem to be so popular. The spine design is quite neat, but beyond that they don't seem to have that much to offer, being very basic editions. Each to their own, I suppose.

Stu wrote:

onthetrail wrote:

Stu wrote:

What about 10,001 times the going rate?

I can totally relate to having possessions that are not especially fine items in and of themselves, but the sentimental value can be tremendous. The item is just a vessel to carry the memories and associations.

My evil plan worked, I have Stu bartering for my awful books

These designs really are a strangely sought after thing.

I have no idea why they seem to be so popular. The spine design is quite neat, but beyond that they don't seem to have that much to offer, being very basic editions. Each to their own, I suppose.

And not forgetting that they feel terrible in the hands. Still waiting for your cheque for the books though Stu. 10001 times the going rate I think we agreed.

Aelfwine wrote:

I seem to recall that Tolkien himself had something to say about sentimental value, somewhere in a recent book....

To which section in Nature are you referring Aelfwine ? I'd like to read it

I was about to ask the same as Mr. Underhill, and to drop a gentle reminder to be civil to each other (hard stare at Stu this time) - It seemed pretty obvious to me that Aelfwine was just dropping a hint about Nature.

Mr. Underhill wrote:

Aelfwine wrote:

I seem to recall that Tolkien himself had something to say about sentimental value, somewhere in a recent book....

To which section in Nature are you referring Aelfwine ? I'd like to read it

Thanks for asking! I was specifically thinking about the two paragraphs at NoMe p. 254, beginning with: "Even so, one might go on a journey...". Here Tolkien draws a hard distinction between things that are in every way an exact duplicate in form, and those associated with a loved person:

"Alas! it might well chance that the [in every physical aspect rebuilt] house, or something within it, had for him a value not residing in itself or its fashion, but attributed to it by him, the owner: as being, for instance, the gift of one whom he loved. With the counterfeit (that is, the exact copy) he might then not be wholly content, saying “this is not the same thing as the one that is lost”. But this would be because he loved the history of the thing, rather than any other quality it had possessed, and because that history was connected with a loved person he attributed to it part of that love. This is part of the mystery of love, and of the singling out by love of one thing alone in its oneness and history unique, which is of the nature of the Incarnate."

So I was in fact, as I hope you will see, in referencing Tolkien affirming what Stu said regarding sentimental value:

Stu wrote:

I can totally relate to having possessions that are not especially fine items in and of themselves, but the sentimental value can be tremendous.

Back on sale. I hesitated ... the set is interesting and attractive but (for me) the price deserves its place in the "wonders of ..." category

This site uses affiliate links for which we may be compensated

THE TOLKIEN LIBRARY Box Set - The Hobbit / Lord of the Rings - NEW / SEALED 1978

324951676425

Seller: thelotterywinner

(858)

Ended Dec 25, 2021

This item ended more than 90 days ago