Tolkien STILL Matters (but does The Rings of Power?): Nick Groom, Tolkien in the 21st Century author

This week Michael and I talked with Professor Nick Groom, author of Tolkien in the 21st Century: The Meaning of Middle-earth Today, releasing Sept. 5, 2023 (apologies for some some of the echo in the audio!).

Professor Groom's book is a detailed, in-depth, but readable look into Middle-earth, and how he perceives Tolkien as more relevant than ever before--particularly in a post-COVID culture.

This was a refreshing discussion that dove deep into things including:

* Professor Groom's thoughts on the ambiguity of evil in Middle-earth
* How Tolkien's themes are vital in a post-lockdown era
* Why he believes The Rings of Power is a great story in the tradition of Middle-earth adaptations--but definitely isn't Tolkien's story.

Then, join us in our extended episode (https://theonering.com/members) where we ask:

* Does The Rings of Power deserve the amount of criticism we give it?
* Who is his favorite character in all of Middle-earth?
* What should be done to encourage young artists to write great new stories again?

🎉 To get the extended episode, become a member at https://theonering.com/members ($4/mo and free for the 1st month)!

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🔗 Episode Links 🔗
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Preorder Tolkien in the 21st Century (US Edition) ► https://amzn.to/3q2Ylju
21st-Century-Tolkien (UK Edition) ► https://www.amazon.co.uk/Twenty-First-Century-Tolkien-Middle-Earth-Means-Today/dp/1838956948
The Last Ringbearer ► https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Last_Ringbearer

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🎧 Subscribe to our Podcast 🎧
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Get the Extended Podcast ► https://theonering.com/member
Apple ► https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/window-on-the-west/id1625960455
Google ► https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy5wb2RjYXN0bWlycm9yLmNvbS93b3R3

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🔎 If You Like Tolkien 🔎
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The Silmarillion ► https://amzn.to/3a7wE0k
The Children of Hurin ► https://amzn.to/3JRwyIm
The Fall of Gondolin - https://amzn.to/40qS8d6
The Fall of Númenor ► https://amzn.to/3FpWs3F
The Atlas of Middle-earth ► https://amzn.to/3lzsIIf
The Letters of J.R.R. Tolkien ► https://amzn.to/3bognFr

🗣 Special Thanks to Austin Robertson for the use of his voice!
🗣 https://AustinRobertsonVoice.com

🖼 Special Thanks to Anna Grumbine for her artwork!
🖼 https://www.instagram.com/a.m.altas/