The Fireside

  Christmas is coming up, and it's a magical time of year - not even a virus can stop that. I have a strong association of fantasy with Christmas: it's the time of year that I first read The Hobbit (and The Lord of the Rings not long after), as well as it was when all three of the films had come out. As is my seemingly annual tradition, I'm going to suggest some great Tolkien editions for gifting - whether for someone on your list, or yourself. THE HOBBIT ('young edition') ISBN: 9780007458424 I recommend this edition as often as I can. It's great for a few reasons: - it goes with other Tolkien paperbacks quite well - it's a great way to get someone started on Tolkien that doesn't own any of his books yet and has expressed an interest - it's also the only edition to offer David Wyatt's chapter illustrations. I might be biased towards those, as the first edition of The Hobbit that I've read/owned featured his chapter illustrations. Also, ...

Christmas is, shockingly, weeks away, and that is a magical time of year for children and young ones. For some of us grown ups, the inner child that resides in our hearts also stirs up.  So it is no surprise that I am going to recommend a few classic tales to entertain and entice children and younger readers, be it your own, or someone you know who has kids. Or even yourself if you fancy some post-Christmas shopping. 

Shortly after my most recent Tolkien post, I nosed around and had a peek here and there at various sections of the site. From now until December 25th , they are offering 25% off of some of their books.... but only on  http://www.tolkien.co.uk/ Here are some of the books featured, and ones I'd recommend especially this time of year...either for a fellow Tolkien fan, or yourself:  The Hobbit  (illustrated by Jemima Catlin) deluxe edition http://www.tolkien.co.uk/product/9780007497911/The+Hobbit The Lord of the Rings  50th Anniversary Deluxe Edition http://www.tolkien.co.uk/product/9780007182367/The+Lord+of+the+Rings The Silmarillion  30th Anniversary Deluxe Edition  http://www.tolkien.co.uk/product/9780007264896/The+Silmarillion

Everybody knows someone who likes Tolkien. About 13 years ago, I saw The Fellowship of the Ring  in cinemas, and received The Lord of the Rings (single volume hardback edition) for Christmas that year. That, and other things have made me associate fall and winter with fantasy. Essentially, since then I have become a fan of Tolkien. That said, here are some suggestions worth checking out for gifts to others...or perhaps yourself. First of all, there's The Hobbit  and The Lord of the Rings . I definitely recommend starting with those if you (or person buying for) have never read Tolkien before.  But what if you (or the person you're buying for) has already those?? I also suggest picking up The Children of Hurin. Especially for those who have read and enjoyed  The Hobbit  and The Lord of the Rings . This Tolkien's equal to a Greek tragedy, and is set in the First Age - so hundreds of hundreds of years before The Hobbit . It is also quite darker than The Lor...

Again, in a series of blog posts, this is to help you out, the reader, for your shopping this time of year. I don't know what your budget is, but here are some suggestions I'm passing your way.....

This is the first in a series of posts of gift-giving suggestions, as we are close to (American) Thanksgiving, (and therefore, Black Friday ) as well as Christmas and other holidays in December. This post will look at books. I've suggested some ISBNs of ideal editions (cost, quality)