I'm going to briefly revisit old news, especially for the benefit of my recently rediscovered old friends.
Back in December, I did my first turn as an "expert" on something, on the technology of Middle Earth for the Discovery Channel. You can see the website for it and the videos here. (I'm day three)
Also, in case you're a graduate student in a medieval subject, in the mood for applying to give a paper, Vagantes' second occurrence is coming up next spring, with an application deadline of October 1st for papers. Yes, a long ways off, but you're forewarned. Vagantes is co-sponsored by the University of Toronto, Harvard University, and Cornell University. It's a fun gathering and, even if you don't want to give a paper (or unfortunately are turned down), it's still worth attending. Based on last year, there should be a fair chunk of the audience not giving papers.
Back in December, I did my first turn as an "expert" on something, on the technology of Middle Earth for the Discovery Channel. You can see the website for it and the videos here. (I'm day three)
Also, in case you're a graduate student in a medieval subject, in the mood for applying to give a paper, Vagantes' second occurrence is coming up next spring, with an application deadline of October 1st for papers. Yes, a long ways off, but you're forewarned. Vagantes is co-sponsored by the University of Toronto, Harvard University, and Cornell University. It's a fun gathering and, even if you don't want to give a paper (or unfortunately are turned down), it's still worth attending. Based on last year, there should be a fair chunk of the audience not giving papers.
(no subject)
I like the commentary -- I hadn't thought about the books from that perspective before and it's quite interesting that there really is a blend of different levels of technology across the landscape of Middle Earth.
(no subject)
My favorite observation which they didn't include in the clip: another way to tell Tolkein was writing at least post-1850 was that Bilbo has a wastepaperbasket. To have one of those, you need to be able to waste paper.