Akerhaug, Lars. Tolkien's magic-Who is Tom Bombadil Page DL 29 November 1998. Dead Link 4/7/01
This site consists of an original essay written by the author. The subject manner for the essay is 'Who is Tom Bombadil?' The author lays out an outline of reasoning for his argument to begin with and then has a short essay following. Sites such as this are important resources because they provide free publishing for authors. In this case, the reader has additional exposure to supplementary theory and analysis. This resource would be of interest to all audiences, but most likely those who have read Tolkien recreationally and enjoy a good debate. The site is simplistic in design and is easy for the reader to understand, serving to explain the Tolkien tradition by discussing one of the more mysterious of the characters in Tolkien's Middle-earth.
Chuhta, Jesse. "Towers in Middle-earth". DL 28 November 1998. Dead Link 3/16/03
The author provides an interesting introductory essay on the Towers that appear in Tolkien's Middle-earth saga. Aside form the introduction essay, there are twenty other essays, available, however only three are at this time are linked. An essay of Barad-dur, principal fortress of Sauron, Dol Guldur, fortress of Sauron in Mirkwood, and Annuminas, one of the primary human cities in Middle-earth. References are present, for all articles. There are no other sites that deal with this aspect of Tolkien's Middle-earth. This site, if completed, will offer information that is unique, interesting, and scholarly, explaining s an often overlooked aspect of Middle-earth. Although this is a work-in-progress, the information that is available would interest any Tolkien student, scholar, or reader.
Cirdan, The Grey Havens DL 19 November 1998.
This site serves as a depository for information on most aspects of Tolkien's Middle-earth. A hyper-linked index leads the user to scholarly articles on Elves, the Balrog, Hobbits, Humans, and Orcs to name a few. All articles are credited to their authors, although some of the other entries are from the Standard Middle Earth FAQ, the Lesser Middle Earth FAQ. Most articles include references. In addition to this vast collection of articles, 80 songs and tales are featured. Information about the Rings of Power and a Tolkien biography are also present. A search engine provides easy access to the information, the user may type in any search term, can searched as a phrase, or all words or any words. This site also contains informative and lengthy articles regarding Tolkien's languages. An excellent, user friendly resource, that contains within great graphics and informative scholarly essays on many aspects of the Middle-earth. This site is an asset to Middle-earth scholarship, as well as the Tolkien tradition.
Elena. J.R.R. Tolkien DL 3 November 1998. Dead Link 4/7/01
This site offers a short history of The Lord of the Rings based on the History of Middle-Earth Books. Also featured on this page is a comparison study of Tolkien's Numenor legend, and quotes from some sections of The Lord of the Rings, The Hobbit, and The Silmarillion. A very brief encyclopedia of the races of Middle-Earth includes biographies of the people in The Silmarillion, The Hobbit, and The Lord of the Rings. Unique to this site is a semi -complete glossary of translations of names of people, places, and things in Quenya, Sindarin and Rohirrim. A timeline for the entire history of Middle-Earth is at hand as well. Another unique feature is a section interesting things about J.R.R. Tolkien's characters. A bibliography of the books used in constructing the site as well as a bibliography of J.R.R. Tolkien's works is also available. In addition, a calendar that shows where each member of the Fellowship of the Ring is on a certain day is featured. This site has a user-friendly organization and serves to enhance and explain Tolkien's Middle-earth. The unique information found within will interest any Tolkien fan or scholar.
Friesen, Darryl. The Tolkien Timeline DL 22 November 1998.
This site is offers a chronological list of important events relating to Tolkien's life, career, and scholarly pursuits. Included is a link to a full bibliography used in creating the timeline as well as an index of abbreviated references used in the document. This site is simple to navigate and offers straightforward information without the confusion of numerous other aspects of information. Timelines can be found in numerous sites, but the simplicity of this site makes it more accessible than many others. Timelines enhance the Tolkien tradition by providing instant reference to the framework of Tolkien's life.
Geard, Stephen. A History and Complete Chronology of Númenor DL 22 November 1998.
This site offers a lengthy scholarly article on Númenor, followed by it's complete chronology. Also presented is a complete chronology of Arnor and Gondor. A table of abbreviations used in the chronologies is available. Sources are cited in the notes section which end each page. this site is easy to navigate, simple in format and is refreshingly a unique offering. This site is geared toward those interested in Tolkien 's Silmarillion.
Hargrove, Gene. "Dragons in the Writing of J.R.R. Tolkien" DL 29 November 1998.
This site is another essay written by Gene Hargrove. This site provides a unique and original essay on the meaning of dragons in the writing of J.R.R. Tolkien. Having access to a site such as this provides the reader with additional sources of material on Tolkien. This site is an ideal resource for both scholars and general readers. The text on the site is interspersed with captioned artwork. The author provides a link to his main index page where there is a mail-to link for contact.
'See also' Hargrove, Eugene C. Old Forest Sounds- The Music of Middle-earth DL 28 November 1998. For essay on Music of ME
Hobbiton: A Tolkien Page DL 22, November 1998.
"Hobbiton: A Tolkien page" offers a biography with references, along with interesting information on the races and some of the creatures that inhabit Middle-earth. There is also a section for scholarly articles and information from the FAQ. Some of these articles could be found at other sites. However, there is an interesting article entitled "Elf and Faerie: The development of Elves in Tolkien's Mythology", and another called "What does Tolkien mean when he speaks of only being the Editor of his works." The researcher believes both may be unique to this site. Most articles contain references and are contributed to their authors. There is also a comprehensive bibliography and a small image gallery. This site has a user-friendly construction. This site is no longer being maintained as of December 2001, all links are dead.
Kutschker, Martin T. The Web-Book-An Online Tolkien-Encyclopedia 15 October 1997. Dead Link 3/16/03
This online encyclopedia covers all of Tolkien's works however, the major source for this work is the Silmarillion and all names of the Silmarillion are included. This resource is divided into three parts: The Book of Names, The Annals of the Elder days, and the Book of Lore. The first part of the encyclopedia, "The Book of names, offers an alphabetical hyper-linked index of names with brief descriptions including: References: Language: and Category and at times Etymology. This alphabetical index is also presented in a further divided manner, divided into Languages under which the choices are; Elvish, Mannish, Kuzdul and Black Speech and Categories under which the choices are: being, lexical, and place/thing. All names are hyper-linked as cross-references between letters of the Alphabet. The second part of the Encyclopedia, 'The Annals of the Elder Days' offers chronologies of the First Age and the Second Age; all names are cross-referenced and linked to the Index of Names. The third part The Book of Lore offers genealogy chats for numerous Houses and Rulers of Middle-earth; again all names are linked to the main index. Lastly, there are various other charts including one of the Fëanorian Script. The Table of Illustrations linked to the images found on the site, might interest those who are interested in viewing the emblems of the houses of Middle-earth, which are based on original drawings by J.R.R. Tolkien. This site is an excellent resource, which offers the user choices as to how the page can be viewed. The researcher recommends that this site be viewed through the link that is standard html or through the JavaScript link. This site has no date of revision and the researcher has assumed it is closed.
Lalaith's Middle Earth Science Pages DL 30 November 1998.
This site is the compilation of several lengthy essays focused primarily on the geography and history of Middle-earth. Examples of her essays are: "A Meridional Grid on the Map of Middle-earth" and "The Indigenous Population of Middle-earth." The essays are insightful and well written. They provide a wide array of areas of study and ideas for readers and students of Tolkien's works. The site design is simplistic making the homepage easy to navigate. The author has constructed a frame with a table of contents. This structure does not work as well because the text is only on half the page, which makes it awkward to read. This site contributes greatly to the collection of Tolkien resources by presenting original essays.
Lawless, Warren. Essays on J.R.R. Tolkien's Middle-earth DL 20 January 2002
This simple site contains personal essays which explore such topics as Magic in Middle-earth, Harandor, the history of Middle-earth, the people of Eriador during the Third Age and other interesting topics. Includes a bibliography and contributes greatly to the scholarly world of Tolkien.
Maringer, Tom. Shire Post DL 20 January 2002
"Shire Post maintains this web site as a means to disseminate detailed information about the history and geography of The Shire in order to correct a perceived bias of scholarly works, which have tended to concentrate on the activities of Elves, Dwarves, and Men to the virtual exclusion of all else.We maintain the official HPD postal map, linked below. From time to time various scholarly works on Shire history will be linked here as well." All the reviewer can say is WOW!
Mattsson, Calle. The Tolkien Monster Encyclopedia DL 11 November 1998.
This site present information on fifty-two creatures from Tolkien's works, including Orcs, Goblins and Balrogs. There are two ways to navigate through this site, using the image map or by using the hyper-linked alphabetical index of names of monster. There are 'see also' references to direct the user to the appropriate category of monsters. The entries are brief descriptions of monsters, accompanied by an image. Also available on this site are scholarly articles including "Magic of Middle Earth," "Relationship between Orcs and Goblins", the "Origin of Orcs", and interestingly, the "Hydrophobia of the Nazgûl". There is also a brief dictionary of the Black Speech, as well as a small offering of images of the monsters, as well as poems and quotations. Users can also vote for their favorite monster in a poll. There is no citation page, nor is there any credit given to the article creators. This site is a good resource for Tolkien readers interested in the Tolkien bestiary or other aspects of evil in Tolkien's works. This site enhances the Tolkien tradition by gathering information on a specific aspect of Tolkien's works and presenting it in a user-friendly format.
Marquette University Special Collections, Special Collections & University Archives J.R.R. Tolkien Collection DL 23 November 1998.
This site contains information on J.R.R. Tolkien's manuscripts, which are found at the Marquette library at Marquette University in Milwaukee Wisconsin. Background information on the manuscripts are given as well as information on the people who have donated their collections. Also provided is information on the use of the manuscripts and public exhibit, as well as information on how visitors can access the manuscripts when visiting the library. A useful resource for Tolkien scholars interested in the manuscripts to find out how to arrange for access to them.
Martinez, Michael L. "The Fairy Tales of J.R.R. Tolkien" 1 November 1998.
This site offers a series of unique essays on Tolkien's other works including Roverandom, Farmer Giles and Smith of Wootton Major. The author using as a reference Tolkien's Essay "On Fairy-stories" begins by presenting a short discussion on Tolkien and the fairytale. The author then goes on to discuss Tolkien's other fairy-stories including Roverandom, Farmer Giles and Smith of Wootton Major. All references are cited. This site has a nice layout, the discussions for each story each appear on separate pages, and are broken into blocks of text at regular interval making it easy to read the lengthy essays. This site is useful for those who are interested in Tolkien's other writings, it also enhances the Tolkien tradition by providing scholarly essays on Tolkien's works that are often over looked.
Martinez, Martin L. Parma Endorion: Essays on Middle-earth DL 29 November 1998.
This site contains essays on Middle-earth by the author Martin L. Martinez. The home page consists of a table of contents to the introduction, copyright information, and each chapter within the work. This site offers scholarly critical analysis to the reader. The format that the author has utilized is easy to navigate and understand. I think that this site is a great example of original research that can be found on the Internet, and which can be used as a resource by all audiences. The author provides a mail-to link for comments and suggestions.
Monteiro, Alberto Alberto Monteiro's Tolkien Page 20 January 2002
This site offers timelines of the Ages of Tolkien's World. The author compiled a list of hair and eye colour for the characters of Middle-earth. Also included is a Latitude and Longitude Grids over the Map of Middle-earth and information on the Tolkien mailing list. The author has also compiled a few Middle-earth science pages where there is a Javascript formula to compute the difference (in days) between two dates, either in real world calendars or in Middle-earth calendars, Dating of Middle-earth events and a Census of Middle-earth: counting the populations
The Annals of Middle-earth 3 November 1998. Dead Link 3/16/03
A well organized, user-friendly site, The Annals of Middle-earth contains a discussion about Tolkien and his works, a short biography, a time line of events in Tolkien's life. There is also an article describing how Tolkien's life affected his writing, which the researcher believes unique to this site. The main section of The Annals of Middle-earth is an incomplete glossary of Middle-earth. This listing is finished up to the letter G. the entries contain basic information about the characters, places, and things that appear in Tolkien's works. This alphabetically arranged glossary is cross-referenced using hyperlinks and covers The Hobbit, The Lord of the Rings and The Silmarillion. The glossary provides a basic understanding of the characters in the texts, or to explain any questions and will be a good resource for quick and concise information. This site offers information without the data overload that other sites have a tendency to present.
"The Encyclopedia of Arda" 16 November 1998.
This expansive site is intended as an encyclopedia of the characters and events that appear in Tolkien's published works. The index contains almost 5,000 headings, writing, and illustration entries. Since this is the preliminary version, most entries have only a brief description or definition. The section 'Chronicle of Arda' is an extensive Javascript-enabled encyclopedia of Middle-earth. The alphabetical menu mirrors the structure of an ordinary encyclopedia. Where a person, place, or item is known by more than one name, references to each possible name is given. Specific references to races, places, events, and miscellaneous items are accessible as well. In some of these sub-menus, the entries are broken into geographical region as belonging to Aman, Númenor, Beleriand or Middle-earth. Races are broken down into Divisions and Cultures. The Table of Calendars displays the events and personalities of that time, all hyperlinked to their specific references. Although this is intended to be an illustrated encyclopedia, there are few images yet. Many entries relating to specific places have a map attached. Another unique feature is a list of old and rare words found in Tolkien's works. The entries are written in the same context as Tolkien himself used; he presented himself as a translator, rather than originator of the tales. The Chronicle makes extensive use of Javascript, so it may not be accessible by older browsers. This site does not claim any authority, just a deep devotion to Tolkien's writings and this project. This site enhances and explains the Tolkien tradition.
The Tolkien Sarcasm Page DL 29 November 1998.
This site is a collection of spoofs and humors essays having to do with J.R.R. Tolkien and his Middle-earth saga. The site is designed in essay format with links to other pages within the site. The page that is the most outrageous is the "Tolkien Crackpot Theories" page that consists of twenty different entries found on "rec.arts.books.tolkien". These theories are fun to read and to think about. This site is purely for humor, but is a resource that is unique and offers the reader material that is not really available elsewhere. The site design is simplistic and easy to navigate, and is geared toward anyone who is familiar with Tolkien's works.
"Tolkien Encyclopedia- Interactive Edition" 16 November 1998
This new site offers an interactive encyclopedia where anyone could contribute articles. It is broken into four sections, Valar, Maiar, Men, and Elves. Each section contains names and definitions for each entry. Lengths of entry varies from a few sentences to a couple of paragraphs, some entries are incomplete. This encyclopedia is set up differently than most, using the Races of Middle-earth as main headings, then divided alphabetically within. This is an incomplete project, but there are numerous entries despite this. The two most completed sections are the Valar and the Maiar. Within the Maiar section, surprisingly, entries such as Gandalf and Sauron are blank. The Elves section only contains one in-depth entry for Elrond. The men section contains just two entries. The number of entries is far fewer then the other encyclopedias listed. This site is simple to navigate and though the pages that contain the entries are long, each entry is presented in Boldface large type, which helps to break up the page.
Tracy, Erik. Tolkien: The Scrolls of Orthanc 1 September 1998.
"Tolkien: The Scrolls of Orthanc," is a well organized and informative site covers a variety of topics concerning Middle-earth, which are not found in the standard FAQ's. The resource used in compiling this information is Tolkien's Letters. The author provides excerpts and paraphrasing of Tolkien's own viewpoint. Tolkien wrote these in response to reader's writing to him for answers to their questions. While these are not intended to be "argumentative essays', the author states that there are people who disagree with his information at times, he has provided links to those counter-arguments, as available. These are original articles, which may be found at other Tolkien sites, but the updated versions are available from this site. The author also made available transcriptions of the notes the author took during a course on Tolkien. Included is an essay that the author composed for this class. Lastly, the author provides and index of links to all the images contained in this site for the visitor's review. "Tolkien: The Scrolls of Orthanc" is a user-friendly site, that enhances and strengthens Tolkien studies, by presenting Tolkien's own words and ideas.
see also Dan Smith's Fantasy Fonts for Windows for scholarly essays on Middle-earth and runic lanuguages.