Tom

@alas-not-me

Always heard a different drum. Happy to talk about Tolkien on podcasts. 'Pity, Power, and Tolkien's Ring: To Rule the Fate of Many.' Finalist for The Mythopoeic Society Scholarship Award in Inklings Studies @KentStateUPress

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Tom@alas-not-me· 6d

Grateful and amazed to see the audiobook of "Pity, Power, and Tolkien's Ring: To Rule the Fate of Many," is still finding a niche on the niche list "New Releases of New Releases in British and Irish Literary Criticism"

Tom@alas-not-me· 24d

I could get used to this.

Tom@alas-not-me· 29d

Here's part of a letter from Tolkien to Christopher, who was training with the RAF in South Africa in 1944. Unfortunately, Christopher's letter, if it still exists, has never been published. ("home conditions" refers to England. The letter was written about 6 weeks before D-Day. See ALT text.)

"As for what you say or hint of ‘local’ conditions: I knew of them. I don’t think they have much changed (even for the worse). I used to hear them discussed by my mother; and have ever since taken a special interest in that part of the world. The treatment of colour nearly always horrifies anyone going out from Britain, & not only in South Africa. Unfort. not many retain that generous sentiment for long. I don’t say anything about home conditions. You will (I suppose) hear on radio as much as I could say. We are all well at the moment. We are waiting. I wonder for how long now. Not long I think."

Tom@alas-not-me· Jul 13

The audio book of “Pity, Power, and Tolkien’s Ring: To Rule the Fate of Many” is now available. Currently, I see it only on Amazon. I realize that many would prefer another source. It should be available on the @ksupress.bsky.social site quite soon. No doubt other vendors will follow.

cover of audio book of "Pity, Power, and Tolkien's Ring: To Rule the Fate of Many"

Tom@alas-not-me· Jun 28

This wasn't a bad place to spend some time writing this afternoon.

photo of a shady porch with the ocean and Maine in the background, a sunny day with sailboats.

Tom@alas-not-me· Jun 23

So bad really does mean good after all.

Tom@alas-not-me· Jun 10

Oh, so that would be clearer? I see.

Tom@alas-not-me· Jun 4

I just learned that my book, "Pity, Power, and Tolkien's Ring: To Rule the Fate of Many," (The Kent State University Press 2023) is a finalist for the 2026 "Mythopoeic Scholarship Award for Inklings Studies" at The Mythopoeic Society. I am flattered to be in such company. Best wishes to all!

image of the names and books of the finalists.

Tom@alas-not-me· May 24

A nice shoutout by Kristine Larsen in her keynote at Westmoot. @tolkiensociety.org @westmoot.org

The image quotes an article of mine on Turin: "Turin's Great Tale begins and ends in prophecy. What begins in sorrow ends in the defeat of evil and the mastery of fate. This, too, points to Iluvatar."

Tom@alas-not-me· May 23

I don't care if this is true:

Tom@alas-not-me· May 13

ok. sure. why not?

Tom@alas-not-me· Apr 29

"Last Chance" -- But did Ar-Pharazon listen? Did he? Noooooo!

Cover of leatherbound edition of Tolkien's "The Fall of Numenor" from the Easton Press.

Tom@alas-not-me· Apr 26

Boy, did I read that wrong.

Headline reading: "Trump puts onus on Iran's authorities as they project hardened stance."

Tom@alas-not-me· Apr 17

No? Really?

Headline from Guardian newspaper: 'Popesplaining' Vance out of depth in Iran 'just war' dispute.

Tom@alas-not-me· Apr 2

Former attorney general contemplates her future.

Picture of villainous Dedra Meero in prison.

Tom@alas-not-me· Mar 30

This is a perfect storm. It has all the ingredients.

screen capture of news headline: "Florida crypto firm accused in Ponzi scheme files for bankruptcy."

Tom@alas-not-me· Mar 27

So about tomorrow....

Delacroix's paint of Liberty leading the people.

Tom@alas-not-me· Mar 21

I'll be one of many readers tomorrow, 22 March 2026. Come, listen to us all. Youtube Link in 2/2

I'll be reading for the 2026 Tolkien Reading Day Soundscape Event on 22 March 2026.

Tom@alas-not-me· Mar 7

I just love this cover. It's like the Remington LotR covers meet King Crimson.

Tom@alas-not-me· Mar 4

I'm thinking a production of Euripides' "The Bacchae" with her as Pentheus and a Chorus of Federal Judges.

Picture of Attorney General with title "WILD COURT DRAMA -- MULTIPLE judges RIP Pam Bondi to SHREDS"

Tom@alas-not-me· Feb 9

It would be easier to take Moorcock's takes seriously if he hadn't admitted to not reading "large chunks of The Lord of the Rings."

Tom@alas-not-me· Feb 9

I have started up a substack. I hope that you'll follow me over there. It'll be mostly Tolkien, but other things, too, as the mood strikes me.

Tom@alas-not-me· Jan 25

Tom@alas-not-me· Jan 21

Will this do? (Sorry, I know you'd prefer a different finger.)

Trophy with a hand pointing and wings -- the flying fickle finger of fate

Tom@alas-not-me· Jan 17

@digitaltolkien.com FTW:

screen capture of text on a page citing The Digital Tolkien Project.

Tom@alas-not-me· Jan 13

This morning ups said "out for delivery." This afternoon ups said "delivered." Tonight it says "expected to arrive by January 14." Are you sure it isn't on Pam Bondi's desk?

Tom@alas-not-me· Dec 9

The building across the street does the every December. (top needs a bit of work.)

Christmas trees lit up at night in people's windows.

Tom@alas-not-me· Nov 26

Somehow this just doesn't hit like "gather ye rose-buds while ye may."

Tom@alas-not-me· Nov 17

Ok, so you're telling me that whales spend most of their lives in the ocean? Got it.

"They are the deepest-diving mammals on Earth, spending most of their lives in the oceans...."

from a news article. not that it's news.

Tom@alas-not-me· Oct 29

Is it Joffrey, or is it Caligula?