The more I read about Tolkien the more I like him, and I was enamored before I picked up Pearce’s book. Here’s the letter that Tolkien sent to German publishers, who asked if he was of Aryan descent:
I regret that I am not clear as to what you intend by arisch. I am not of Aryan extraction: that is Indo-iranian; as far as I am aware none of my ancestors spoke Hindustani, Persian, Gypsy, or any related dialects. But if I am to understand that you are enquiring whether I am of Jewish origin, I can only reply that I regret that I appear to have no ancestors of that gifted people. My great-great-grandfather came to England in the eighteenth century from Germany: and the main part of my descent is therefore purely English, and I am an English subject – which should be sufficient.
He then told his publisher “let a German translation go hang.”
- Tolkien: Man and Myth by Joseph Pearce
Just wanted to say hi! I finally got my blog up on my journey to the Catholic faith.
I also posted in the Spitfire Grill today and made more Catholic friends…:-) In my small town world, I need all of them I can get, whether in blogland or not
Blessings,
Teri
Teri,
I’m so glad you posted on the Grill. It’s been very quiet around there lately and I welcome your presence to shake things back up. I know what you mean about needing all the Catholic friends you can get whether they are “real” or “bloggy”. You are always welcome here my bloggy friend!