Farmer Giles of Ham

[Bombadil_Ulmo]

I was just wondering what everyone else thought about "Farmer Giles of Ham". 
I personally thought I wouldn't like it at all, but I ended up absolutely loving it!
Just wanted to see anyone else's opinions....

[Beren One-Hand]

I'll get back to you after Christmas.  That's one of the things I asked for, so once I've read it, I will definitely post my opinion.   

[Beren One-Hand]

As I said to Bombo in that earlier post - that I would get back to him regarding my thoughts on the work after reading - well I just finished it yesterday and thoroughly enjoyed it.  The cool thing about this work is that originally it was an oral tale that Tolkien told to his children.  Over the years it evolved and took shape and became more developed.  It was very enjoyable and definitely had more of a children's appeal to it, but would not be something that would  be uninteresting or unengaging for adult readers.  If you love Tolkien you'd love this work too.  It may never happen, but I could see this work being turned into a film someday.  Farmer Giles is that unlikely person who by what seems to be chance, becomes a hero.  He bears some similarities to Bilbo in several regards (also noted in the introduction).  The story shows how someone of humble beginnings can become extraordinary, that anyone can be a hero, and that hope is always possible.  In my mind it would be hard to say this work tops that of the LOTR's trilogy or The Hobbit, but it is great all on its own and would score a high mark by me in the children's fantasy genre.  I would encourage all of you to read this lesser known work of Tolkien (along with The Children of Hurin).  If we would broaden ourselves beyond the major works of Tolkien, just think about the potential for discussion and for growing this site back to its glory days and even beyond.

[Beren One-Hand]

In my quest to encourage you LOTRs fans to read Tolkien's other works, here is a wonderful scan of the front cover of "Farmer Giles of Ham."

[Insane_Monky]

Cool scan Beren. Thanks.

[Insane_Monky]

Well, I have the book sitting in front of me... Now I just need to start reading 

[Insane_Monky]

Well I just finished the book. I Thoroughly enjoyed it. It was nice and short, absolutely straight to the point, not at all something I expected from Tolkien . I read it in 3 or 4 easy sittings, and found myself enjoying it more and more as I read. The characters and situation they find themselves in are great and often hilarious. It didn't at all seem to have a Tolkien-esque feel to it, other than the fact that Tailbiter had an amazing resemblance to Sting, and that it was a midieval fairy tale. Anway, I really enjoyed it and thanks for the recommendation.