[Fedora]

Yeah, I'd look forward to seeing what your thoughts on "Lost Tales" are when you get a chance to go through it. Meanwhile maybe I'll write up some of what I've got so far on "Silmarillion" and see what you think.

On Norse legends, I was first exposed to them by a really neat children's book called "D'Aulaire's Norse Gods and Giants". Wonderful illustrations in a very unique style--really a one-of-a-kind book. Unfortunately it's out of print now and used copies are expensive:

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/0385236921/002-2284777-8884841?v=glance

However they do have a companion volume on Greek myth which is still in print. Anyone who has kids, I'd recommend it. BTW, I'm of Norweigian descent on my father's side and also come from a heavily-Norse area; right now I'm in the Green Bay area.

Good luck on the textbook review! Your course actually sounds like something I could use! I like to draw and I want to improve my illustrations so I can illustrate my own books. The way they teach drawing in drafting class seems to be one of the quicker ways to improve drawing skills, I've heard.

[Wneighbor]

I was very tickled several years ago to discover that the little library in the town near where I lived had a good collection of books on Norse legends and myths. Because I knew Tolkien used those I checked out and read every book in that library on the subject. I don't remember it all because that was about 18 years ago but it was really fun reading. I don't think all the Norse residents there realized what a treasure trove they had in that little library that would be difficult to find anywhere else.... and the funny thing was, this library only had a very few books... just a small town, but they had a cool Norse collection.

[Rose in RoseBear]

Oh, Fedora, don't tell me you're a Yooper???

[Bear_in_RoseBear]

right now I'm in the Green Bay area.

Go Packers!