[Bob Ireland]

***The man was a genius**

True... but I have issues with the Tolkien estate, as I have mentioned here on FR. I posted the whole dictionary on line because they think it is trash... I cannot publish it to make any money off of it very jealous of copyright . . . 5 years work down the drain so I posted it on line.

I believe our differences arise from methodology. Tolkien was a brilliant linguist... I am an amateur. Since there were a number of terms in LOTR that had not been decoded, and the professionals had not tackled those items, I thought to use a more eclectic method - to psych out what was in Tolkien's mind when he created a name or term - e.g. Asfaloth. I clearly identify my analysis as speculation and state doubts.

Turns out some of my ruminations proved accurate. The Tolkien estate calls that 'luck'. Well, it is their property to do with as they please. I did offer to sell them my copyright if they wanted to rewrite the dictionary as they pleased... they scoffed. So, OK... separate paths.

[generally]

Wow. I’m impressed. Hats off to you for this.

“Luck” my aunt fanny.

[reformedliberal]

I just did an Amazon search under Tolkien for literary analysis, critique and commentary and what do you know? Nothing!!

Now, that is just too odd, IMO. There should be reams of scholarly discussion.

But, I found this
https://www.amazon.com/Beren-Luthien-Summary-Analysis-Summarease/dp/1548310409/ref=sr_1_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1524344072&sr=1-2&keywords=Tolkein++analysis

The process sounds interesting and perhaps hints at a route around your dilemma.

What about a linguistic approach based on interwoven context, not *invented language*? And leave Tolkien out of the title/keywords. Concentrate on your method of analysis. Just a thought. Maybe add a chapter on Klingon or some other invented language (GoT). Methodology should be protectable* in & of itself and not litigatable* as violation of the franchise copyright.
[*N.B.: probably not words.]

I am not an aficionado and have read none of J.R.R. But my inner linguistic nerd is squawking that this is not to be borne! How dare they scoff at anyone’s analysis and critique!!! Glad I am not supporting their monopoly. 5 years of work is, in and of itself, a scholarly endeavor worthy of compensation. Have you consulted a literary attorney? (yeah, I know what they can charge. :(

I suppose the cash cow supports a bevy of lawyers.

[spokeshave2]

Did you ever take a look at Gormenghast by Mervyn Peake....?

Similar dark themes.

[Melian]

Well, I think it’s amazing.