For hoot, read Bored of the Rings
by Harvard Lampoon!
http://www.amazon.com/Bored-Rings-Parody-Tolkiens-Lord/dp/0451452615
I read that back when I was in middle school.
Can still remember picturing the “elven goodies” back then...
I first read the books in 1970 as well. They came in a four-book boxed set and I had to get them at an office supply store, since they were “underground.”
I’ve read them on average of once every 14-17 months since then, and I’m reading them again. I just finished The Hobbit, and have started on The Fellowship.
:o])
Ha - just picked this up in a library sale - be careful not for the young ones that. But it was hilarious.