Kicking the Hobbit: The December film release looms, and critical dispute about the merits of J.R.R. Tolkien’s creation flowers. “Still, Tolkienists have the staggering popularity of The Lord of the Rings on their side–a key

factor in the literary reputation of Charles Dickens, for example. Some Tolkienists observe

knowingly that the upcoming films will no doubt hook the Harry Potter generation on The

Lord of the Rings (though purists may secretly be a bit nervous about Hobbit Happy Meals).

Meanwhile, Tolkien criticism is already a substantial body of work, much of which cannot be

dismissed outright as fan pamphleteering. When it comes to Tolkien, says Jane Chance, “the

popular has become canonical”–or at any rate, it is becoming more and more so. Ultimately,

Tolkien’s literary stature may be assured by sheer momentum.” The American Prospect