Kevin's Watch

I was describing SRDs books to a friend over the weekend and I invariably end up making a comparison to Tolkien.

I do this mostly because I feel the popularity of Tolkien's work will help make a connection to someone unfamiliar with Donaldson's books.

So I am wondering if any of you do this, AND if any of you know how SRD feels about this type of comparison.

I'm sure he'd be honored by the comparision...then he'd deny everything!

danlo wrote:I'm sure he'd be honored by the comparision...then he'd deny everything!

He'd also talk about how it may be possible his sub-conscious was at work

Orlion wrote:

danlo wrote:I'm sure he'd be honored by the comparision...then he'd deny everything!

He'd also talk about how it may be possible his sub-conscious was at work

And be forced to explain AGAIN that he needed a ring more.

Actually, I have talked Tolkien when urging a new SRD reader.
For the most part in the form "Unlike Tolkien..."

Vraith wrote:Actually, I have talked Tolkien when urging a new SRD reader.
For the most part in the form "Unlike Tolkien..."

^^^
This is me

The only time I mention Tolkien and Donaldson is to talk about how incorrect most people's comparisons of the two are. For instance, the ring... Tolkien could have used a magic chalice, or crown, effing golden boot, and it wouldn't have affected the story. Covenant's ring, however, was his wedding ring, which had thematic relevance to both his connection to his wife (specifically), and the rest of humanity (generally).

Actually, I just went over this with someone this morning... it's kind of a pet peeve of mine

I usually say something like "the Chronicles is in the same genre with LOTR, except darker, more adult, better."

Rigel wrote: The only time I mention Tolkien and Donaldson is to talk about how incorrect most people's comparisons of the two are.

I disagree. Perhaps the basis of my comparison is not explained completely.

Professor Tolkien was just that- a scholar. His works had long history, different races with their own languages, characters that are unforgettable because of their development. His writing has a depth that can be intimidating for the casual reader.

Stephen Donaldson is the only other author I have found to be of that caliber.

TM5000 wrote:Stephen Donaldson is the only other author I have found to be of that caliber.

Not sure what you mean about "of that calibre". Donaldson spent very little effort on "world building" in the sense that you mean. ("The Land" !!!)

There're so many other fantasy authors out there that have concentrated on world-building like this that, even though none can top Tolkien, I find it hard to believe you can't find anyone else "of that calibre".

Donalson, on the other hand, invested his efforts on a different kind of world-building. A spiritual/philosophic/ethical world building rather than a history/language/geography one. There are few in his calibre, to be sure.

But Donaldson and Tolkien are the heads of different classes, if anything.

...and then someone always bring up the "apples to oranges" arguement!