Reception of J. R. R. Tolkien Reception of J. R. R. Tolkien The works of J. R. R. Tolkien, especially "The Hobbit" and "The Lord of the Rings", have exerted considerable influence since their publication. A culture of fandom sprang up in the 1960s, but reception by the establishment of literary criticism has been slower. Nevertheless, academic studies on Tolkien's works have been appearing at an increasing pace since the mid-1980s. "The Lord of the Rings" has received mixed reviews since its inception, ranging from terrible to excellent. Recent reviews in various media have been, in a majority, highly positive and Tolkien's literary achievement is slowly
Reception of J. R. R. Tolkien 1960. Articles on "The Lord of the Rings" had appeared regularly since 1962 in the science fiction fanzine "Niekas", edited by Ed Meskys. Widespread organized Tolkien fandom only took off with the publication of the second hardcover edition and the paperbacks in the 1960s. The Tolkien Society (UK) was founded in the United Kingdom in 1969, and remains active as a registered charity. The society has two regular publications, a bi-monthly bulletin of news and information, "Amon Hen", and an annual journal, "Mallorn", featuring critical articles and essays on Tolkien's work. They host several annual events, including a conference held