A few items that didn't fit in other posts...

[eldritchhobbit]

* R.I.P., Mary Stewart (17 September, 1916 – 9 May, 2014), best known for her Merlin series of Arthurian fantasy novels: Mythopoeic Award winners The Crystal Cave (1970) and The Hollow Hills (1973), followed by The Last Enchantment. Read more from The New York Times: "Mary Stewart, British Writer Who Spanned Genres, Dies at 97."

* Is Tolkien's translation of Beowulf better than Seamus Heaney's? From Katy Waldman at Slate: "The Don’s Don: J.R.R. Tolkien’s Beowulf translation finally arrives."

* I should mention again that scholar Michael Drout has written a most enlightening blog post clarifying his work with Tolkien's Beowulf papers, etc.: "Tolkien's Beowulf: The Real Story."


And here's some amazing street art, a tribute to The Professionals.

Comments

[lin4gondor.livejournal.com]

Very sad to hear of Mary Stewart's passing, but what a long life she had! I read many of her books, put in particular loved her Merlin series, even before I discovered Tolkien! I shall read it again now, in her honor. Reading the article you linked, I see there is a book I didn't know about that is connected to the Arthurian tales, I'll have to go look for that!

[eldritchhobbit.livejournal.com]

She did have a long life, and a very influential one, too! I love your idea of rereading the Merlin series again in her honor. That's a great idea. Note to self...