September 2024 Recommended Reading and Viewing

[Coír Draoi Ceítien]

We're now in the final third of the year, with fall just around the corner. This time around, I'm going back to Tolkien accompanied by a film that I've had on my mind for quite some time.

Reading: The Silmarillion (1977) by J. R. R. Tolkien

This is less of a novel as it is a chronicle of myths that form the implied backstory for both The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings, edited by Christopher Tolkien (and an uncredited Guy Gavriel Kay), and, as a result, it's a bit less complete than the two previously published works, being constructed from notes in various states of completion and revision, but altogether it's an important milestone in Tolkien's writing. Showing inspiration from the Kalevala of Finland, Norse and Greek sagas, and Germanic poetry, the vast assortment of gods, heroes and villains form a lively saga that shoould keep any lover of mythology spellbound.

Mass Market: https://www.amazon.com/Silmarillion-J-R-R-Tolkien/dp/0345325818/
Trade: https://www.amazon.com/Silmarillion-J-R-R-Tolkien/dp/0544338014/
Hardcover: https://www.amazon.com/Silmarillion-Illustrated-J-R-R-Tolkien/dp/0063280779/
Kindle: https://www.amazon.com/Silmarillion-J-R-R-Tolkien-ebook/dp/B007978PGI/



Viewing: The Life and Death of Colonel Blimp (Michael Powell and Emeric Pressburger, 1943)

This is the story of a British soldier's career over the course of the 20th century up until World War II, satirizing the changing norms of the codes of conduct while remaining pro-British. Through the use of impressive Technicolor camerawork, wonderful makeup and an outstanding cast, the 2-hours-and-43-minute runtime doesn't feel long at all - in fact, not a moment in the film feels wasted or unnecessary. In the modern age of quick popcorn entertainment, it's the kind of film that doesn't seem to be made anymore, artistic without being pretentious, perhaps even timeless.

DVD: https://www.amazon.com/Death-Colonel-Blimp-Criterion-Collection/dp/B00AQ6J64O/
Blu-Ray: https://www.amazon.com/Death-Colonel-Criterion-Collection-Blu-ray/dp/B00AQ6J5CC/
Amazon Video: https://www.amazon.com/Death-Colonel-Blimp-Roger-Livesey/dp/B00BH1C90U/


Have a great September, everyone!