Why Tolkien never received the Nobel Prize.
in 1961, C. S. Lewis nominated J. R. R. Tolkien for the Nobel prize in literature, a prize that ended up being awarded to Yugoslavian writer Ivo Andric.
The workings of the Nobel Committee have been kept secret for 50 years but now, according to this article in the Guardian and this article in The Daily Mash, we learn that The Professor was turned down over both his questionable prose, and for his choice of subject material.
7 Comments
funny how things change.
Disregarding Tolkien as a candidate because of his prose quality is one thing, but I’m entirely against disregarding him because of his choice of subject. This seems very close-minded to me, and especially dismaying because the Nobel committee ought to be able to see to the heart, the real message of a story.
I love Tolkien and his works. But Ivo Andrić is a gifted writer who deserved to win.
Bongeled up drivel!? X0 I’ll show you bongled up drivel! XD But seriously,
I think it’s sad that they denied him just because he had a wonderful imagination.
Although personally I think their reasons for denying other people were ridiculous. Just because of their age? They really should be looking at the quality of writing and the purpose of the story, not the author’s condition or choice of setting.
The Nobel prize is somewhat unconvincing these days as well anyway, because they award the people who are expected to do something, instead of those who already have done something.
People seem to forget that there are a number of prominent authors who did not receive the Nobel.
Leo Tolstoy, Mark Twain(won by Rudyard Kipling),James Joyce and so on. So I think the “Have Nots” figure more prominently in peoples memories than the “Haves”.
Wow! I couldn’t believe this when I read it, I really love Tolkien’s works and believe he deserved it, but well done to Ivo Andrić.