An interesting new book is out. It is called: The Science of Middle-Earth : Explaining The Science Behind The Greatest Fantasy Epic Ever Told!. The author of the book, Henry Gee, bemoans the lack of science education. Here he addresses that issue in a provocative way by providing a series of science essays organized around Middle Earh. The following is from the review of the book by Scientific American:
How did Frodo's mithril coat ward off the fatal blow of an orc? How was Legolas able to count the number of riders crossing the plains of Rohan from five leagues away? Could Balrogs fly? Gee, a senior editor at Nature (who says he read The Lord of the Rings about once a year between the ages of 10 and 25), elucidates and expands on the scientific aspects of J.R.R. Tolkien's world in this fascinating book. Many commentators have noted Tolkien's use of philology and cultural history to create believable languages for his elves and orcs. Now Gee shows how scientific precepts can make the wonders of Middle-earth even richer. In a closing essay, he argues that "Tolkien's own worldview was closer to the true spirit of science than that held by many who propose to promote the public understanding of science."
Could be good, but I don't know if I could make it past the lurid cover. I'd have to cover it or paint it, I think.
Posted by: pam | December 11, 2004 at 11:00 PM