With Gratitude to Professor Tom Shippey - A Personal Story

In the above video from Uppsala Books, the world's foremost Tolkien scholar, Professor Tom Shippey, gives a short and brilliant talk on the tradition of Tolkien-inspired art, including my new book: The Art of Mercy in Middle-earth. I'm nearly as speechless as Sam Gamgee when he finally met the elves, watching this, and I'd like to share a little heartfelt story about why, in hopes that my readers might enjoy it.

Opening Doors for Decades

Tom Shippey in "The Story of English"

In my youth, I came upon an outstanding 1986 television series called The Story of English that absolutely lit up my developing mind. Though I had been a Tolkien fan since my father, Stephen, first read me The Hobbit, I knew nothing of Tolkien scholarship when I saw this program and had yet to read Tom Shippey's The Road to Middle-earth. I was simply very impressed watching this young professor roaming about Yorkshire speaking Old English and Old Norse.

I well remember watching The Story of English repeatedly with my mother, Caren. It was fascinating to me, diving deep into a history barely referenced in American public school. That thing which C.S. Lewis dubbed 'Northernness' had been calling to me like the horns of ancestor-land since early childhood and my parents filled our home with very good books that made the world a place of wonder and enjoyment for me. I've always been drawn to languages, and this series, with its memorable narrative by Robert MacNeil, wonderful guest speakers, and charming music, opened a door for me. Eventually, it became a kind of soundtrack to my first years learning to paint. I would put it on in the background, because it had an invigorating effect on my creativity. I probably listened to it hundreds of times while spending thousands of hours at my canvas.

Finally, I encountered Tom Shippey's matchless book, J.R.R. Tolkien: Author of the Century and a door as beautiful as Durin's opened wide. All my family loved Tolkien's works, but this was the volume that introduced me to the layers and layers of Tolkien's genius. The hidden history, the languages, the humor, the depth! Professor Shippey's marvelous insight and approachable style of scholarly writing inspired me so much that I was eventually emboldened to write him an email during his tenure at Saint Louis University to ask whether it was still possible for students to become philologists.

I was so honored by his kind reply and amazed that the gentleman whom I had long admired from the television program would make the time to explain what had happened in the complex world of academic politics to the profession both he and J.R.R. Tolkien had loved. Though his gracious answer helped me realize I probably could not have a career as a philologist, I still treasured this communication from an inspiring author who had met Tolkien and devoted himself to enriching the the world's understanding of Tolkien's life and works.

Fast forward to the founding of Signum University and the opening of those rusting philological doors for the public. By then, my youthful dreams of becoming a philologist had been set aside while I worked at my art and began building a name for myself as a professional columnist, but imagine the thrill of getting to audit Professor Shippey's courses at the new university!

These experiences were so enriching and have left me with a lasting admiration of Professor Shippey's exceptional gifts as a raconteur. He has an ability to convey ideas and stories in a way you simply never forget. When I think about the materials he has covered, I hear his lovely and distinctive voice in my mind, helping me remember what I've learned. That's such a gift! His Beowulf lectures are landmarks, opening doors right and left into the ancient world and into Tolkien's connections to it. This is what true education should be all about - deepening the love of learning so that it becomes a positive pleasure!

Across the decades, Professor Shippey's scholarship has been a guiding light to me, connecting me to Tolkien and the academic and creative realm he inhabited in ways that have steered my education and my art. I won't ever become a philologist, but I've gloried in being able to translate a bit of Beowulf or Grœnlendinga Saga for my own enjoyment. And now, thanks to Professor Shippey and his excellent colleague, Professor Leonard Neidorf, another door has opened for sharing what I love through my Tolkien-inspired paintings and essays.

You know what hobbits believe about Roads. This has been such a blessed one for me, following quietly along behind the truly great explorers like J.R.R. Tolkien and Tom Shippey who have brought enlightenment, vision, and joy to the world with their life's work. I am so grateful for the learning and the lore, and hope this little story about the long, winding path I've been on towards sharing my own work will be an encouragement to others. Thank you, Professor Shippey!