John McQuillen talks about the history behind a new Tolkien show at the Morgan Museum. (2/12/19)
“In a hole in the ground there lived a hobbit.” With these 10 words, the Oxford professor J.R.R. Tolkien ignited a fervid spark in generations of readers. From the children’s classic “The Hobbit” to the epic “Lord of the Rings” trilogy, J.R.R. Tolkien’s adventurous tales of hobbits and elves, dwarves and wizards have introduced millions to the rich history of Middle-earth, the world of his own creation. The Morgan Library & Museum’s new exhibition Tolkien: Maker of Middle-earth celebrates the man and his creation. The most extensive public display of original Tolkien material for several generations, the show will include family photographs and memorabilia, Tolkien’s original illustrations, maps, draft manuscripts, and designs related to “The Hobbit,” “The Lord of the Rings” and “The Silmarillion.” In this edition of “Leonard Lopate at Large,” assistant curator of printed books and bindings at the Morgan Library John McQuillen discusses the work on display that makes this show critical viewing for any true Tolkien fan.