Posted: May 08, 1999 at 06:30:20: by Neithan
: I'm going to be assisting in the organization of a lecture series on Tolkien in Houston, Texas this fall. I was wondering if anyone out there has information on a poll conducted in Great Britain which put Tolkien as the most influential author of the century. Also, any info regarding how many copies of LotR have been sold and how many different languages it has been translated into would be helpful. Thanks in advance.Strange coinsidence, four days ago, while clearing up some old mess in a closet (disadvantage of having your girlfriend move in- I am also regularily doing the dishes!!), I found an old newspaper cutout I had stored, it is from the largest and most reliable newspaper in Denmark; "Jyllandsposten" and gives the following information (translated from Danish); "The fantasy novel of J.R.R Tolkien "The lord of the Rings" has been chosen as the book of the century by a nationwide poll held by Waterstone's- one of the most acclaimed chain of bookstores in Great Britain. Above 5000 books were nominated, and 25.000 brits participated in the poll. George Orwell took second and third place with his novels "1984" and "Animal Farm", followed by James Joyce's "Ulysses"."- end quote, not a very large poll, concerning the number of brits, but possibly adequate as people who read probably made up the largest number of participants.
Hope it is of use ;) Neithan
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