great commentary on Tolkein from Sci Fi write David Brin. Check out his stuff on Star Wars and Star Trek as well. Romantics versus Pragmatists! Elitest versus Populist! Progress versus Decline! The things that underlie a lot of our culture wars to this day. Yet more things that I feel I am on the fence on. Where else can a truly rational soul be?

But I always did think the elves were snooty bastards, things would've been better if they'd left middle earth for good.