KellyC

So...as advised, I'm starting with The Hobbit. I ordered the hardcover, illustrated version by Alan Lee last week, got it yesterday and finished Chapter one before bed time. What a beautiful book!!! I enjoyed it for the most part thus far. The thing that I don't get is the (bracketed comments) in the book. I see that on almost every page. To be honest, it's throwing me off a little. Is that how Tolkein intended it or some smart ass editor thought it would be a good idea to put commentaries smack dab in the middle of a sentence, paragraph, page?

Edit: Some examples.

On page 8, half way down
"When he got back Balin and Dwalin were talking at the table like old friends (as a matter of fact they were brothers)."

Page 16, Thorin said:

"We are met to discuss our plans, our ways, means, policy and devices. We shall soon before the break of day start on our long journey, a journey from which some of us, or perhaps all of us (except our friend and counselor, the ingenious wizard Gandalf) may never return. It is a solemn moment. Our object is, I take it, well known to us all. To the estimable Mr. Baggins, and perhaps to one or two of the younger dwarves (I think I should be right in naming Kili and Fili, for instance), the exact situation at the moment may require a little brief explanation-"

Page 20
"There is one point that you haven't noticed," said the wizard, "and that is the secret entrance. you see that rune on the West side, and the hand pointing to it from the other runes? That makes a hidden passage to the Lower Halls." (Look at the map at the beginning of this book, and you will see there the runes in red.)

__________________
Him: Ok, I have to ask, what do you believe?
Me: Shit happens.