{"footnote":"\u003Cp\u003E  I was thrilled to learn that Harold Bloom has edited a book of Tolkien criticism: J.R.R. Tolkien: Modern Critical Views (Chelsea House, 174 pp., \u0026pound;27.95, 24 February 2000, 0 7910 5660 0). I imagined  swags, gargoyles, groaning pediments of mad theory. But, sadly, all he has done is write his signature over the top of a bunch of the usual stuff. Bloom prefers The Hobbit (\u0026lsquo;Children\u0026rsquo;s Literature\u0026rsquo;)  to The Lord of the Rings \u0026ndash; \u0026lsquo;fated to become only an intricate Period Piece\u0026rsquo; (the capitalisations are his). \u0026lsquo;I am rather grateful to Tolkien,\u0026rsquo; he adds, \u0026lsquo;that sometimes I want to be there with Bilbo,  even though I know only a few trolls and no goblins whatsoever.\u0026rsquo;\u003C\/p\u003E\n","audio":[],"video":[]}