Tolkien Studies: An Annual Scholarly Review,published by the West Virginia University Press , is garnering national exposure. The journal, which is devoted to the study of theLord of the Ringsand J.R.R. Tolkiens other popular writings, is the subject of an article by Scott McLemee in the June 4 issue of The Chronicle of Higher Education.

There is a difference between success with the motion picture academy and legitimacy in academe, as those working in the field of Tolkien studies are only too well aware,McLemee wrote. However,Even a glance at the journal reveals how unfair such assumptions are.

The 2004 volume features work from noted Tolkien scholars Tom Shippey, Gergely Nagy, Carl Hostetter and Verlyn Flieger. The essays include studies of Tolkiens Light-elves and Dark-elves, his edition of the Middle-English Sir Orfeo, the influence of the Finnish Kalevala on Tolkiens epicSilmarillionand an article on the Russian reception ofThe Lord of the Rings.

Projected, subsequent volumes will includeThe Years Work in Tolkien Studies: 2000-2001and an essay by distinguished Tolkien scholar Richard West. Volume II will be published in 2005. The hardbound journal will be out each spring, and beginning in 2005, the journal will also be available electronically on Johns Hopkins Universitys Project MUSE Web site (http://muse.jhu.edu/).

The journal is edited by Douglas A. Anderson, Michael D.C. Drout and Verlyn Flieger. McLemee interviewed Drout for the article and also arranged an online discussion with him that took place June 4. The transcript of that discussion can be found on the Net (www.chronicle.com).

For more information on this or other WVU Press publications, contact Geoff George, marketing director, at 304-293-8400 or visitwww.wvupress.com.