New Tolkien Story in Progress
A few weeks ago, I reported that Spider Robinson had completed a new novel based on an unfinished outline from Robert A. Heinlein. Now, Christopher Tolkien, son of J.R.R. Tolkien, has announced that he has completed 'The Children of Hurin', which is one of his father's unfinished tales. J.R.R Tolkien began creating this novel in 1918, but never completed the project.
Christopher Tolkien has reportedly spent the past 30 years completing the novel. It is set in the typical Tolkien world, so Elves and Dwarves (and, maybe Hobbits!) will be featured characters. Christopher said in a statement, "It has seemed to me for a long time that there was a good case for presenting my father's long version of the legend of the 'Children of Hurin' as an independent work, between its own covers."
I am in full support of the completion of novels from the masters. Tolkien and Heinlein are among the greatest writers of the 20th century. It follows that they very likely had the best story ideas of the 20th century. If unfinished ideas are discovered, competant novelists should be able to turn these ideas into very compelling books.
So, decendents of Isaac Asimov, Robert E. Howard...well, basically, decendents of any great author (other than L. Ron Hubbard - never liked his stuff) - please look through your estates and get those partial ideas and unfinished outlines completed! The world could use more great science fiction novels.
