Wow, interesting discussion! Those guys are definitely looking for a standard of proof way beyond anything I can provide. I think the person who wrote
>>alas, his name was never directly mentioned by J.R.R.Tolkien, then it must be considered a feasible, even probable, speculation
went too far. Personally I think that given the similarities in themes and characters etc., it should be enough to prove that he read it. Which I admit I can't do (though I'm totally convinced of it myself).
>>alas, his name was never directly mentioned by J.R.R.Tolkien, then it must be considered a feasible, even probable, speculation
went too far. Personally I think that given the similarities in themes and characters etc., it should be enough to prove that he read it. Which I admit I can't do (though I'm totally convinced of it myself).