"It is a truth universally acknowledged, that if a lady has the opportunity to visit Hogwarts and Middle Earth on the same day, she takes it." ~Jane Austen (maybe)
January 31, 2019
Dear Jane,
Happy belated New Year, my dear friend. I truly cannot believe that the end of January is upon us; this month has flown by so quickly! Even though not very much has occurred since the new year began, I do have an exciting literary adventure to recount for you. So, without further ado:
A Day in New York City with J.K. Rowling and J.R.R. Tolkien...
If you are a lover of books, then I'm confident that I have grabbed your attention with the above italicized line. If you are not a lover of books, but rather a lover of films adapted from books, then hopefully I have also grabbed your attention. If you are a lover of neither, then I have nothing left to say to you and now must say, "Good day."
I jest, of course! In truth, I am in an odd mood today, Jane, so I shall write on until I am not...or until I finish my letter (whichever comes first).
On Friday last, the twenty-fifth of January in the Year-of-our-Lord, two-thousand and nineteen, I journeyed to the isle of Manhattan in the state of New York, for a most diverting visit with my dear sister, Rachael, who was visiting from our Nation's capital, Washington DC. *After reading that sentence, one might think I was actually Charles Dickens and being paid to write by-the-word...but, alas, I write purposely superfluously and for free, Jane. (Say "purposely superfluously" five times fast, gentle readers. I dare you!)
I digress. Anyway, for Christmas I bought Rachael and I tickets for a very special exhibition at the New York Historical Society entitled, "Harry Potter: A History of Magic." As you can imagine, this gift was as much for my benefit and pleasure, as it was for hers. Back in November when I was trying to decide which day we should visit, I also happened to be perusing the Morgan Library website. Consequently, I learned that the Morgan would be opening a new exhibition entitled, "Tolkien" on Friday, the twenty-fifth of January in the Year-of-our-Lord, two-thousand and nineteen. Gentle readers should note that the Morgan Library has free entry on Friday nights from 7:00 PM- 9:00 PM (which meant we would be able to see "Tolkien" free of charge if we went on a Friday). I soon discovered that the first day of "Tolkien" happened to fall on the second to last day of "Harry Potter: A History of Magic," so naturally I decreed that we should make the most our time and money by seeing both exhibits on the same day...and so, we did! (Conveniently, Rachael was coming to Connecticut that weekend for a dear friend's bridal shower so it all worked out delightfully well.) I live and breath by adventuring on a budget, Jane.
I am pleased to say that both exhibits were exceedingly enchanting and entirely enriching. Since Rachael and I both greatly admire J.K. Rowling and J.R.R. Tolkien, learning more about their lives, their tremendous work and coincidentally, how much they have in common as writers, was remarkable. I am so very grateful that we got to see both exhibitions on the same day, if only to be able to be able to discuss the two authors in detail whilst having all the wonderful information we learned fresh in our minds.
I confess that I was initially disappointed to learn that patrons were restricted from using photography in both exhibits, but I understood that many items on display were fragile and someone else's treasured property. Additionally, I believe that not being able to take pictures forced me to actually enjoy the moment and absorb all of the detailed displays more thoroughly than I would have if I was worried about taking pictures of everything. In truth, the memory of the things I saw may fade, but the feelings I had whilst I saw them never shall. (That is either a brilliant concept or complete nonsense, Jane. I shall let you decide.)
After a delicious lunch of dumplings and a subsequent brisk jaunt through Central Park (by way of the Alice in Wonderland statue), our first stop that day was the New York Historical Society for Harry Potter. Our entry time was 4:00 and since we arrived a little early, we took the liberty of exploring the gift shop before entering the exhibit. I daresay there was so many items to choose from that I didn't know where to begin! It is no easy feat to find oneself in a trove of Harry Potter treasures and not spend all of one's money. In fact, Rachael had to drag me away after a spell.
Walking into the entryway of the exhibit was beyond magical, Jane. We were immediately greeted with items that bibliophiles and wizards, alike, only dream of, such as: J.K. Rowling's original book pitch for publishers, the original illustrations she drew of her characters when she was first writing Harry Potter, Jim Kay's paintings of numerous Hogwarts professors including: Minerva McGonagall and Albus Dumbledore, extremely ancient scrolls describing how to make (and/or use?) the Philosopher's Stone and even the remnant of a real, exploded cauldron! To be sure, it was a feast for our eyes and imaginations. Some other favorite items of mine were J.K. Rowling's early draft of The Chamber of Secrets (the flying car flew into the Great Lake rather than the Whomping Willow- can you imagine!?), an invisibility cloak (very clever, New York Historical Society), Nicholas Flamel's actual tombstone, a beautiful set model of the Lyric Theater where Harry Potter and the Cursed Child is currently running on Broadway, and so much more! It is awe-inspiring to know that Ms. Rowling created not only a fascinating story for children about a boy wizard, but an ENTIRELY NEW UNIVERSE that is enjoyed by people of any and every age. Harry Potter has truly become an international phenomenon.
Additionally, I was fascinated by J.K. Rowling's personal plot documents for the seven novels; she planned everything that would happen with such detail, Jane, and quite far in advance, too! There is no doubt in my mind that Ms. Rowling is a genuine genius. I wonder if you planned your novels out or if you just wrote as the ideas came to you. I wish I could ask you, Jane!
After spending almost two hours with Harry Potter at the Historical Society, it was time to say goodbye to Harry, Ron & Hermione and make our way towards the Morgan Library to visit Bilbo, Gandalf and Frodo. It would not do to be late as I was sure there would be an uncommonly long queue. (I was correct, by the way, the queue was uncommonly long.)
Now, to know Rachael and myself is to know that as much as we love museums, they really and truly tire us out after a while. Therefore, we deemed it necessary to give ourselves a respite at a pub for some refreshment before entering Middle Earth at the Morgan. Usually pints of ale make me drowsy (see England Letters 1-8 for reference) but happily, the pint I had that Friday eve rejuvenated me enormously. Rachael, of course, chose to indulge in an Aperol 'Mist.' Feeling revived, we finally got to the Morgan...and just in time, too, for we were amongst the last to be admitted onto the queue for Tolkien due to there being so many people present! We ended up waiting for about forty minutes before entering the exhibit, but it was well worth the wait, Jane.
From the moment we walked through the inviting Hobbit hole on the second floor of The Morgan Library, we knew that Tolkien would be an amazing adventure. On display were the most fascinating mementos, manuscripts, maps and more; it is an impressively curated exhibit. I have long been a fan of The Lord of the Rings trilogy and universe, but I confess I did not know much about the author who wrote the novels before this experience. From what I could gather whilst exploring that evening, Mr. Tolkien was not only the extraordinary author of one of the most beloved fantasy stories ever written, but a good person as well. In truth, this made me even more interested to learn about him. Before I describe some of the amazing Lord of the Rings keepsakes on display, I would be remiss if I did not mention the beautiful family heirlooms also present, including the beautifully intricate Father Christmas letters that Tolkien created for his children. By all accounts, he was not only a brilliant author and respected professor, but a devoted father and husband as well. I just loved learning about that aspect of his life.
Now for the real reason we were all there: The Lord of the Rings. Like J.K.Rowling, J.R.R. Tolkien created an entirely new universe for his masterpiece, including: new languages, alphabets, maps, empires, creatures, etc. He was an amazingly skilled writer, artist and cartographer with an uncanny attention to detail. Tolkien created the most astonishing illustrations and maps for the different lands of The Lord of the Rings universe, many of which were used in the actual printing of the books (including his original artwork for the cover of The Hobbit). Seeing his gorgeous prints of Middle Earth was a highlight for me- be sure to find them when you visit!
Though I could only catch a glimpse (there were so many LOTR admirers present!), Tolkien's planning documents were also on display, and like J.K. Rowling's, they were fantastically detailed! How interesting that these two authors had such similar methods for writing. (Whilst I'm sure many authors plan their books, Tolkien's and Rowling's formats were nearly identical). Though I have a feeling that Ms. Rowling is a fan of Mr. Tolkien, the fact that they outlined their novels is most likely just a coincidence. (Please note that I do not know how much Rowling knows of Tolkien's writing process, so do not hold me to this notion if it was not, in fact, a coincidence.) It was wonderful to see how two authors created such unique, fantastical worlds whilst sharing some striking similarities.
Clearly I could go on for days and days about both exhibits, but I think you have a pretty good idea of how diverting it all was. To be sure, we visited Hogwarts and Middle Earth (and technically Wonderland) all in one day! If that's not magic, what is? Unfortunately, Harry Potter: A History of Magic did indeed come to an end on the twenty-seventh of January, but gentle readers still have the opportunity to see Tolkien at the Morgan Library through Sunday the 12th of May, so make haste!
Until next time, may you and my gentle readers have adventures worthy of wizards, hobbits, dwarves, giants, elves, and all other mystical creatures in the New Year.
Yours Faithfully,
Amanda
P.S. I am rereading The Hobbit right now and am enjoying it tremendously. If you have yet to read it, borrow a copy from your local library today; you won't be disappointed!
Dear Jane,
Happy belated New Year, my dear friend. I truly cannot believe that the end of January is upon us; this month has flown by so quickly! Even though not very much has occurred since the new year began, I do have an exciting literary adventure to recount for you. So, without further ado:
A Day in New York City with J.K. Rowling and J.R.R. Tolkien...
If you are a lover of books, then I'm confident that I have grabbed your attention with the above italicized line. If you are not a lover of books, but rather a lover of films adapted from books, then hopefully I have also grabbed your attention. If you are a lover of neither, then I have nothing left to say to you and now must say, "Good day."
I jest, of course! In truth, I am in an odd mood today, Jane, so I shall write on until I am not...or until I finish my letter (whichever comes first).
On Friday last, the twenty-fifth of January in the Year-of-our-Lord, two-thousand and nineteen, I journeyed to the isle of Manhattan in the state of New York, for a most diverting visit with my dear sister, Rachael, who was visiting from our Nation's capital, Washington DC. *After reading that sentence, one might think I was actually Charles Dickens and being paid to write by-the-word...but, alas, I write purposely superfluously and for free, Jane. (Say "purposely superfluously" five times fast, gentle readers. I dare you!)
I digress. Anyway, for Christmas I bought Rachael and I tickets for a very special exhibition at the New York Historical Society entitled, "Harry Potter: A History of Magic." As you can imagine, this gift was as much for my benefit and pleasure, as it was for hers. Back in November when I was trying to decide which day we should visit, I also happened to be perusing the Morgan Library website. Consequently, I learned that the Morgan would be opening a new exhibition entitled, "Tolkien" on Friday, the twenty-fifth of January in the Year-of-our-Lord, two-thousand and nineteen. Gentle readers should note that the Morgan Library has free entry on Friday nights from 7:00 PM- 9:00 PM (which meant we would be able to see "Tolkien" free of charge if we went on a Friday). I soon discovered that the first day of "Tolkien" happened to fall on the second to last day of "Harry Potter: A History of Magic," so naturally I decreed that we should make the most our time and money by seeing both exhibits on the same day...and so, we did! (Conveniently, Rachael was coming to Connecticut that weekend for a dear friend's bridal shower so it all worked out delightfully well.) I live and breath by adventuring on a budget, Jane.
I am pleased to say that both exhibits were exceedingly enchanting and entirely enriching. Since Rachael and I both greatly admire J.K. Rowling and J.R.R. Tolkien, learning more about their lives, their tremendous work and coincidentally, how much they have in common as writers, was remarkable. I am so very grateful that we got to see both exhibitions on the same day, if only to be able to be able to discuss the two authors in detail whilst having all the wonderful information we learned fresh in our minds.
I confess that I was initially disappointed to learn that patrons were restricted from using photography in both exhibits, but I understood that many items on display were fragile and someone else's treasured property. Additionally, I believe that not being able to take pictures forced me to actually enjoy the moment and absorb all of the detailed displays more thoroughly than I would have if I was worried about taking pictures of everything. In truth, the memory of the things I saw may fade, but the feelings I had whilst I saw them never shall. (That is either a brilliant concept or complete nonsense, Jane. I shall let you decide.)
 |
| Alice in Wonderland... in Central Park. |
“Let us step into the night and pursue that flighty temptress, adventure.”
~J.K. Rowling
Walking into the entryway of the exhibit was beyond magical, Jane. We were immediately greeted with items that bibliophiles and wizards, alike, only dream of, such as: J.K. Rowling's original book pitch for publishers, the original illustrations she drew of her characters when she was first writing Harry Potter, Jim Kay's paintings of numerous Hogwarts professors including: Minerva McGonagall and Albus Dumbledore, extremely ancient scrolls describing how to make (and/or use?) the Philosopher's Stone and even the remnant of a real, exploded cauldron! To be sure, it was a feast for our eyes and imaginations. Some other favorite items of mine were J.K. Rowling's early draft of The Chamber of Secrets (the flying car flew into the Great Lake rather than the Whomping Willow- can you imagine!?), an invisibility cloak (very clever, New York Historical Society), Nicholas Flamel's actual tombstone, a beautiful set model of the Lyric Theater where Harry Potter and the Cursed Child is currently running on Broadway, and so much more! It is awe-inspiring to know that Ms. Rowling created not only a fascinating story for children about a boy wizard, but an ENTIRELY NEW UNIVERSE that is enjoyed by people of any and every age. Harry Potter has truly become an international phenomenon.
 |
| I look like a "straight-up" nerd here...but I was VERY excited. |
Additionally, I was fascinated by J.K. Rowling's personal plot documents for the seven novels; she planned everything that would happen with such detail, Jane, and quite far in advance, too! There is no doubt in my mind that Ms. Rowling is a genuine genius. I wonder if you planned your novels out or if you just wrote as the ideas came to you. I wish I could ask you, Jane!
After spending almost two hours with Harry Potter at the Historical Society, it was time to say goodbye to Harry, Ron & Hermione and make our way towards the Morgan Library to visit Bilbo, Gandalf and Frodo. It would not do to be late as I was sure there would be an uncommonly long queue. (I was correct, by the way, the queue was uncommonly long.) |
| The queue leading us to Middle Earth. |
“It’s a dangerous business, Frodo, going out your door. You step onto the road, and if you don’t keep your feet, there’s no telling where you might be swept off to.”
~J.R.R. Tolkien
 |
| I took this photo whilst in Central Park earlier in the day. |
Now for the real reason we were all there: The Lord of the Rings. Like J.K.Rowling, J.R.R. Tolkien created an entirely new universe for his masterpiece, including: new languages, alphabets, maps, empires, creatures, etc. He was an amazingly skilled writer, artist and cartographer with an uncanny attention to detail. Tolkien created the most astonishing illustrations and maps for the different lands of The Lord of the Rings universe, many of which were used in the actual printing of the books (including his original artwork for the cover of The Hobbit). Seeing his gorgeous prints of Middle Earth was a highlight for me- be sure to find them when you visit!
Though I could only catch a glimpse (there were so many LOTR admirers present!), Tolkien's planning documents were also on display, and like J.K. Rowling's, they were fantastically detailed! How interesting that these two authors had such similar methods for writing. (Whilst I'm sure many authors plan their books, Tolkien's and Rowling's formats were nearly identical). Though I have a feeling that Ms. Rowling is a fan of Mr. Tolkien, the fact that they outlined their novels is most likely just a coincidence. (Please note that I do not know how much Rowling knows of Tolkien's writing process, so do not hold me to this notion if it was not, in fact, a coincidence.) It was wonderful to see how two authors created such unique, fantastical worlds whilst sharing some striking similarities.
Clearly I could go on for days and days about both exhibits, but I think you have a pretty good idea of how diverting it all was. To be sure, we visited Hogwarts and Middle Earth (and technically Wonderland) all in one day! If that's not magic, what is? Unfortunately, Harry Potter: A History of Magic did indeed come to an end on the twenty-seventh of January, but gentle readers still have the opportunity to see Tolkien at the Morgan Library through Sunday the 12th of May, so make haste!
Until next time, may you and my gentle readers have adventures worthy of wizards, hobbits, dwarves, giants, elves, and all other mystical creatures in the New Year.
Yours Faithfully,
Amanda
P.S. I am rereading The Hobbit right now and am enjoying it tremendously. If you have yet to read it, borrow a copy from your local library today; you won't be disappointed!
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