A.B.: What do Tolkien's works mean or say to you personally?

Clay Harper: Since reading it at the age of 14, I have seen it as a roadmap to human existence, as a core to morality, a non-religious view of right and wrong, more than just good vs. evil. It’s a progression into adulthood, from when we first meet the pastoral; happy go lucky hobbits, sort of like childhood, to when we get to the Council of Elrond. Frodo in his innocence realizes he is a part of history and must make a choice. The most powerful moment for me is when Frodo says, "I will go, but I do not know the way". For me at 14, just getting to know the world and community in which I lived, with responsibilities and choices...bad things may happen…poor choices (might be made, but) feeling right in doing what we must do...it was a lesson for me. With each reading there is something different which can mirror our own world. It can resonate with each generation reading it, which is a testament to what is in there. Nothing is in there without reason for it. Tom Bombadil is an example: he's an enigmatic character on purpose, which opens us up to thinking of his nature; he draws attention to the enigma…sometimes, reading it for the first time can be intimidating. (But then there are) Tolkien’s letters, the greatest resource of how it was written, which is pure Tolkien in his own words. (The saga of Middle Earth) is the greatest epic ever told and should be treated as the greatest epic of the 20th century.

A.B.:How much involvement does Christopher Tolkien have in the publishing world of his father's works, outside the History of Middle Earth?

Clay Harper: We have a long, happy relationship with Christopher and The Tolkien Estate. We are now the 2nd generation of the Tolkien legacy to protect and preserve the works with Christopher, Raynor Unwin and Fred Williamson. Christopher has worked and advised on the format in the UK and for the format of History of Middle Earth here in the US, from cover design to the material within.

A.B.What does being the Director of Tolkien Projects mean to you?

Clay Harper: It is a noble mission...it is my belief, passion, and hope to bring LOTR and Tolkien to those who have never read it, or are revisiting it again. I have never read anything like it, it's the most phenomenal book ever offered to the world. Each person’s view of the book is so different and unique. I have a great respect for the loneliness of writers, the amount of concentration and craft, especially in regard to Tolkien, to have written something so deep and rich. Where did it come from? A man in the trenches during a war, scribbling notes in his attic...it boggles the mind. (I also hope) to expand the readership and bring Tolkien to the entire world, with the utmost care and respect. Tolkien is the crown jewel of Houghton Mifflin, treated with great care and respect for the work. I feel at times that I am a Steward of a Kingdom in Exile, in charge of the publishing like our friends at Harper Collins in the UK. We have a long-term commitment to Tolkien, not to exploit, but to first respect the work and, as Brian Sibley says, it is important to present it in this way...original and untouched.

A.B.With the release of the films there is a renewed interest in Tolkien's work. What are your thoughts on this?

Clay Harper: Having been to New Zealand in the early '80's and seeing the incredibly exaggerated landscape, the tall, full mountains, the rich blue sky, and color of the land, it was what I had hoped for [in the movies], which is encouraging. (Describing the images he’s seen. –Ed.) …The 40 foot "bigatures", as opposed to miniatures of Minas Tirith and Orthanc; seeing 90,000 images of still photos from New Line, which the actors either accepted or denied the use of; the art direction of Alan Lee and John Howe; the work of director Peter Jackson, having complete confidence in his work, along with the incredible details as reported by Quickbeam from TheOneRing.net and his adventure through the pyre and Halls of Denethor, to the plaques upon the statues of the Kings. The Council of Elrond has a lot of info, and all that info and what is said (at the Council) was dispersed throughout the film, with the history and tales being told by the characters. Nothing is offensive, but rather true to the heart of the story and especially the vision of Tolkien. Every Tolkien fan feels a bit of trepidation or fear (towards the upcoming movies), but that of the films should not replace the images of the LOTR in our minds. There is, though, great pride taken by Peter Jackson and his team in every detail of Tolkien's. I feel nothing offensive to the eye or heart, nor do I feel the images I have in my head are in jeopardy from that of the films. Nothing undermines the power of Tolkien's work.

A.B. Were you able to see the Cannes Footage?

Clay Harper The Moria chase scenes were more intense and exciting than that of Indiana Jones, and more effective visually than that of Star Wars. I was blown away by the 1-second shots of the Falls of Rauros, which were breathtaking and incredible. I was just blown away.

A.B. When can we expect the release of Two Towers material and books?

Clay Harper In July we will be publishing the Art of the Fellowship of the Ring by Gary Russell. It is a 2D design look into Fellowship of the Ring, a book that gives back to the imaginative processes of the film, healthy for those in fear of the movie images. If this is a success, we will then bring the Art of the Two Towers, and in November the Two Towers Visual Companion. Also there are plans to put together a Making of Lord of the Rings book.

A.B. Are there plans to release any of Tolkien's unpublished works?

Clay Harper Well, most of the material that is related to Middle-earth that Christopher has felt should be published, has been published. Other "unfinished tales" may not even exist or there may not be enough to actually publish. There are several books on or about Tolkien that may be out in the next few years: one of Chris' collaborators is working on a history of The Hobbit, not as complex as the History of Middle earth; Douglas Anderson is working on a 2nd edition of The Annotated Hobbit. Also, a massive biography/bibliography is in the works, as well as a work about Tolkien in his war years, which has been approved by his estate. T.A. Shippey's Road to Middle Earth is also coming back.

A.B. How do you feel about the Tolkien fan base?

Clay Harper I am a member of the UK Tolkien Society. I pay my dues but don't have much contact with them; I receive and read my issues of Amon Hen. I love seeing different sites, some have come and some have gone, though I feel comfort and camaraderie in the forums, which makes it fresh and interesting. It's wonderful that fans from all over the world can come and share their appreciation for Tolkien. With the wild expansion of readership, it is satisfying for me to see Tolkien re-read again, and I envy those reading it for the first time. The book shall benefit from those who just love it and continue to read any of Tolkien's works.

This interview was conducted on November 27, 2001 by Anthony S. Burdge, Chairman Heren Istarion. The text above was paraphrased from notes taken during the interview; we apologize deeply for any errors during the transcription.