Anyone else find Tolkien's descriptions really beautiful?

[MithrilBox]

I'm rereading FOTR right now... just came across this
They heard of the Great Barrows, and the green mounds, and the stone-rings upon the hills and in the hollows among the hills. Sheep were bleating in flocks. Green walls and white walls rose. There were fortresses on the heights. Kings of little kingdoms fought together, and the young Sun shone like fire on the red metal of their new and greedy swords. There was victory and defeat; and towers fell, fortresses were burned, and flames went up into the sky. Gold was piled on the biers of dead kings and queens; and mounds covered them, and the stone doors were shut; and the grass grew over all.
I'm a little in awe of the way he describes things.... and thats not even the best example really, just one of the ones that I happened to be reading today. But its disappointing because I have a hard time thinking of other books that even come close to matching it. Seems like most don't even try because they're afraid it would bore readers.

Anyway I'm just posting this to see if anyone else had noticed. :) Feel free to quote your favorite bits of description from the books, too.

[FairyFruit]

I know what you mean! I think that's why I like the Lord of the Rings so much better than most of the recent fantasy that's been published. I'm not at home so I can't look up anything now, but I'll try to copy a few of my fav bits later.

[MithrilBox]

Cool, I'm glad I'm not the only one. In retrospect this thread may have been a bit pointless/unnecessary :p

[Lanyare]

I don't think this thread is pointless... Actually, Tolkien's detailed descriptions are indeed one of the things I like so much about his books.
I cannot really think of some examples at the moment, but I'll try to remember posting some when I come across them during my next reread. :p

And I agree: it's very hard to find this in other novels, be they fantasy or even another genre. The only other author that comes to mind, may be Robert Jordan. His Wheel of Time is very extensive as well... Pity he cannot finish it himself.

[Shahdai]

Absolutely! His descriptions and overall prose are what attracted me to his books in the first place (besides the story of course lol). Most people I know say they cant get into in Tolkein's writing becase they feel like he's overdescriptive. I suppose its just an aquired taste. *shrugs*

[Sowen]

There are beautiful - in books and poems..however I have skipped them at the firs time as I was very keen on action;)....but next and next time when I read the book...it is a poetry for my heart and imagination:)