IF you are a fantasy reader or writer, chances are you have read The Lord of the Rings....possibly seen the films as well. For good or bad, Tolkien is attributed with the birth of modern day fantasy. Either directly influencing or in reaction to and avoiding his writing style and content. He did not establish the genre, but he took it to another level. He influenced and continues to influence every fantasy author that came after.

From fantasy novels post LotR, to art, film, video games, and ro...