I'm working on a Tolkien-related ep, & I'm reminded of my favorite anecdote from the notoriously conflict-averse JRR - in 1938 a German publisher wanted to publish a translation of The Hobbit but had to make sure that Tolkien was "arisch"(Aryan). You can guess how well that went.

His British publisher forwarded the letter to Tolkien, who of course speaks fluent German because he's fluent in everything, and he absolutely loses his shit that they've found a way to apply their "wholly pernicious and unscientific race-doctrine" to The Hobbit.

So he has his British publisher forward the German publisher a direct response, and it is the most amazing, pedantic clapback, from impressing the literal definition of "Aryan" to the insanity of asking for a certificate of genetic authenticity. It is *chef's kiss*.

Tolkien was antifa

(For the curious - it is an episode about Tolkien and conlangs for @PBSDS @ItsLitPBS)

also for the 8000th time, you don't need to be this guy. https://local.theonion.com/man-always-gets-little-rush-out-of-telling-people-john-1819578998