Published Tolkien Author and Essayist Michael Martinez to be Guest Speaker at Tolkien Moot 2010

Michael Martinez is the author of:

• Visualizing Middle-earth
• Parma Endorion: Essays on Middle-earth, 3rd Edition.
• Understanding Middle-earth, published by Vivisphere in 2003.

Mr. Martinez is also the co-host of the Middle-earth Radio Talk Show  http://www.middle-earthradio.com

From Mr. Martinez's website at www.michael-martinez.com:

"Recognized around the world as one of the leading authorities on the works of J.R.R. Tolkien, Michael Martinez has shared his knowledge and insights on Middle-earth with other fans in the online world for many years. His books and essays have been translated into Polish, Spanish, Italian, Hungarian, Greek, Hebrew, Portuguese, and Finnish. But though he is best known for his research into Tolkien's chief literary creation, this versatile author has garnered respect and acknowledgement in more than one field.

Most of Michael's early professional career was devoted to the family of Business Basic programming languages which were developed for mini-computers in the late 1960s and early 1970s, and then ported to UNIX and PC operating systems in the 1980s. A former employee of Basis International, one of the leading vendors of Business Basic, Michael has written numerous technical papers and articles on programming techniques and methodologies. He has worked as a consultant, IT manager, programmer, and teacher for many companies.

You can view a list of his works and contributing works at http://www.michael-martinez.com/articles-and-essays.html "

Tolkien Moot - http://www.tolkienmoot.org -  is an annually held international convention dedicated to J.R.R. Tolkien enthusiasts, scholars, and role playing gamers.

Each year the event has continued to expand in size and scope. So far the event has remained absolutely free and open to the public thanks to the hard work, dedication, and personal financial contributions of the volunteers who make Tolkien Moot possible. Tolkien Moot was previously called MerpCon, but began the name transition in 2009 as the venue expanded to a broader audience. The first event was held in 2005.

The event consists of guest speakers knowledgeable about the works of J.R.R. Tolkien and related interests. One of the main focal points is role playing gaming in J.R.R. Tolkien's Middle-earth, Endor, Arda, Eä, basically his whole universe in which Middle-earth is just a small piece.