The Contea Gentile Blog

Interview with Il Giornale

In conjunction with the new Amazon Prime TV series, the book In viaggio per la terra di mezzo (Electa Junior) is being released, the first guide to enter the magical world of Tolkien, but also to understand that magical worlds also exist in reality.

Talk to Nicolas Gentile of his book Traveling to Middle Earth (Electa Junior) is something magical. Not only because he firmly believes in magic, but because the “middle earth" of The Lord of the Rings, he literally created it in the Contea Gentile. A wonderful place where you can experience how: “Even in the dystopian reality we live in,” says Nicolas, “there is a chance to find the magic again“. For this reason, his guide for children, in addition to introducing them to the reading of Tolkien’s cult book, teaches them how to: “See the world with different eyes”.

Your book seems to be the closing of the circle of your life dedicated to fantasy worlds, what did you want to tell in “In viaggio per la terra di mezzo”?

“The book is aimed primarily at young people, because it is that type of audience that, especially in recent years, has been shown a vision of reality and the world that is certainly not magical, but rather dystopian. I was lucky to read “The Lord of the Rings” at a very young age, which helped me a lot, providing me with a cultural and sentimental baggage that I still carry with me today. However, even though it is 'my favorite place', I understand that Tolkien's book, written in a certain way and of a certain length, can be heavy for a young person. This is why I wanted to write this sort of manual, where I described everything that exists in Middle Earth: from the places to the races that meet. Beyond this, I wanted to go even further. There are many similarities between the fantastic things he wrote in his books and the real world. The Hobbits, for example, really existed, as a geologist and therefore also as a paleontologist, I can say this with certainty. Our world is more fantasy than we can imagine. I would like to make the new generations understand that yes, fantasy books are beautiful, these fantastic worlds are extraordinary, but you always have to keep an eye on reality. Not in a cynical way, but dreamily, because this can be decidedly better than what they want us to see. The world is still to be explored, and it is fantastic, it is not just an ugly place with pandemics and climate change, there is much more. It is all about knowing how to see it and then preserve it”.

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DEED OF CONTRACT
CONDITIONS OF ENGAGEMENT

In the book and in the film, the most famous halfling in the shire finds himself having to sign a burglar's contract drawn up by the Dwarves with a thousand footnotes and paragraphs. You can find the reproduction of this contract, in English, everywhere, but this one you see was hand-written by one of the loyal "citizens" of our project, in Italian and with references to the Journey that the contea Gentile is undertaking: the Construction and the Birth of a place out of the ordinary!

This document can be filled in with the type of trade or service you can offer for the creation of the contea Gentile!

Handmade paper, custom font, pages cut out and sewn by hand with string and sealed with hot wax.

If you're curious, find out more about the Journey to Middle Earth here!

This document is not necessarily widely or legally recognized by states friend or foe, neighboring or distant, real or imagined. It has recognized and guaranteed validity only within the territories of the contea Gentile.

OFFICIAL COIN
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Minted in 2022, it depicts the symbol of the shire on one side, the Acorn. While on the other side the face of the nicest mayor there is, Nicolas Gentile. This coin was created by one of the loyal "citizens" of the county project, to support and grow it.

Attention: obviously this currency has no legal value in Italy or other countries (perhaps only in imaginary ones). This is a gadget/souvenir from La contea Gentile. Certainly more emotionally valuable than other currencies in circulation in the world!

OFFICIAL PASSPORT
OF LA CONTEA GENTILE

Always carry the Official Passport of LA CONTEA GENTILE with you! This is the most excellent identification document: every self-respecting resident of La contea Gentile, presumed or current never leaves home without it! This passport was created by one of the loyal "citizens" of the shire project, in support and growth of it.

Fill it out with the information, characteristics and details that distinguish you: gender, species, class, hair, eyes, build, particular brands and much more!

This document is not necessarily widely or legally recognized by friendly or hostile, neighbours or distant, real or imaginary states. It has recognized and guaranteed validity only within the territories of La Contea Gentile. Please consult the official sources of the various kingdoms, citadels and states before visiting. Special visas and/or official stamps may be required.