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Written during Tolkien's final undergraduate year at Oxford. Describes his studies and social interactions. Note on the dating of this letter: Humphrey ...
Writing to Edith, Tolkien describes his day. He had dinner with "a man called Earp" and attends a meeting of the Essay Club where he reads from his Voya...
Written while Tolkien was training as part of the Lancashire Fusiliers. He is working on his poem 'Kotirion among the Trees' and mentions sending it to ...
A short extract where Tolkien mentions his "nonsense fairy language", referring to it as "such a mad hobby!" Wayne G. Hammond and Christina Scull note t...
Tolkien has learned about the death of his close friend Rob Gilson - one of the four members of the TCBS and writes a long letter about how he feels the...
Tolkien writes to the wife of Joseph Wright thanking her for sending him her article about Sir Gawain and the Green Knight and some kind comments about ...
Tolkien applies for the position of 'Professorship of Anglo-Saxon at Oxford University'. He describes his schooling and his time at Leeds University as ...
Tolkien has been elected to the Rawlinson & Bosworth professorship at Oxford and must therefore resign his position at Leeds. His posting takes effect f...
Tolkien details work he has recently completed on maps for The Hobbit, as well as other suggestions. Wayne G. Hammond and Christina Scull note that ther...
Tolkien discusses the details of, and placement within the text, some of his illustrations in The Hobbit, as well as potential changes to his illustrati...
Tolkien replies to Susan Dagnall of GA&U on matters of the reproductions of some of his illustrations in The Hobbit. In the 2023 revised edition of Lett...
Concerning Tolkien's corrections to the text of The Hobbit, the cost of those corrections, and who would incur that cost, as well as details of his subm...
This two-page handwritten letter contains some of Tolkien's thoughts on the potential publication of The Hobbit in the USA. Tolkien can make illustratio...
In this three-page handwritten letter, Tolkien writes to his publisher about the release date for The Hobbit, going on at length about how it would be b...
Tolkien sends the last two colour drawings for the American edition of The Hobbit and asks GA&U to send it on to Houghton Mifflin. he also asks about a ...
Tolkien thanks Michael for keeping an eye of Christopher. He says that "Chris" will make a mess of things to start, but he will settle in and be of no f...
Tolkien was pleased that The Hobbit was being well received, though he knows that the two glowing, unsigned reviews in The Times and the Times Literary ...
Originally published as just a fragment of a thank you letter to Stanley Unwin who had written that Tolkien was "one of those rare people with genius." ...
Tolkien has received a letter from Arthur Ransome, who wonders about the use of the word "man" in The Hobbit, as well as a few other letters from reader...
"I have written the first chapter of a new story about Hobbits – 'A long expected party'" remarks Tolkien in this letter to C.A. Furth of GA&U. This i...
Originally published as just a fragment of a letter, asking if Rayner Unwin was interested to read the "sequel to The Hobbit". In the revised 2023 editi...
Tolkien sends to his publisher, the first chapter of a new book, the sequel to The Hobbit. ‘A Long-expected Party’, the first chapter of this book, ...
Tolkien replies to C.A. Furth regarding the return of Mr. Bliss. Tolkien expresses regret for any trouble caused and wishes someone could redraw the pic...
In this two page handwritten letter, Tolkien thanks Unwin's son Rayner for his positive feedback on the first chapter of the new book, "A Long-Expected ...
Tolkien responds to a request, likely from a researcher or enthusiast, regarding the origins and inspirations behind his work, particularly The Hobbit. ...
Tolkien writes to Stanley Unwin about C.S. Lewis's Out of the Silent Planet and gives him an update on progress with the sequel to The Hobbit. He also m...
Tolkien expresses reluctance to create drawings of hobbits and suggests leaving such tasks to someone with artistic skills. He provides a description of...
Tolkien thanks Stanley Unwin for the excellent news from America, where The Hobbit is selling well and it has won a prize of $250. Rayner's review of th...
Tolkien bemoans The Hobbit being published in 1937 over 1938. His work pressure has left him hard-pressed to get into actions on the sequel. Tolkien has...
Tolkien wrote to Stanley Unwin in response to a letter from a German publisher, Rütten & Loening Verlag. They wanted to publish a German translation of...
Rütten & Loening Verlag, the German publisher enquired about publishing a German translation of The Hobbit. As part of their conditions they wanted to ...
Tolkien responds to Mr. Masefield regarding the lines provided for a performance. Tolkien expresses no objection to being preceded by the lines and defe...
Tolkien writes to Mr. Furth, expressing his current state of being oppressed and unwell due to recent troubles. He submits Farmer Giles for consideratio...
In this letter to Stanley Unwin, J.R.R. Tolkien discusses his recent intense work on a sequel to The Hobbit, which has reached Chapter XI. He expresses ...
Writing to C.A. Furth, Tolkien offers an update with his work on The Lord of the Rings. He has not worked on since December but feels it is a better wor...
Writing to C.A. Furth, Tolkien expresses gratitude for the enclosed cheque for royalities for 1938 and an advance of the royalties from Houghton Mifflin...
Tolkien, writing to Stanley Unwin, expresses gratitude for the kind note and apologizes for his neglectful correspondence due to personal and health iss...
Tolkien apologizes for his previous behavior and explains that he misunderstood the nature of the requested contribution for the book Beowulf. He expres...
Tolkien describes the departure of evacuees, railway workers and their families, who had sought refuge during wartime. Tolkien observes the scenes with ...
Tolkien's son Michael had volunteered in the army, and Tolkien expresses his deep regret about the disruption to his university education due to militar...
After addressing overdue correspondence, Tolkien mentions resuming work on his sequel to The Hobbit, The Lord of the Rings, but anticipates the impendin...
To son Michael, Tolkien describes the dreary and busy time with foul weather, shares a humorous incident involving snuff at a pub, mentions committee wo...
In a comprehensive letter, J.R.R. Tolkien reflects on relationships between men and women, addressing physical, friendly, and romantic dimensions. He de...
Identifying more with his Suffield heritage than his Tolkien name, Tolkien expresses a deep connection to Worcestershire, considering it "home" due to h...
In a letter to his son Michael, Tolkien expresses his struggles with writing due to constant rain and increased responsibilities. He sympathizes with go...
Tolkien reflects on his time in Leeds from 1920 to 1925, associating it with Gordon and expressing gratitude for his kindness and encouragement. The aut...
Tolkien expresses gratitude for the note from Stanley Unwin and discusses the progress of the sequel to The Hobbit that he has been working on since 193...
Tolkien expresses sympathy for Lewis' illness and suggests the possibility of meeting on Wednesdays while discussing the challenges hindering their meet...
Writing to C.S. Lewis, Tolkien critiques views on Christian marriage and divorce, pointing out what he sees as a confusion in the argument presented in ...
Tolkien describes how trees look at this time of year, and mentions that he will be meeting C.E.B. Joad the next night for dinner, hosted by C.S. Lewis.
Tolkien describes meeting C.E.B. Joad the night before at dinner with C.S. Lewis, and talks a bit about Joad's visit to Russia. The dinner is described ...
Tolkien reflects on the challenging and disheartening circumstances of the time, including the impact of war, propaganda, and the bleak conditions of li...
Writing to son Christopher, Tolkien reflects on the challenges and monotony of daily life during a turbulent period, expressing a sense of isolation due...
Tolkien offers Christopher advice on prayer and to remember his guardian angel. He reminds him to use "praises", and says of them "if you have these by ...
Tolkien apologizes to Christopher for the delay in writing and shares details of recent activities, including giving lectures, discussing Cardiff with G...
Tolkien notes the lack of humorous anecdotes due to limited social interactions in recent weeks. He also mentions an encounter with Lewis, who is energe...
Tolkien had an outing, seeing the two Lewis brothers and having lunch with C.S. Lewis. During the meeting, Lewis read part of a new story.
Tolkien recounts recent events, including a cycle ride to Pembroke, a train journey to Birmingham, and a visit to his hometown. During the train journey...
Tolkien shares his commitment to completing The Lord of the Rings, expressing the challenges of re-reading and researching while working on the adventur...
Tolkien expresses gratitude for a recently received airletter, shares updates about writing progress on The Lord of the Rings and mentions spending time...
Tolkien expresses joy at receiving a batch of letters and, discusses the distressing but unsurprising uncensored accounts of Christopher's experiences, ...
Tolkien gives Christopher an update on his progess on The Two Towers, the second book of The Lord of the Rings. He has read the second chapter, "Passage...
Tolkien had received an airletter from Christopher that morning and he read it while enjoying breakfast in bed. He describes the events of St. George's ...
Tolkien writes of his longing and concern for Christopher in the midst of war, reflecting on human suffering and the senselessness of conflict. Despite ...
Having read another chapter to C.S. Lewis, Tolkien is now writing the next, and will send Christopher copies as soon as possible.
Tolkien responds to Christopher's letters and acknowledges the challenges and frustrations of life in the military camp during the war. He empathizes wi...
Tolkien completed a fourth new chapter titled 'Faramir,' which received approval from C.S. Lewis and Charles Williams. He notes that he attended church ...
Tolkien spent a morning writing The Lord of the Rings and is now in sight of Minas Morghul. He has been gardening in the midday heat. he expresses his r...
Writing to Christopher, Tolkien updates him on his progress writing The Lord of the Rings. He had needed to sort the study, and "attend to business". He...
Tolkien apologizes for the lapse in correspondence. He gives an update on writing of The Lord of the Rings. He reads for Lewis and Williams and both men...
Tolkien expresses gratitude for the letters he has received from Christopher and briefly mentions an inclination to envy his time in the hills. Tolkien ...
Writing to Christopher with an update on recent happenings. He had dinner in college and notes that "the three old gents" were very easy to talk to. Lew...
Tolkien acknowledges receiving Christopher's air letter and briefly mentions the weather. He provide updates on recent activities, including efforts in ...
Stanley Unwin had sent Tolkien a large cheque as payment of royalties on The Hobbit, and mentions that Rayner is now at Oxford reading English. Tolkien ...
Tolkien opens this letter by mentioning that he is writing this letter using his new "midget type" typewriter cartridges. These could be interchanged an...
Tolkien discusses the name Sam Gamgee, agreeing with Christopher's opinion and explaining the choice to emphasize the character's comic, peasantry, and ...
Tolkien reports in a newly published portion that he had received Christopher's airletter of 24 July. He says that his day on Friday was “grim”, as ...
Tolkien responds to Christopher's letters, encouraging openness about details of his life. He offers support for navigating challenges and express the n...
Tolkien reflects on the cultural landscape, comparing Kroonstad, seen as a genuine product of their culture, with Jo'burg's aspirations. He expresses co...
Priscilla has been struggling with The Ballad of the White Horse and trying to parts of it to her has made Tolkien realize it isn't as good as he rememb...
Tolkien expresses joy at receiving an airgraph before Christopher's departure to Standerton. He discusses the progress of the chapters and promises to s...
Engaged in revision, Tolkien reflects on the chapter "King of the Golden Hall" and finds it to be rather good with the perspective of time.
In a newly published portion of this letter Tolkien remarks on what a wonderful week it has been for letters from Christopher. He hopes that letters fro...
Tolkien has discovered a severe problem in timing for events in The Lord of the Rings, and will require much work to fix. He has sent a copy of Leaf by ...
The timeline for The Lord of the Rings is giving Tolkien trouble, but with some small changes to the map and a few extra days here and there seem to hav...
Tolkien has just seen a "skywide armada" fly overhead, but thinks he can mention it in his letter because it will be long gone before any risk of the ne...
Tolkien sends the last two chapters of the fourth book of The Lord of the Rings, and quotes from a letter he has received from a fan who has read The Ho...
A very short excerpt (three sentences) where Tolkien mentions the fading of the current year into "dull grey mournful darkness", and wonders what the ne...
In regards to Christopher's mentioning of his guardian angel , Tolkien worried that Christopher's was very much needed. which reminded him of a vision h...
Tolkien expresses joy at receiving several letters from Christopher and comments on the amusing account of the Wings ceremony. He appreciates the mentio...
Tolkien sends a small consignment of "The Ring," consisting of the last two chapters that have been written and the end of the Fourth Book. The hero is ...
In a newly published portion, Tolkien says that today is the last day for Christmas post arriving in time for Christmas and laments the way the holiday ...
Tolkien expresses joy that Christopher enjoyed the next three chapters of "The Ring" and provides information about the schedule for sending the remaini...
Tolkien is happy to get so many letters from Christopher, and is very pleased that the third batch of Ring material has gotten to Christopher and that h...
Tolkien has been enjoying reading Stenton's Anglo-Saxon England, and wishes he had a time-machine. Tolkien tells Christopher that this is the history "o...
Tolkien describes some domestic plumbing troubles that prevented him from meeting up with Lewis in the morning, but the eventually managed to make it to...
Tolkien describes a letter he has written to the Catholic Herald, in rebuttal to someone who thinks Coventry is derived from Convent.
Tolkien expresses deep concern about Rayner, who is off to war, and mentions that his son Christopher has become great friends with Chris Unwin. One of ...
Tolkien expresses sympathy to Ms. Williams and her son, and his grief over the loss of her husband Charles Williams. The transcript in Carpenter's Lette...
Tolkien remarks that he would be comforted if Christopher could be re-commissioned out of the R.A.F. Christopher had recently returned from service. He ...
The Civil Defense was staging a stand-down parade Tolkien felt was mockery, because "Wars are always lost".
Tolkien expresses profound horror and disbelief at the news of atomic bombs, describing the scientists involved as "lunatic physicists" and condemning t...
Tolkien took a new position, the Merton Professorship of English Language and Literature, and remarks on the occasion.
Tolkien and the dons met, chatted and had dinner among other activities.
Tolkien writes to Sir Stanley Unwin, who had just been knighted. He asked about Farmer Giles. And remarks on his progress to The Hobbit sequel among oth...
Tolkien expresses delight at the prospect of publishing "Farmer Giles of Ham" but cites academic commitments as a hindrance to providing more material p...
Tolkien mentions receiving letters from Horus Engels regarding a German translation, and while Engels doesn't explicitly propose himself as a translator...
Tolkien sends back the revised manuscript of Farmer Giles of Ham for publication. He has carefully gone through it, making alterations to improve both s...
Tolkien responded to Rayner Unwin's comments about The Fellowship of the Ring. He talks about allegory as well as other literary illusions. Tolkien ment...
Tolkien provides information about the origin and authorship of the riddles included in their work. He clarifies that most of the riddles are their orig...
Tolkien apologizes for the delay in responding to a letter sent in July and explains that he has been preoccupied with philology due to academic commitm...
Katharine Farrer had written to Tolkien, in runes, asking if he would sign her copy of The Hobbit. Tolkien replies to her letter in runes. He says that ...
Tolkien and Lewis corresponded about what was being read aloud at an Inklings meeting. This was part of a larger conversation surrounding what they were...
Tolkien expresses pleasure that Brogan enjoyed "The Hobbit" and mentions his ongoing work on a longer piece set in the same world, providing details abo...
Tolkien opens this letter with apologies for his delayed reply. He says that he must have appeared ungrateful, but not only was he grateful, he was exci...
GA&U had decided that Milein Cosman would illustrate Farmer Giles of Ham, a point that Tolkien did not approve of. He likened her artwork to that of Top...
Success! declares Tolkien. He has completed The Lord of the Rings and having been read by Rayner Unwin is approved. He does not think it will make any m...
Tolkien writes to Hugh Brogan using runes to wish him a happy Christmas. Hammond/Scull also note that Tolkien also sent Brogan another letter with menti...
Tolkien declares to GA&U that he does not have the time to retype Farmer Giles of Ham, nor does he feel that it is required. He remarks that the typing ...
It has been decided that Pauline Baynes will now illustrate Farmer Giles of Ham. Tolkien is delighted with this news.
Tolkien discusses the progress of Farmer Giles and hints that the final draft of Lord of the Rings could be done something with.
A two page letter (single 5.5 x 7 inch sheet, both sides) in response to Mrs. Mitchison's praise of Farmer Giles of Ham. Tolkien mentions that FG was re...
Tolkien had "dumped" the manuscript of The Lord of the Rings on Milton Waldman just as he was going on holiday, and Tolkien felt bad burdoning him with ...
Tolkien writes to Stanley Unwin, mentioning various topics but chief among them is The Lord of the Rings. Stranded without a publisher, and the work now...
Tolkien compares his two great stories the War of the Ring and the War of the Jewels and remarks on the Farmer Giles sales figures.
Unwin wants to break up Tolkien's "monstrous Saga", and Tolkien hopes Unwin will let the project go so Tolkien can publish The Lord of the Rings and The...
Relations between Tolkien and Allen & Unwin had begun to become strained as Tolkien felt that A&U were not open to publishing his work as he would have ...
Tolkien was sent proofs for a new edition of The Hobbit and remarks on how The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit are interlinked. He was not expecting hi...
Tolkien writes about the new revised edition of The Hobbit.
Tolkien sends in a new version of CH 5 of the Hobbit.
Tolkien wrote this letter to Milton Waldman. Tolkien wanted his publisher, George Allen & Unwin, to publish both The Lord of the Rings and The Silmarill...
Tolkien writes to his son John about a meal that he had with Lewis, which they called the 'ham-feast'.
Rayner Unwin had written to Tolkien about 'Errantry' and this gave Tolkien an opportunity to see if he could get The Lord of the Rings published by Geor...
Tolkien expresses his eagerness to publish The Lord of the Rings as soon as possible. Tolkien plans to spend some days correcting the manuscript at his ...
Tolkien expresses regret for producing a substantial work like The Lord of the Rings during challenging times. He expresses gratitude for the recipient'...
Tolkien writes to Rayner Unwin about the challenges he's faced leading up to the contract day for The Lord of the Rings. He is also concerned about Edit...
Tolkien apologizes for the delay in sending the revised manuscript for The Lord of the Rings. His move was incredibly challenging. Tolkien has finally c...
Tolkien expresses his frustration with the galleys of his work, The Lord of the Rings. He finds the process tedious and mentions that the printed versio...
Tolkien writes about The Lord of the Rings and he suggests some titles if it is published in three volumes. He was also concerned about whether the publ...
Tolkien expresses gratitude for Rayner's visit. He proposes titles for the volumes of The Lord of the Rings and his rationale behind the titles.
Tolkien expresses frustration and anxiety over the "maps", as he believed they were an essential part of The Lord of the Rings.
Robert Murray had offered Tolkien some thought on The Lord of the Rings. Tolkien replied that The Lord of the Rings is a Catholic work, describing it as...
Tolkien writes about corrections to Book III and Book IV.
Tolkien writes about his use of languages in the book and explains the challenges faced in creating maps for The Lord of the Rings. He discusses the dis...
Tolkien is pleased with positive early opinions about his work. He notes his dissatisfaction with the Houghton Mifflin effort, and gives some suggestion...
Tolkien does not approve of the proofs for the jacket of The Lord of the Rings, which he finds very ugly. He suggests some changes to the design of the ...
Tolkien expresses his delight in receiving an advance copy of The Fellowship of the Ring, he finds the jacket much improved and striking, particularly l...
Tolkien expresses concerns about misprints in The Fellowship of the Ring. He highlights a disagreement over a botanical term, corrected by the printers....
Tolkien expresses his relief that the critiques were better than feared. He acknowledges the disadvantage of issuing the work in three parts, with criti...
Tolkien is unable to submit any of the Appendices. The delay is attributed to promises made in Volume I, which are proving very difficult to meet.
Tolkien shares thoughts on the fascination of The Lord of the Rings. The author hopes to include an upcoming note on translation. The letter ends with t...
Tolkien discusses the English dialogue in The Homecoming of Beorhtnoth, Beorhthelm's Son that should be used in the BBC Radio programme. In the 2023 rev...
Tolkien responds to Mrs. Mitchison's kind letter and her generous and perceptive review of The Lord of the Rings. He discusses the complexity of the wor...
Tolkien responds to Mrs Mitchison's about the concept of "magic" in his works, particularly in The Lord of the Rings. Tolkien acknowledges that it is a ...
Tolkien responds to a reader's extensive analysis and questions about The Lord of the Rings. Amongst many topics, Tolkien discusses the unique fate of H...
Tolkien addresses several topics related to The Lord of the Rings. Tolkien discusses the characters Smeagol and Gandalf (including the nature of the Ist...
Tolkien expresses regret for not having written or offered help during the recipient's difficult times, and suggests the possibility of contributing fun...
Tolkien briefly mentions having only had time to glance at the Houghton Mifflin 'jacket' information. He thinks it was written by someone who hasn't rea...
Tolkien reflects on the challenges of getting their story published, expressing surprise and delight at the positive reception. Tolkien recalls a conver...
Tolkien regrets having promised the appendices to The Lord of the Rings. He acknowledges the demand for detailed information but is finding this very di...
Tolkien expresses frustration with creating a map for The Lord of the Rings.
Christopher Tolkien had re-drawn Tolkien's draft-map of the area of Gondor and Rohan.
Tolkien shares insights into the origins and inspirations behind his writing, particularly focusing on The Lord of the Rings. He discusses the evolution...
Tolkien describes a challenging and overwhelming period with an excessive workload, emphasizing the strain it has taken. He mentions booksellers, includ...
Tolkien discusses some questions from The New York Times. He talks about the name, TOLKIEN, his ancestors, and even though he was born in Africa, he con...
Tolkien expresses dissatisfaction with the current proofreading procedure and raises concerns about potential errors in the published volume.
Tolkien writes about his Italian holiday. Tolkien and Priscilla visited Assisi and Venice.
Tolkien responds to Mr. Jeffery's letter. Tolkien discusses the command of Elvish script and mentions the upcoming release of Volume III, which will inc...
Tolkien was asked about 'Numinor' in C.S. Lewis's That Hideous Strength and responds that it is a form of unintended borrowing. Tolkien clarifies that t...
Tolkien addresses the criticism of his use of deliberate archaism in his writing and strongly defends his choice to use this in The Lord of the Rings as...
Tolkien feels that his life may be in danger if The Return of the King is not published soon. This letter is held at the 'Tolkien–George Allen & Unwin...
Tolkien writes to Allen & Unwin, stressing that they must publish The Return of the King on the 20th October 1955. The letter is held at the 'Tolkien–...
Tolkien delivered his O'Donnell lecture, English and Welsh, on the 21st October 1955 and mentions that The Return of the King was published on the 20th ...
Tolkien expresses gratitude for Lord Halsbury's approval and interest in his work. He discusses the surprising success of The Lord of the Rings and foll...
Tolkien writes about the radio adaption of The Lord of the Rings. He specifically criticizes the portrayal of events around Tom Bombadil and Goldberry. ...
Tolkien responds to a reviewer's questions about The Lord of the Rings. Tolkien discusses that the story is meant to be enjoyed as a fairy tale. He ment...
Tolkien mentions his O'Donnell Lectures in Celtic Studies. He expresses disappointment in the radio broadcast adaptations of The Lord of the Rings. Tolk...
Tolkien expresses his agreement with critics' negative views on the radio adaptation of The Lord of the Rings. Tolkien anticipates negative responses to...
Tolkien writes about Victorian Warwickshire as an inspiration for the Shire. Additional quotes from this letter appear in Chronology. The original is he...
Tolkien is happy to accept criticism of The Lord of the Rings.
Tolkien expresses gratitude for a reader's encouraging letter. He writes that his work began during World War I and evolved into the invention of legend...
These are Tolkien's notes based on a review by W.H. Auden. He argues that his story is not an allegory of his personal experiences but a depiction of hu...
Tolkien writes to a Mr Sam Gamgee from Tooting. He mentions how he came up with the name Gamgee, and mentions "cotton-wool" and the Gamgee family from B...
Tolkien wrote to Christopher about #TCGLetter533.
Tolkien dismisses the idea that his story is an allegory of atomic power. Tolkien mentions the significance of humility and equality as spiritual princi...
Tolkien expresses his strong concern about the translation of The Lord of the Rings. As a professional linguist and the author of the work, he emphasize...
Tolkien responded to Mrs. Wilson stating that The Lord of the Rings should really be read by adults, as it was not a work aimed at children.
Tolkien describes himself as a philologist, and sometime calligrapher. An index of Elvish names was intended to be produced, noting that his 'specialist...
Tolkien hoped that he would be able to publish parts of The Silmarillion After the success of The Lord of the Rings he hoped it may be reconsidered.
Tolkien expresses strong objections to the Dutch translation of The Lord of the Rings. He vehemently opposes any alteration or translation of the nomenc...
Tolkien reflects on Frodo's role in the destruction of the Ring and discusses the theological implications of his actions. Tolkien rejects the notion of...
Tolkien responds to a letter discussing Frodo's perceived failure in the story. Tolkien defends Frodo's inability to surrender the Ring as an inevitable...
Tolkien discusses the concept of "accent" in the context of representing different languages, particularly the Common Speech (C.S.) in his legendarium. ...
Tolkien responds to Mr Tiller regarding a dramatic or semi-dramatic representation of The Lord of the Rings. He questions whether listeners unfamiliar w...
Tolkien discusses Frodo's attitude towards weapons and clarifies that Frodo was not a modern "pacifist."
Tolkien mentions Jack Lewis and acknowledges having limited knowledge of Lewis's troubles. In the 2023 revised edition of Letters, a brief introductory ...
Tolkien expresses gratitude for a letter from GA&U and contemplates the idea of retiring in July and reflects on the financial and health implications. ...
Tolkien expresses a personal openness to the idea of an animated motion picture based on his work.
Tolkien was not inclined to offer any biographical details, as he doubted their relevance. Though he does go on to give some biographical facts. This le...
Tolkien provides an explanation of Sauron's nature and his role in the world.
Tolkien expresses dissatisfaction with the current script for the proposed film version of The Lord of the Rings. Previously, Wayne G. Hammond and Chris...
Tolkien describes his meeting with Sir Stanley Unwin and Mr Ackerman, they decided upon a policy to deal with film rights.
In response to a letter from Herbert Schiro asking about allegory in The Lord of the Rings, Tolkien quite angrily dismisses these readings. Much of this...
Tolkien discusses a letter from Halsbury expressing admiration for the Silmarillion material and anticipation for its publication. Tolkien mentions a le...
Tolkien congratulates Christopher on a paper that he gave at St Anne's College.
Tolkien describes in great detail his trip to Rotterdam.
Tolkien expresses his intent to review the "Story-Line" provided by Zimmerman for the animated film adaptation of The Lord of the Rings. Tolkien indicat...
Tolkien describes the 'message' in The Lord of the Rings.
Tolkien discusses philology and the original meaning of words.
After receiving the script sent from Morton Grady Zimmerman Tolkien replies with (in parts) stinging criticism. He opens by apologising for sounding irr...
Tolkien describes Hobbit history and the process of giving and receiving gifts in the Shire.
Tolkien responds to questions, explaining the inspiration and meaning behind various elements in The Lord of the Rings. Tolkien concludes by emphasizing...
Tolkien describes the creation of the World and then of the Dwarves by Aulë in draft that was never sent to Beare.
Tolkien expresses reluctance to divulge personal details but acknowledges some significant facts about himself. He shares personal preferences, includin...
Tolkien declines to take part in a symposium on Children's writing in draft form, but ends up sending just a short note.
Tolkien declines an appointment as a member of a Board of Examiners.
Tolkien writes about the Polish translation of The Lord of the Rings. A slightly different quotation from the letter is given in Chronology from that re...
Tolkien replies about an English usage question referring to has or have.
Tolkien discusses his retirement.
A Cambridge cat breeder had asked if she could register a litter of Siamese kittens under names taken from The Lord of the Rings.
Tolkien writes to D. M. Hawke (First Assistant Registrar, Oxford University) on the Board of the Faculty of English about his retirement.
Tolkien writes to Rayner about his translations of Sir Gawain and the Green Knight and Pearl.
Tolkien's publishing commitments are catching up with him. Chronology reproduced a slightly longer selection of the letter than what appears in Letters....
Tolkien comments on the C.S. Lewis book Studies in Words.
Puffin Books, via Margaret S. Clark, had requested the rights to publish a paperback edition of The Hobbit on 30 November. After hearing of this from Ra...
Writing to L.W. Forster, Tolkien states that The Lord of the Rings was not influenced by the two World Wars, except for the landscape. Tolkien also writ...
Of this letter, a large portion was published as Letter #227 in The Letters of J.R.R. Tolkien. In the opening portion of this letter to Madam Ossendrijv...
Tolkien writes about including the Appendices of The Lord of the Rings in translations. Quoted selections from the letter appear in Chronology that are ...
Tolkien’s commentary on Åke Ohlmarks’ introduction to the Swedish translation of The Lord of the Rings.
Answering various questions about The Lord of the Rings. A photocopy of original letter with a complete transcript is held at the Marquette archives.
Tolkien writes to his Aunt Jane about publishing Tom Bombadil.
Tolkien talks about his pre-WWI trip to the Alps.
Allen & Unwin agree to publish The Adventures of Tom Bombadil.
Tolkien sends some poems that he is considering for The Adventures of Tom Bombadil. A lecture he gave on fairy stories at St Andrews consolidated his vi...
Pauline Baynes, who had illustrated Farmer Giles of Ham, had expressed herself willing to provide pictures for The Adventures of Tom Bombadil, and had b...
Tolkien has read the Puffin Hobbit and was not impressed with changes made to the book. Chronology contains additional quoted material beyond what appea...
Tolkien discusses progress with The Adventures of Tom Bombadil. Chronology contains additional material quoted beyond what appears in Letters. The origi...
Writing to his aunt, Jane Neave, and in a newly published portion of this letter Tolkien says that fan mail keeps arriving, some of it is interesting an...
Writing to Alina Dadlez, Tolkien explains his displeasure at the Spanish translation of 'Hobbit' and remarks back to the "private fancies" of the transl...
Pauline Baynes, who was illustrating The Adventures of Tom Bombadil, pointed out that the typescript of the title poem described Tom as wearing a peacoc...
Tolkien writes about his lecture 'English and Welsh' and about 'Leaf by Niggle'.
The Adventures of Tom Bombadil was published on 22 November. Additional quotes and context appear in Chronology than what is in Letters. The original le...
Tolkien sends a Christmas message to Michael. He mentions sales figures for The Adventures of Tom Bombadil and was very pleased that a ‘Festschrift’...
A fragment at the top of which Tolkien has written: ‘Comments on a criticism (now lost?) concerning Faramir & Eowyn (c. 1963).’
Answers to the following questions: (1) In the ‘English runes’ used for Anglo-Saxon inscriptions, the rune does not stand for G as it does in The Lo...
Tolkien writes about The Lord of the Rings, comparisons to The Hobbit, some discussion of the material being worked on for The Silmarillion, and a lengt...
Tolkien answers questions about The Lord of the Rings, especially regarding the failure of Frodo. Marquette archives have a partial transcript along wit...
Allen & Unwin were to publish a paperback consisting of Tolkien’s lecture ‘On Fairy-stories’ and his short story ‘Leaf by Niggle’. An addition...
Tolkien describes his visit to the Hotel Miramar in Bournemouth. Chronology contains a few additional quotes from the letter that do not appear in Carpe...
Tolkien thanks Michael for his letter. He gives him some fatherly advice and talks about his Christian faith. He was interested in how Michael George wa...
Tolkien writes about the death of C.S. Lewis.
Tolkien discusses the death of C.S. Lewis.
It had been agreed that the new paperback (see no. 248) should be given the title Tree and Leaf. Rayner Unwin asked if Tolkien could suggest a suitable ...
Tyndall, an old boy of King Edward’s, Birmingham, had written to Tolkien recalling their schooldays together.
Eileen Elgar wrote to Tolkien asking for information about The Silmarillion. Included in his reply was a nine page manuscript, with genealogical tree il...
An account of Tolkien’s unfinished story ‘The New Shadow’. Hammond and Scull's Chronology mentions that this letter was started on May 13, but set...
Tolkien wrote that he usually typed letters because of his handwriting (which can be very difficult to read at times). He talks about the invention of h...
During 1964 an Aquastroll hydrofoil, which made a trial crossing from Calais to Dover, was given the name Shadowfax (the name of the horse ridden by Gan...
Tolkien discusses Charles Williams and then explains why Tree and Leaf is called Tree and Leaf.
Blyton had asked Tolkien’s permission to compose a Hobbit Overture.
A comment on an article about C. S. Lewis by one of his former pupils, George Bailey, in The Reporter, 23 April 1964.
Tolkien responds to a query from Pantheon Books about writing a preface to George MacDonald’s The Golden Key. It never got past the draft stage, but l...
Tolkien is not happy with the design of HMCo's Tree and Leaf.
Tolkien really does not like the design of HMCo's Tree and Leaf. He comments negatively on Carole Ward's proposal for a serialization of The Lord of the...
Tolkien was asked about his views on the works of C.S. Lewis.
In this letter from Tolkien to his grandson, who was studying at St. Andrew's University, Tolkien apologizes that his translations of Sir Gawain and the...
Tolkien talks about the death of Dr C.T. Onions and his memories of Fr. Francis.
Tolkien describes what happened to Shadowfax at the end of The Lord of the Rings (he went with Gandalf into the West).
Auden had asked Tolkien if the notion of the Orcs, an entire race that was irredeemably wicked, was not heretical.
Tolkien had sent Unwin the typescript of his new story Smith of Wootton Major. It seemed to Unwin to need the companionship of other stories to make a s...
Tolkien writes about revising The Lord of the Rings. Additional quotes from this letter concerning the revising of Sir Gawain are published in Chronolog...
In a second-hand bookshop in Salisbury, Wiltshire, Zillah Sherring found and bought a copy of The Fifth Book of Thucydides which contained a number of s...
Mrs Scott was a leading campaigner in the battle to keep the pirate edition of The Lord of the Rings out of the American bookshops.
Tolkien discusses revising The Lord of the Rings and the maps. Additional quotes can be found in the Chronology entry for this letter. The original is i...
Auden had invited Tolkien to contribute to a festschrift marking the retirement of Nevill Coghill. He also asked if Tolkien knew that a ‘New York Tolk...
Tolkien writes about The Silmarillion, the Númenórean legends, and his friendship with C.S. Lewis. He discusses the formation of the Tolkien Society o...
In August 1965 Ballantine Books produced the first ‘authorized’ American paperback of The Hobbit, without incorporating Tolkien’s revisions to the...
In the portion of this letter published in The Letters of J.R.R. Tolkien he writes to Kilby about book, Light on C.S. Lewis. From a personal visit to th...
Tolkien discusses money worries. Other parts of the letter are detailed in The J.R.R. Tolkien Companion and Guide: Chronology.
Tolkien is working on drafts of Sir Gawain and Pearl and finding interesting words and passages that he hopes to write up for academic journals. An expa...
Tolkien writes about a new UK paperback edition of The Hobbit. He comments on replacing the note explaining Bilbo's changed story and the two Thrains wi...
Professor Kilby, of Wheaton College, Illinois, had met Tolkien while visiting Oxford in 1964. He now offered to return to England and help Tolkien in an...
An example of a stock reply to readers.
Auden told Tolkien that he had agreed to write a short book about him, in collaboration with Peter H. Salus, for a seres entitled Christian Perspectives...
Tolkien writes about his reaction to Auden's comments on his house.
The following is one of many short replies that Tolkien wrote at this period of his life to readers who asked questions about his books. Its characteris...
Tolkien’s telephone number was still in the Oxford directory, and he was sometimes bothered by calls from ‘fans’. A harsh critique of a particular...
Tolkien writes about a bust being made of him. His daughter-in-Law is the sculpter and he has decided to have it cast in bronze at his own expense. It w...
Tolkien discusses the etymology of Mirkwood. Brief quotes from this letter included in Chronology show that he also talked about the typewriters he uses...
Tolkien's grandson is studying at Oxford. Tolkien writes about his views on 'research' and reading Smith of Wootton Major the previous week instead of g...
Hooper had sent Tolkien a new volume of Lewis’s writings, which he had edited.
Tolkien had been sent details of a proposed ‘sequel’ to The Lord of the Rings that a ‘fan’ was going to write himself.
Tolkien was asked to be interviewed for The Scotsman.
The Plimmers had recently interviewed Tolkien for the Daily Telegraph Magazine, and had now sent him a draft of their article, the finished version of w...
Tolkien writes to W.H. Auden and remarks that he was delighted to receive his letter, noting that it "did much to restore my spirits". He was pleased th...
Tolkien thanks Rayner for his friendship.
At the top, Tolkien has written: ‘Some reflections in preparing an answer to a letter from one Mr Rang about investigations into my nomenclature. In t...
White had written to Tolkien asking for information regarding the Inklings. Tolkien replies with some brief information "from memory". He says that the ...
Tolkien thanks Green for his review of Smith of Wootton Major.
With reference to C. S. Lewis’s verse ‘We were talking of dragons, Tolkien and I / In a Berkshire bar. . . .’ This short poem, first printed in...
The BBC made a documentary programme, Tolkien in Oxford, which was filmed in early February and televised on 30 March 1968. Swann, whose musical setting...
Tolkien is not happy to be asked to be photographed pretending to be at work.
Tolkien writes about Sarehole Mill.
Tolkien writes about his move to the South Coast of England. In a portion that remains unpublished, Tolkien also spends some time complaining about Will...
On 17 June, while preparing to move house, Tolkien fell downstairs and injured his leg. This letter was written from hospital in Oxford.
Tolkien writes to Michael about his trip to Switzerland and writes about his own trip in 1911. He also talks about 'trends' in the Catholic Church and h...
Amy sent Tolkien some Port and Sherry.
Tolkien wishes Christopher a happy 1969.
Tolkien replies to a letter from Amy Ronald. He explains his names and the different ways that family and friends address him.
Rayner Unwin’s daughter Camilla was told, as part of a school ‘project’, to write and ask: ‘What is the purpose of life?’
Tolkien and Edith are not well and feeling cut-off.
Tolkien discusses his love of botany.
Tolkien wishes he had an 'elven' grammar and vocabulary.
Tolkien writes about teaching.
Tolkien discusses his problems with progressing with the Silmarillion. An additional portion of the letter has been quoted on Michael Tolkien's website.
Tolkien discusses an O.E.D. dictionary definition of Hobbit.
Tolkien writes to Amy about his house and plans for Christmas.
Tolkien reminisces about A.S. Napier.
Tolkien writes to Roger about his thoughts on the origin of the word Hobbit.
Tolkien discusses Galadriel. He notes that he owes much of her character to Catholocism and Christian teachings.
Tolkien describes the Caverns of Helm's Deep as being influenced by Cheddar Gorge.
Tolkien writes about progress on the Silmarillion.
Tolkien describes his visit to Sidmouth.
Tolkien writes about about the use of the name ‘Gamgee’ in The Lord of the Rings, and whether the name ‘Gondor’ had been suggested by Gondar in ...
Tolkien writes about Aman and what happens to mortals, such as Frodo, when they go there. In a portion published in the C.S. Lewis Biography by Green To...
Tolkien writes to Rayner about his becoming Chairman of GA&U. A brief quote about Edith's health is reproduced in Chronology.
Tolkien replies to Dr. Boyer about W.H. Auden whom he regarded as a "great friend" and supporter. In a handwritten postscript (or separate undated lette...
Tolkien talks about The Lord of the Rings and confesses that he feels it no longer belongs to him.
Tolkien shares his views on author's biographies.
Tolkien thanks William Cater for his letter, He had been interviewed by William Cater for the Sunday Times. The article was published on the 2nd January...
Tolkien writes to William Cater about the death of his wife, "Edith Tolkien" and his utter bereavement. In the 2023 revised edition of Letters, a brief ...
Tolkien writes to his son about the very generous accommodation offered to him by Merton College in Oxford.
Tolkien invites Rayner and his wife to visit him in his new flat at Merton.
Tolkien thanks Rayner for organizing his trip to London to Buckingham Palace to be awarded the C.B.E., a party at the Garrick Club in his honour and sta...
Tolkien explains that he does not have time to comment on his works.
Tolkien writes about being a cult figure.
Tolkien discusses the sources of The Lord of the Rings.
Tolkien discusses the question, did the Ents ever find the Entwives?
Tolkien writes to the Daily Telegraph newspaper about an editorial which they published on the 29th June 1972. He objects to having his name used as an ...
Tolkien writes to Christopher about Edith, her headstone, his thoughts of her as Lúthien and a visit to GA&U's headquarters.
Tolkien discusses his living situation at Merton College. His fame forces him to live behind locked doors.
Tolkien is asked about Elvish names for bulls and herds of cattle.
Tolkien describes his use for a drinking goblet sent to him, inscribed with the One Ring inscription. Published (in part) as letter 343 from The Letters...
Tolkien talks about numerals in The Lord of the Rings. A photocopy with a complete transcript is held at the Marquette archives.
A continuation of #Letter342, where Tolkien continues to discuss naming animals.
Tolkien expounds upon Gandalf's statement "He that breaks a thing to find out what it is have left the path of wisdom" when responding to someones "dest...
A reply to the following questions: (1) Does ‘Speak, friend, and enter’ (the inscription over Moria Gate) mean ‘Speak as a friend’, i.e. in a fr...
Tolkien responds an enquiry about Galadriel.
Tolkien discusses the origins of the name Tolkien.
Tolkien writes to Christopher Wiseman and thinks of his friends in the T.C.B.S.
Tolkien writes to Christopher about his trip to the Tolhursts and news of Priscilla's holiday in Crete.
Tolkien is pleased that The Hobbit is being translated into Icelandic.
Tolkien writes about his current views on Galadriel which changed frequently through out his life.
This letter to Priscilla was written four days before Tolkien's death. Tolkien had a difficult day, losing his bank card and money, and having trouble m...
Letter Tags
Stats
Guide to Tolkien's Letters
Appearing in Carpenter's Letters
(354 letters match)1914
c. 22 or 23 (or 26*) October 1914
J.R.R. Tolkien to Edith Bratt
#1
Carpenter #1
Written during Tolkien's final undergraduate year at Oxford. Describes his studies and social interactions. Note on the dating of this letter: Humphrey ...
27 November 1914
J.R.R. Tolkien to Edith Bratt
#2
Carpenter #2
Writing to Edith, Tolkien describes his day. He had dinner with "a man called Earp" and attends a meeting of the Essay Club where he reads from his Voya...
1915
26 November 1915
J.R.R. Tolkien to Edith Bratt
#3
Carpenter #3
Written while Tolkien was training as part of the Lancashire Fusiliers. He is working on his poem 'Kotirion among the Trees' and mentions sending it to ...
1916
2 March 1916
J.R.R. Tolkien to Edith Bratt
#4
Carpenter #4
A short extract where Tolkien mentions his "nonsense fairy language", referring to it as "such a mad hobby!" Wayne G. Hammond and Christina Scull note t...
12 August 1916
J.R.R. Tolkien to G. B. Smith
#5
Carpenter #5
Tolkien has learned about the death of his close friend Rob Gilson - one of the four members of the TCBS and writes a long letter about how he feels the...
1923
13 February 1923
J.R.R. Tolkien to E. M. Wright
#6
Carpenter #6
Tolkien writes to the wife of Joseph Wright thanking her for sending him her article about Sir Gawain and the Green Knight and some kind comments about ...
1925
27 June 1925
J.R.R. Tolkien to [University of Oxford Electors]
#7
Carpenter #7
Tolkien applies for the position of 'Professorship of Anglo-Saxon at Oxford University'. He describes his schooling and his time at Leeds University as ...
22 July 1925
J.R.R. Tolkien to Vice Chancellor of Leeds University
#8
Carpenter #8
Tolkien has been elected to the Rawlinson & Bosworth professorship at Oxford and must therefore resign his position at Leeds. His posting takes effect f...
1937
4 January 1937
J.R.R. Tolkien to Susan Dagnall
#9
Carpenter #9
Tolkien details work he has recently completed on maps for The Hobbit, as well as other suggestions. Wayne G. Hammond and Christina Scull note that ther...
17 January 1937
J.R.R. Tolkien to C.A. Furth
#10
Carpenter #10
Tolkien discusses the details of, and placement within the text, some of his illustrations in The Hobbit, as well as potential changes to his illustrati...
5 February 1937
J.R.R. Tolkien to Susan Dagnall
#11
Carpenter #11
Tolkien replies to Susan Dagnall of GA&U on matters of the reproductions of some of his illustrations in The Hobbit. In the 2023 revised edition of Lett...
13 April 1937
J.R.R. Tolkien to Allen & Unwin Ltd.
#12
Carpenter #12
Concerning Tolkien's corrections to the text of The Hobbit, the cost of those corrections, and who would incur that cost, as well as details of his subm...
13 May 1937
J.R.R. Tolkien to C.A. Furth
#13
Carpenter #13
This two-page handwritten letter contains some of Tolkien's thoughts on the potential publication of The Hobbit in the USA. Tolkien can make illustratio...
28 May 1937
J.R.R. Tolkien to Allen & Unwin Ltd.
#14
Carpenter #14
In this three-page handwritten letter, Tolkien writes to his publisher about the release date for The Hobbit, going on at length about how it would be b...
31 August 1937
J.R.R. Tolkien to C.A. Furth (Allen & Unwin)
#15
Carpenter #15
Tolkien sends the last two colour drawings for the American edition of The Hobbit and asks GA&U to send it on to Houghton Mifflin. he also asks about a ...
3 October 1937
J.R.R. Tolkien to Michael Tolkien
#16
Carpenter #16
Tolkien thanks Michael for keeping an eye of Christopher. He says that "Chris" will make a mess of things to start, but he will settle in and be of no f...
15 October 1937
J.R.R. Tolkien to Stanley Unwin
#19
Carpenter #17
Tolkien was pleased that The Hobbit was being well received, though he knows that the two glowing, unsigned reviews in The Times and the Times Literary ...
23 October 1937
J.R.R. Tolkien to Stanley Unwin
#21
Carpenter #18
Originally published as just a fragment of a thank you letter to Stanley Unwin who had written that Tolkien was "one of those rare people with genius." ...
16 December 1937
J.R.R. Tolkien to Stanley Unwin
#22
Carpenter #19
Tolkien has received a letter from Arthur Ransome, who wonders about the use of the word "man" in The Hobbit, as well as a few other letters from reader...
19 December 1937
J.R.R. Tolkien to C.A. Furth
#23
Carpenter #20
"I have written the first chapter of a new story about Hobbits – 'A long expected party'" remarks Tolkien in this letter to C.A. Furth of GA&U. This i...
1938
1 February 1938
J.R.R. Tolkien to C.A. Furth (Allen & Unwin Ltd.)
#24
Carpenter #21
Originally published as just a fragment of a letter, asking if Rayner Unwin was interested to read the "sequel to The Hobbit". In the revised 2023 editi...
4 February 1938
J.R.R. Tolkien to C.A. Furth
#25
Carpenter #22
Tolkien sends to his publisher, the first chapter of a new book, the sequel to The Hobbit. ‘A Long-expected Party’, the first chapter of this book, ...
17 February 1938
J.R.R. Tolkien to C.A. Furth
#26
Carpenter #23
Tolkien replies to C.A. Furth regarding the return of Mr. Bliss. Tolkien expresses regret for any trouble caused and wishes someone could redraw the pic...
18 February 1938
J.R.R. Tolkien to Stanley Unwin
#27
Carpenter #24
In this two page handwritten letter, Tolkien thanks Unwin's son Rayner for his positive feedback on the first chapter of the new book, "A Long-Expected ...
20 February 1938*
J.R.R. Tolkien to Editor of the Observer
#28
Carpenter #25
Tolkien responds to a request, likely from a researcher or enthusiast, regarding the origins and inspirations behind his work, particularly The Hobbit. ...
4 March 1938
J.R.R. Tolkien to Stanley Unwin
#30
Carpenter #26
Tolkien writes to Stanley Unwin about C.S. Lewis's Out of the Silent Planet and gives him an update on progress with the sequel to The Hobbit. He also m...
12 March 1938
J.R.R. Tolkien to Houghton Mifflin Co.
#31
Carpenter #27
Tolkien expresses reluctance to create drawings of hobbits and suggests leaving such tasks to someone with artistic skills. He provides a description of...
June 4th 1938
J.R.R. Tolkien to Stanley Unwin
#32
Carpenter #28
Tolkien thanks Stanley Unwin for the excellent news from America, where The Hobbit is selling well and it has won a prize of $250. Rayner's review of th...
24 July 1938
J.R.R. Tolkien to C.A. Furth
#35
Carpenter #31
Tolkien bemoans The Hobbit being published in 1937 over 1938. His work pressure has left him hard-pressed to get into actions on the sequel. Tolkien has...
25 July 1938
J.R.R. Tolkien to Stanley Unwin
#33
Carpenter #29
Tolkien wrote to Stanley Unwin in response to a letter from a German publisher, Rütten & Loening Verlag. They wanted to publish a German translation of...
25 July 1938
J.R.R. Tolkien to Rütten & Loening Verlag
#34
Carpenter #30
Rütten & Loening Verlag, the German publisher enquired about publishing a German translation of The Hobbit. As part of their conditions they wanted to ...
27 July 1938
J.R.R. Tolkien to John Masefield
#36
Carpenter #32
Tolkien responds to Mr. Masefield regarding the lines provided for a performance. Tolkien expresses no objection to being preceded by the lines and defe...
31 August 1938
J.R.R. Tolkien to C.A. Furth
#37
Carpenter #33
Tolkien writes to Mr. Furth, expressing his current state of being oppressed and unwell due to recent troubles. He submits Farmer Giles for consideratio...
13 October 1938
J.R.R. Tolkien to Stanley Unwin
#38
Carpenter #34
In this letter to Stanley Unwin, J.R.R. Tolkien discusses his recent intense work on a sequel to The Hobbit, which has reached Chapter XI. He expresses ...
1939
2 February 1939
J.R.R. Tolkien to C.A. Furth
#39
Carpenter #35
Writing to C.A. Furth, Tolkien offers an update with his work on The Lord of the Rings. He has not worked on since December but feels it is a better wor...
10 February 1939
J.R.R. Tolkien to C.A. Furth
#51
Carpenter #36
Writing to C.A. Furth, Tolkien expresses gratitude for the enclosed cheque for royalities for 1938 and an advance of the royalties from Houghton Mifflin...
19 December 1939
J.R.R. Tolkien to Stanley Unwin
#52
Carpenter #37
Tolkien, writing to Stanley Unwin, expresses gratitude for the kind note and apologizes for his neglectful correspondence due to personal and health iss...
1940
30 March 1940
J.R.R. Tolkien to Stanley Unwin
#53
Carpenter #38
Tolkien apologizes for his previous behavior and explains that he misunderstood the nature of the requested contribution for the book Beowulf. He expres...
29 September 1940
J.R.R. Tolkien to Michael Tolkien
#54
Carpenter #39
Tolkien describes the departure of evacuees, railway workers and their families, who had sought refuge during wartime. Tolkien observes the scenes with ...
6 October 1940
J.R.R. Tolkien to Michael Tolkien
#55
Carpenter #40
Tolkien's son Michael had volunteered in the army, and Tolkien expresses his deep regret about the disruption to his university education due to militar...
1941
2 January 1941
J.R.R. Tolkien to Michael Tolkien
#56
Carpenter #41
After addressing overdue correspondence, Tolkien mentions resuming work on his sequel to The Hobbit, The Lord of the Rings, but anticipates the impendin...
12 January 1941
J.R.R. Tolkien to Michael Tolkien
#57
Carpenter #42
To son Michael, Tolkien describes the dreary and busy time with foul weather, shares a humorous incident involving snuff at a pub, mentions committee wo...
6-8 March 1941
J.R.R. Tolkien to Michael Tolkien
#58
Carpenter #43
In a comprehensive letter, J.R.R. Tolkien reflects on relationships between men and women, addressing physical, friendly, and romantic dimensions. He de...
18 March 1941
J.R.R. Tolkien to Michael Tolkien
#59
Carpenter #44
Identifying more with his Suffield heritage than his Tolkien name, Tolkien expresses a deep connection to Worcestershire, considering it "home" due to h...
9 June 1941
J.R.R. Tolkien to Michael Tolkien
#60
Carpenter #45
In a letter to his son Michael, Tolkien expresses his struggles with writing due to constant rain and increased responsibilities. He sympathizes with go...
26 November 1941
J.R.R. Tolkien to R.W. Chapman
#61
Carpenter #46
Tolkien reflects on his time in Leeds from 1920 to 1925, associating it with Gordon and expressing gratitude for his kindness and encouragement. The aut...
1942
7 December 1942
J.R.R. Tolkien to Stanley Unwin
#62
Carpenter #47
Tolkien expresses gratitude for the note from Stanley Unwin and discusses the progress of the sequel to The Hobbit that he has been working on since 193...
1943
20 April 1943
J.R.R. Tolkien to C.S. Lewis
#63
Carpenter #48
Tolkien expresses sympathy for Lewis' illness and suggests the possibility of meeting on Wednesdays while discussing the challenges hindering their meet...
April 1943*
J.R.R. Tolkien to C.S. Lewis
#64
Carpenter #49
Writing to C.S. Lewis, Tolkien critiques views on Christian marriage and divorce, pointing out what he sees as a confusion in the argument presented in ...
25 October 1943
J.R.R. Tolkien to Christopher Tolkien
#65
Carpenter #50
Tolkien describes how trees look at this time of year, and mentions that he will be meeting C.E.B. Joad the next night for dinner, hosted by C.S. Lewis.
27 October 1943
J.R.R. Tolkien to Christopher Tolkien
#85
Carpenter #51
Tolkien describes meeting C.E.B. Joad the night before at dinner with C.S. Lewis, and talks a bit about Joad's visit to Russia. The dinner is described ...
29 November 1943
J.R.R. Tolkien to Christopher Tolkien
#86
Carpenter #52
Tolkien reflects on the challenging and disheartening circumstances of the time, including the impact of war, propaganda, and the bleak conditions of li...
9 December 1943
J.R.R. Tolkien to Christopher Tolkien
#87
Carpenter #53
Writing to son Christopher, Tolkien reflects on the challenges and monotony of daily life during a turbulent period, expressing a sense of isolation due...
1944
8 January 1944
J.R.R. Tolkien to Christopher Tolkien
#88
Carpenter #54
Tolkien offers Christopher advice on prayer and to remember his guardian angel. He reminds him to use "praises", and says of them "if you have these by ...
18 January 1944
J.R.R. Tolkien to Christopher Tolkien
#89
Carpenter #55
Tolkien apologizes to Christopher for the delay in writing and shares details of recent activities, including giving lectures, discussing Cardiff with G...
1 March 1944
J.R.R. Tolkien to Christopher Tolkien
#90
Carpenter #56
Tolkien notes the lack of humorous anecdotes due to limited social interactions in recent weeks. He also mentions an encounter with Lewis, who is energe...
30 March 1944
J.R.R. Tolkien to Christopher Tolkien
#91
Carpenter #57
Tolkien had an outing, seeing the two Lewis brothers and having lunch with C.S. Lewis. During the meeting, Lewis read part of a new story.
3 April 1944
J.R.R. Tolkien to Christopher Tolkien
#92
Carpenter #58
Tolkien recounts recent events, including a cycle ride to Pembroke, a train journey to Birmingham, and a visit to his hometown. During the train journey...
5 April 1944
J.R.R. Tolkien to Christopher Tolkien
#93
Carpenter #59
Tolkien shares his commitment to completing The Lord of the Rings, expressing the challenges of re-reading and researching while working on the adventur...
13 April 1944 (continued on 15 April)
J.R.R. Tolkien to Christopher Tolkien
#94
Carpenter #60
Tolkien expresses gratitude for a recently received airletter, shares updates about writing progress on The Lord of the Rings and mentions spending time...
18 April 1944
J.R.R. Tolkien to Christopher Tolkien
#95
Carpenter #61
Tolkien expresses joy at receiving a batch of letters and, discusses the distressing but unsurprising uncensored accounts of Christopher's experiences, ...
23 April 1944
J.R.R. Tolkien to Christopher Tolkien
#96
Carpenter #62
Tolkien gives Christopher an update on his progess on The Two Towers, the second book of The Lord of the Rings. He has read the second chapter, "Passage...
24 April 1944 (continued 26 April)
J.R.R. Tolkien to Christopher Tolkien
#97
Carpenter #63
Tolkien had received an airletter from Christopher that morning and he read it while enjoying breakfast in bed. He describes the events of St. George's ...
30 April 1944
J.R.R. Tolkien to Christopher Tolkien
#98
Carpenter #64
Tolkien writes of his longing and concern for Christopher in the midst of war, reflecting on human suffering and the senselessness of conflict. Despite ...
4 May 1944
J.R.R. Tolkien to Christopher Tolkien
#99
Carpenter #65
Having read another chapter to C.S. Lewis, Tolkien is now writing the next, and will send Christopher copies as soon as possible.
6 May 1944
J.R.R. Tolkien to Christopher Tolkien
#100
Carpenter #66
Tolkien responds to Christopher's letters and acknowledges the challenges and frustrations of life in the military camp during the war. He empathizes wi...
11 May 1944
J.R.R. Tolkien to Christopher Tolkien
#101
Carpenter #67
Tolkien completed a fourth new chapter titled 'Faramir,' which received approval from C.S. Lewis and Charles Williams. He notes that he attended church ...
12 May 1944
J.R.R. Tolkien to Christopher Tolkien
#102
Carpenter #68
Tolkien spent a morning writing The Lord of the Rings and is now in sight of Minas Morghul. He has been gardening in the midday heat. he expresses his r...
14 May 1944
J.R.R. Tolkien to Christopher Tolkien
#103
Carpenter #69
Writing to Christopher, Tolkien updates him on his progress writing The Lord of the Rings. He had needed to sort the study, and "attend to business". He...
21 May 1944
J.R.R. Tolkien to Christopher Tolkien
#104
Carpenter #70
Tolkien apologizes for the lapse in correspondence. He gives an update on writing of The Lord of the Rings. He reads for Lewis and Williams and both men...
25 May 1944
J.R.R. Tolkien to Christopher Tolkien
#142
Carpenter #71
Tolkien expresses gratitude for the letters he has received from Christopher and briefly mentions an inclination to envy his time in the hills. Tolkien ...
31 May 1944
J.R.R. Tolkien to Christopher Tolkien
#143
Carpenter #72
Writing to Christopher with an update on recent happenings. He had dinner in college and notes that "the three old gents" were very easy to talk to. Lew...
10 June 1944
J.R.R. Tolkien to Christopher Tolkien
#144
Carpenter #73
Tolkien acknowledges receiving Christopher's air letter and briefly mentions the weather. He provide updates on recent activities, including efforts in ...
29 June 1944
J.R.R. Tolkien to Stanley Unwin
#145
Carpenter #74
Stanley Unwin had sent Tolkien a large cheque as payment of royalties on The Hobbit, and mentions that Rayner is now at Oxford reading English. Tolkien ...
7 July 1944
J.R.R. Tolkien to Christopher Tolkien
#146
Carpenter #75
Tolkien opens this letter by mentioning that he is writing this letter using his new "midget type" typewriter cartridges. These could be interchanged an...
28 July 1944
J.R.R. Tolkien to Christopher Tolkien
#165
Carpenter #76
Tolkien discusses the name Sam Gamgee, agreeing with Christopher's opinion and explaining the choice to emphasize the character's comic, peasantry, and ...
31 July 1944
J.R.R. Tolkien to Christopher Tolkien
#166
Carpenter #77
Tolkien reports in a newly published portion that he had received Christopher's airletter of 24 July. He says that his day on Friday was “grim”, as ...
12 August 1944
J.R.R. Tolkien to Christopher Tolkien
#167
Carpenter #78
Tolkien responds to Christopher's letters, encouraging openness about details of his life. He offers support for navigating challenges and express the n...
22 August 1944
J.R.R. Tolkien to Christopher Tolkien
#168
Carpenter #79
Tolkien reflects on the cultural landscape, comparing Kroonstad, seen as a genuine product of their culture, with Jo'burg's aspirations. He expresses co...
3 September 1944
J.R.R. Tolkien to Christopher Tolkien
#169
Carpenter #80
Priscilla has been struggling with The Ballad of the White Horse and trying to parts of it to her has made Tolkien realize it isn't as good as he rememb...
23-25 September 1944
J.R.R. Tolkien to Christopher Tolkien
#170
Carpenter #81
Tolkien expresses joy at receiving an airgraph before Christopher's departure to Standerton. He discusses the progress of the chapters and promises to s...
30 September 1944
J.R.R. Tolkien to Christopher Tolkien
#171
Carpenter #82
Engaged in revision, Tolkien reflects on the chapter "King of the Golden Hall" and finds it to be rather good with the perspective of time.
6 October 1944
J.R.R. Tolkien to Christopher Tolkien
#172
Carpenter #83
In a newly published portion of this letter Tolkien remarks on what a wonderful week it has been for letters from Christopher. He hopes that letters fro...
12 October 1944
J.R.R. Tolkien to Christopher Tolkien
#173
Carpenter #84
Tolkien has discovered a severe problem in timing for events in The Lord of the Rings, and will require much work to fix. He has sent a copy of Leaf by ...
16 October 1944
J.R.R. Tolkien to Christopher Tolkien
#174
Carpenter #85
The timeline for The Lord of the Rings is giving Tolkien trouble, but with some small changes to the map and a few extra days here and there seem to hav...
23 October 1944
J.R.R. Tolkien to Christopher Tolkien
#175
Carpenter #86
Tolkien has just seen a "skywide armada" fly overhead, but thinks he can mention it in his letter because it will be long gone before any risk of the ne...
25 October 1944
J.R.R. Tolkien to Christopher Tolkien
#176
Carpenter #87
Tolkien sends the last two chapters of the fourth book of The Lord of the Rings, and quotes from a letter he has received from a fan who has read The Ho...
28 October 1944
J.R.R. Tolkien to Christopher Tolkien
#177
Carpenter #88
A very short excerpt (three sentences) where Tolkien mentions the fading of the current year into "dull grey mournful darkness", and wonders what the ne...
7-8 November 1944
J.R.R. Tolkien to Christopher Tolkien
#178
Carpenter #89
In regards to Christopher's mentioning of his guardian angel , Tolkien worried that Christopher's was very much needed. which reminded him of a vision h...
24 November 1944
J.R.R. Tolkien to Christopher Tolkien
#179
Carpenter #90
Tolkien expresses joy at receiving several letters from Christopher and comments on the amusing account of the Wings ceremony. He appreciates the mentio...
29 November 1944
J.R.R. Tolkien to Christopher Tolkien
#216
Carpenter #91
Tolkien sends a small consignment of "The Ring," consisting of the last two chapters that have been written and the end of the Fourth Book. The hero is ...
18 December 1944
J.R.R. Tolkien to Christopher Tolkien
#217
Carpenter #92
In a newly published portion, Tolkien says that today is the last day for Christmas post arriving in time for Christmas and laments the way the holiday ...
24 December 1944
J.R.R. Tolkien to Christopher Tolkien
#218
Carpenter #93
Tolkien expresses joy that Christopher enjoyed the next three chapters of "The Ring" and provides information about the schedule for sending the remaini...
28 December 1944
J.R.R. Tolkien to Christopher Tolkien
#219
Carpenter #94
Tolkien is happy to get so many letters from Christopher, and is very pleased that the third batch of Ring material has gotten to Christopher and that h...
1945
18 January 1945
J.R.R. Tolkien to Christopher Tolkien
#220
Carpenter #95
Tolkien has been enjoying reading Stenton's Anglo-Saxon England, and wishes he had a time-machine. Tolkien tells Christopher that this is the history "o...
30 January 1945
J.R.R. Tolkien to Christopher Tolkien
#221
Carpenter #96
Tolkien describes some domestic plumbing troubles that prevented him from meeting up with Lewis in the morning, but the eventually managed to make it to...
11 February 1945
J.R.R. Tolkien to Christopher Tolkien
#222
Carpenter #97
Tolkien describes a letter he has written to the Catholic Herald, in rebuttal to someone who thinks Coventry is derived from Convent.
Undated (circa 18 March 1945)
J.R.R. Tolkien to Stanley Unwin
#223
Carpenter #98
Tolkien expresses deep concern about Rayner, who is off to war, and mentions that his son Christopher has become great friends with Chris Unwin. One of ...
15 May 1945
J.R.R. Tolkien to Florence (Michal) Williams
#224
Carpenter #99
Tolkien expresses sympathy to Ms. Williams and her son, and his grief over the loss of her husband Charles Williams. The transcript in Carpenter's Lette...
29 May 1945
J.R.R. Tolkien to Christopher Tolkien
#225
Carpenter #100
Tolkien remarks that he would be comforted if Christopher could be re-commissioned out of the R.A.F. Christopher had recently returned from service. He ...
3 June 1945
J.R.R. Tolkien to Christopher Tolkien
#247
Carpenter #101
The Civil Defense was staging a stand-down parade Tolkien felt was mockery, because "Wars are always lost".
9 August 1945
J.R.R. Tolkien to Christopher Tolkien
#248
Carpenter #102
Tolkien expresses profound horror and disbelief at the news of atomic bombs, describing the scientists involved as "lunatic physicists" and condemning t...
11 October 1945
J.R.R. Tolkien to Christopher Tolkien
#249
Carpenter #103
Tolkien took a new position, the Merton Professorship of English Language and Literature, and remarks on the occasion.
22 October 1945
J.R.R. Tolkien to Christopher Tolkien
#250
Carpenter #104
Tolkien and the dons met, chatted and had dinner among other activities.
1946
21 July 1946
J.R.R. Tolkien to Stanley Unwin
#251
Carpenter #105
Tolkien writes to Sir Stanley Unwin, who had just been knighted. He asked about Farmer Giles. And remarks on his progress to The Hobbit sequel among oth...
30 September 1946
J.R.R. Tolkien to Stanley Unwin
#252
Carpenter #106
Tolkien expresses delight at the prospect of publishing "Farmer Giles of Ham" but cites academic commitments as a hindrance to providing more material p...
7 December 1946
J.R.R. Tolkien to Stanley Unwin
#253
Carpenter #107
Tolkien mentions receiving letters from Horus Engels regarding a German translation, and while Engels doesn't explicitly propose himself as a translator...
1947
5 July 1947
J.R.R. Tolkien to Allen & Unwin Ltd.
#254
Carpenter #108
Tolkien sends back the revised manuscript of Farmer Giles of Ham for publication. He has carefully gone through it, making alterations to improve both s...
31 July 1947
J.R.R. Tolkien to Stanley Unwin
#255
Carpenter #109
Tolkien responded to Rayner Unwin's comments about The Fellowship of the Ring. He talks about allegory as well as other literary illusions. Tolkien ment...
20 September 1947
J.R.R. Tolkien to Allen & Unwin Ltd.
#256
Carpenter #110
Tolkien provides information about the origin and authorship of the riddles included in their work. He clarifies that most of the riddles are their orig...
21 September 1947
J.R.R. Tolkien to Stanley Unwin
#257
Carpenter #111
Tolkien apologizes for the delay in responding to a letter sent in July and explains that he has been preoccupied with philology due to academic commitm...
30 November 1947
J.R.R. Tolkien to Katharine Farrer
#140
Carpenter #112
Katharine Farrer had written to Tolkien, in runes, asking if he would sign her copy of The Hobbit. Tolkien replies to her letter in runes. He says that ...
1948
25 January 1948
J.R.R. Tolkien to C.S. Lewis
#265
Carpenter #113
Tolkien and Lewis corresponded about what was being read aloud at an Inklings meeting. This was part of a larger conversation surrounding what they were...
7 April 1948
J.R.R. Tolkien to Hugh Brogan
#266
Carpenter #114
Tolkien expresses pleasure that Brogan enjoyed "The Hobbit" and mentions his ongoing work on a longer piece set in the same world, providing details abo...
15 June [?1948]
J.R.R. Tolkien to Katharine Farrer
#267
Carpenter #115
Tolkien opens this letter with apologies for his delayed reply. He says that he must have appeared ungrateful, but not only was he grateful, he was exci...
5 August 1948
J.R.R. Tolkien to Allen & Unwin Ltd.
#268
Carpenter #116
GA&U had decided that Milein Cosman would illustrate Farmer Giles of Ham, a point that Tolkien did not approve of. He likened her artwork to that of Top...
31 October 1948
J.R.R. Tolkien to Hugh Brogan
#269
Carpenter #117
Success! declares Tolkien. He has completed The Lord of the Rings and having been read by Rayner Unwin is approved. He does not think it will make any m...
25 December 1948
J.R.R. Tolkien to Hugh Brogan
#270
Carpenter #118
Tolkien writes to Hugh Brogan using runes to wish him a happy Christmas. Hammond/Scull also note that Tolkien also sent Brogan another letter with menti...
1949
28 February 1949
J.R.R. Tolkien to Allen & Unwin Ltd.
#271
Carpenter #119
Tolkien declares to GA&U that he does not have the time to retype Farmer Giles of Ham, nor does he feel that it is required. He remarks that the typing ...
16 March 1949
J.R.R. Tolkien to Allen & Unwin Ltd.
#272
Carpenter #120
It has been decided that Pauline Baynes will now illustrate Farmer Giles of Ham. Tolkien is delighted with this news.
13 July 1949
J.R.R. Tolkien to Allen & Unwin Ltd.
#273
Carpenter #121
Tolkien discusses the progress of Farmer Giles and hints that the final draft of Lord of the Rings could be done something with.
18 December 1949
J.R.R. Tolkien to Mrs. Naomi Mitchison
#136
Carpenter #122
A two page letter (single 5.5 x 7 inch sheet, both sides) in response to Mrs. Mitchison's praise of Farmer Giles of Ham. Tolkien mentions that FG was re...
1950
5 February 1950
J.R.R. Tolkien to Milton Waldman
#275
Carpenter #123
Tolkien had "dumped" the manuscript of The Lord of the Rings on Milton Waldman just as he was going on holiday, and Tolkien felt bad burdoning him with ...
24 February 1950
J.R.R. Tolkien to Stanley Unwin
#276
Carpenter #124
Tolkien writes to Stanley Unwin, mentioning various topics but chief among them is The Lord of the Rings. Stranded without a publisher, and the work now...
10 March 1950
J.R.R. Tolkien to Stanley Unwin
#277
Carpenter #125
Tolkien compares his two great stories the War of the Ring and the War of the Jewels and remarks on the Farmer Giles sales figures.
10 March 1950
J.R.R. Tolkien to Milton Waldman
#293
Carpenter #126
Unwin wants to break up Tolkien's "monstrous Saga", and Tolkien hopes Unwin will let the project go so Tolkien can publish The Lord of the Rings and The...
14 April 1950
J.R.R. Tolkien to Stanley Unwin
#294
Carpenter #127
Relations between Tolkien and Allen & Unwin had begun to become strained as Tolkien felt that A&U were not open to publishing his work as he would have ...
1 August 1950
J.R.R. Tolkien to Allen & Unwin Ltd.
#295
Carpenter #128
Tolkien was sent proofs for a new edition of The Hobbit and remarks on how The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit are interlinked. He was not expecting hi...
10 September 1950
J.R.R. Tolkien to Stanley Unwin
#296
Carpenter #129
Tolkien writes about the new revised edition of The Hobbit.
14 September 1950
J.R.R. Tolkien to Stanley Unwin
#297
Carpenter #130
Tolkien sends in a new version of CH 5 of the Hobbit.
1951
1951 (late)
J.R.R. Tolkien to Milton Waldman
#152
Carpenter #131
Tolkien wrote this letter to Milton Waldman. Tolkien wanted his publisher, George Allen & Unwin, to publish both The Lord of the Rings and The Silmarill...
1952
10 February 1952
J.R.R. Tolkien to Father John Tolkien
#314
Carpenter #132
Tolkien writes to his son John about a meal that he had with Lewis, which they called the 'ham-feast'.
22 June 1952
J.R.R. Tolkien to Rayner Unwin
#315
Carpenter #133
Rayner Unwin had written to Tolkien about 'Errantry' and this gave Tolkien an opportunity to see if he could get The Lord of the Rings published by Geor...
29 August 1952
J.R.R. Tolkien to Rayner Unwin
#350
Carpenter #134
Tolkien expresses his eagerness to publish The Lord of the Rings as soon as possible. Tolkien plans to spend some days correcting the manuscript at his ...
24 October 1952
J.R.R. Tolkien to Rayner Unwin
#351
Carpenter #135
Tolkien expresses regret for producing a substantial work like The Lord of the Rings during challenging times. He expresses gratitude for the recipient'...
1953
24 March 1953
J.R.R. Tolkien to Rayner Unwin
#352
Carpenter #136
Tolkien writes to Rayner Unwin about the challenges he's faced leading up to the contract day for The Lord of the Rings. He is also concerned about Edit...
11 April 1953
J.R.R. Tolkien to Rayner Unwin
#353
Carpenter #137
Tolkien apologizes for the delay in sending the revised manuscript for The Lord of the Rings. His move was incredibly challenging. Tolkien has finally c...
4 August 1953
J.R.R. Tolkien to Christopher Tolkien
#354
Carpenter #138
Tolkien expresses his frustration with the galleys of his work, The Lord of the Rings. He finds the process tedious and mentions that the printed versio...
8 August 1953
J.R.R. Tolkien to Rayner Unwin
#355
Carpenter #139
Tolkien writes about The Lord of the Rings and he suggests some titles if it is published in three volumes. He was also concerned about whether the publ...
17 August 1953
J.R.R. Tolkien to Rayner Unwin
#356
Carpenter #140
Tolkien expresses gratitude for Rayner's visit. He proposes titles for the volumes of The Lord of the Rings and his rationale behind the titles.
9 October 1953
J.R.R. Tolkien to Allen & Unwin Ltd.
#369
Carpenter #141
Tolkien expresses frustration and anxiety over the "maps", as he believed they were an essential part of The Lord of the Rings.
2 December 1953
J.R.R. Tolkien to Father Robert Murray
#370
Carpenter #142
Robert Murray had offered Tolkien some thought on The Lord of the Rings. Tolkien replied that The Lord of the Rings is a Catholic work, describing it as...
1954
22 January 1954
J.R.R. Tolkien to Rayner Unwin
#371
Carpenter #143
Tolkien writes about corrections to Book III and Book IV.
25 April 1954
J.R.R. Tolkien to Naomi Mitchison
#372
Carpenter #144
Tolkien writes about his use of languages in the book and explains the challenges faced in creating maps for The Lord of the Rings. He discusses the dis...
13 May 1954
J.R.R. Tolkien to Rayner Unwin
#390
Carpenter #145
Tolkien is pleased with positive early opinions about his work. He notes his dissatisfaction with the Houghton Mifflin effort, and gives some suggestion...
3 June 1954
J.R.R. Tolkien to Allen & Unwin Ltd, [to Ronald Eames]
#391
Carpenter #146
Tolkien does not approve of the proofs for the jacket of The Lord of the Rings, which he finds very ugly. He suggests some changes to the design of the ...
15 June 1954
J.R.R. Tolkien to Allen & Unwin Ltd.
#392
Carpenter #147
Tolkien expresses his delight in receiving an advance copy of The Fellowship of the Ring, he finds the jacket much improved and striking, particularly l...
7 August 1954
J.R.R. Tolkien to Katharine Farrer
#393
Carpenter #148
Tolkien expresses concerns about misprints in The Fellowship of the Ring. He highlights a disagreement over a botanical term, corrected by the printers....
9 September 1954
J.R.R. Tolkien to Rayner Unwin
#394
Carpenter #149
Tolkien expresses his relief that the critiques were better than feared. He acknowledges the disadvantage of issuing the work in three parts, with criti...
18 September 1954
J.R.R. Tolkien to Allen & Unwin Ltd.
#395
Carpenter #150
Tolkien is unable to submit any of the Appendices. The delay is attributed to promises made in Volume I, which are proving very difficult to meet.
18 September 1954
J.R.R. Tolkien to Hugh Brogan
#398
Carpenter #151
Tolkien shares thoughts on the fascination of The Lord of the Rings. The author hopes to include an upcoming note on translation. The letter ends with t...
23 September 1954
J.R.R. Tolkien to Rayner Heppenstall
#399
Carpenter #152
Tolkien discusses the English dialogue in The Homecoming of Beorhtnoth, Beorhthelm's Son that should be used in the BBC Radio programme. In the 2023 rev...
25 September 1954
J.R.R. Tolkien to Naomi Mitchison
#402
Carpenter #154
Tolkien responds to Mrs. Mitchison's kind letter and her generous and perceptive review of The Lord of the Rings. He discusses the complexity of the wor...
25 September 1954
J.R.R. Tolkien to Naomi Mitchison
#403
Carpenter #155
Tolkien responds to Mrs Mitchison's about the concept of "magic" in his works, particularly in The Lord of the Rings. Tolkien acknowledges that it is a ...
late September 1954?
J.R.R. Tolkien to Peter Hastings
#401
Carpenter #153
Tolkien responds to a reader's extensive analysis and questions about The Lord of the Rings. Amongst many topics, Tolkien discusses the unique fate of H...
4 November 1954
J.R.R. Tolkien to Father Robert Murray
#404
Carpenter #156
Tolkien addresses several topics related to The Lord of the Rings. Tolkien discusses the characters Smeagol and Gandalf (including the nature of the Ist...
27 November 1954
J.R.R. Tolkien to Katharine Farrer
#405
Carpenter #157
Tolkien expresses regret for not having written or offered help during the recipient's difficult times, and suggests the possibility of contributing fun...
2 December 1954
J.R.R. Tolkien to Rayner Unwin
#406
Carpenter #158
Tolkien briefly mentions having only had time to glance at the Houghton Mifflin 'jacket' information. He thinks it was written by someone who hasn't rea...
1955
3 March 1955
J.R.R. Tolkien to Dora Marshall
#407
Carpenter #159
Tolkien reflects on the challenges of getting their story published, expressing surprise and delight at the positive reception. Tolkien recalls a conver...
6 March 1955
J.R.R. Tolkien to Rayner Unwin
#408
Carpenter #160
Tolkien regrets having promised the appendices to The Lord of the Rings. He acknowledges the demand for detailed information but is finding this very di...
14 April 1955
J.R.R. Tolkien to Rayner Unwin
#409
Carpenter #161
Tolkien expresses frustration with creating a map for The Lord of the Rings.
18 April 1955
J.R.R. Tolkien to Rayner Unwin
#410
Carpenter #162
Christopher Tolkien had re-drawn Tolkien's draft-map of the area of Gondor and Rohan.
7 June 1955
J.R.R. Tolkien to W. H. Auden
#476
Carpenter #163
Tolkien shares insights into the origins and inspirations behind his writing, particularly focusing on The Lord of the Rings. He discusses the evolution...
29 June 1955
J.R.R. Tolkien to Naomi Mitchison
#477
Carpenter #164
Tolkien describes a challenging and overwhelming period with an excessive workload, emphasizing the strain it has taken. He mentions booksellers, includ...
30 June 1955
J.R.R. Tolkien to Houghton Mifflin Co.
#478
Carpenter #165
Tolkien discusses some questions from The New York Times. He talks about the name, TOLKIEN, his ancestors, and even though he was born in Africa, he con...
22 July 1955
J.R.R. Tolkien to Allen & Unwin Ltd.
#479
Carpenter #166
Tolkien expresses dissatisfaction with the current proofreading procedure and raises concerns about potential errors in the published volume.
15 August 1955
J.R.R. Tolkien to Christopher & Faith Tolkien
#480
Carpenter #167
Tolkien writes about his Italian holiday. Tolkien and Priscilla visited Assisi and Venice.
7 September 1955
J.R.R. Tolkien to Richard Jeffery
#481
Carpenter #168
Tolkien responds to Mr. Jeffery's letter. Tolkien discusses the command of Elvish script and mentions the upcoming release of Volume III, which will inc...
11 September 1955
J.R.R. Tolkien to Hugh Brogan
#482
Carpenter #169
Tolkien was asked about 'Numinor' in C.S. Lewis's That Hideous Strength and responds that it is a form of unintended borrowing. Tolkien clarifies that t...
18 September 1955
J.R.R. Tolkien to Hugh Brogan
#517
Carpenter #171
Tolkien addresses the criticism of his use of deliberate archaism in his writing and strongly defends his choice to use this in The Lord of the Rings as...
30 September 1955
J.R.R. Tolkien to Philip Unwin (Allen & Unwin Ltd.)
#483
Carpenter #170
Tolkien feels that his life may be in danger if The Return of the King is not published soon. This letter is held at the 'Tolkien–George Allen & Unwin...
12 October 1955
J.R.R. Tolkien to Philip Unwin (Allen & Unwin Ltd.)
#518
Carpenter #172
Tolkien writes to Allen & Unwin, stressing that they must publish The Return of the King on the 20th October 1955. The letter is held at the 'Tolkien–...
24 October 1955
J.R.R. Tolkien to Katharine Farrer
#521
Carpenter #173
Tolkien delivered his O'Donnell lecture, English and Welsh, on the 21st October 1955 and mentions that The Return of the King was published on the 20th ...
10 November 1955
J.R.R. Tolkien to Lord Halsbury
#522
Carpenter #174
Tolkien expresses gratitude for Lord Halsbury's approval and interest in his work. He discusses the surprising success of The Lord of the Rings and foll...
30 November 1955
J.R.R. Tolkien to Molly Waldron
#524
Carpenter #175
Tolkien writes about the radio adaption of The Lord of the Rings. He specifically criticizes the portrayal of events around Tom Bombadil and Goldberry. ...
?December 1955
J.R.R. Tolkien to Michael Straight
#530
Carpenter #181
Tolkien responds to a reviewer's questions about The Lord of the Rings. Tolkien discusses that the story is meant to be enjoyed as a fairy tale. He ment...
8 December 1955
J.R.R. Tolkien to Naomi Mitchison
#226
Carpenter #176
Tolkien mentions his O'Donnell Lectures in Celtic Studies. He expresses disappointment in the radio broadcast adaptations of The Lord of the Rings. Tolk...
8 December 1955
J.R.R. Tolkien to Rayner Unwin
#526
Carpenter #177
Tolkien expresses his agreement with critics' negative views on the radio adaptation of The Lord of the Rings. Tolkien anticipates negative responses to...
12 December 1955
J.R.R. Tolkien to Allen & Unwin Ltd.
#527
Carpenter #178
Tolkien writes about Victorian Warwickshire as an inspiration for the Shire. Additional quotes from this letter appear in Chronology. The original is he...
14 December 1955
J.R.R. Tolkien to Hugh Brogan
#528
Carpenter #179
Tolkien is happy to accept criticism of The Lord of the Rings.
1956
14 January 1956
J.R.R. Tolkien to Mr. Thompson
#529
Carpenter #180
Tolkien expresses gratitude for a reader's encouraging letter. He writes that his work began during World War I and evolved into the invention of legend...
?Late January 1956
J.R.R. Tolkien to Notes on W. H. Auden’s review of The Return of the King
#532
Carpenter #183
These are Tolkien's notes based on a review by W.H. Auden. He argues that his story is not an allegory of his personal experiences but a depiction of hu...
18 March 1956
J.R.R. Tolkien to Sam Gamgee
#533
Carpenter #184
Tolkien writes to a Mr Sam Gamgee from Tooting. He mentions how he came up with the name Gamgee, and mentions "cotton-wool" and the Gamgee family from B...
19 March 1956
J.R.R. Tolkien to Christopher Tolkien
#534
Carpenter #185
Tolkien wrote to Christopher about #TCGLetter533.
April 1956
J.R.R. Tolkien to Joanna de Bortadano
#535
Carpenter #186
Tolkien dismisses the idea that his story is an allegory of atomic power. Tolkien mentions the significance of humility and equality as spiritual princi...
3 April 1956
J.R.R. Tolkien to Allen & Unwin Ltd.
#536
Carpenter #188
Tolkien expresses his strong concern about the translation of The Lord of the Rings. As a professional linguist and the author of the work, he emphasize...
11 April 1956
J.R.R. Tolkien to M. Wilson
#537
Carpenter #189
Tolkien responded to Mrs. Wilson stating that The Lord of the Rings should really be read by adults, as it was not a work aimed at children.
16 April 1956
J.R.R. Tolkien to H [Humphrey]. Cotton Minchin
#243
Carpenter #187
Tolkien describes himself as a philologist, and sometime calligrapher. An index of Elvish names was intended to be produced, noting that his 'specialist...
?Late June or July 1956
J.R.R. Tolkien to Houghton Mifflin Co.
#531
Carpenter #182
Tolkien hoped that he would be able to publish parts of The Silmarillion After the success of The Lord of the Rings he hoped it may be reconsidered.
3 July 1956
J.R.R. Tolkien to Rayner Unwin
#538
Carpenter #190
Tolkien expresses strong objections to the Dutch translation of The Lord of the Rings. He vehemently opposes any alteration or translation of the nomenc...
26 July 1956
J.R.R. Tolkien to Miss J. Burn
#553
Carpenter #191
Tolkien reflects on Frodo's role in the destruction of the Ring and discusses the theological implications of his actions. Tolkien rejects the notion of...
27 July 1956
J.R.R. Tolkien to Amy Ronald
#554
Carpenter #192
Tolkien responds to a letter discussing Frodo's perceived failure in the story. Tolkien defends Frodo's inability to surrender the Ring as an inevitable...
2 November 1956
J.R.R. Tolkien to Terence Tiller
#555
Carpenter #193
Tolkien discusses the concept of "accent" in the context of representing different languages, particularly the Common Speech (C.S.) in his legendarium. ...
6 November 1956
J.R.R. Tolkien to Terence Tiller
#556
Carpenter #194
Tolkien responds to Mr Tiller regarding a dramatic or semi-dramatic representation of The Lord of the Rings. He questions whether listeners unfamiliar w...
15 December 1956
J.R.R. Tolkien to Amy Ronald
#557
Carpenter #195
Tolkien discusses Frodo's attitude towards weapons and clarifies that Frodo was not a modern "pacifist."
1957
21 March 1957
J.R.R. Tolkien to Katharine Farrer
#558
Carpenter #196
Tolkien mentions Jack Lewis and acknowledges having limited knowledge of Lewis's troubles. In the 2023 revised edition of Letters, a brief introductory ...
9 May 1957
J.R.R. Tolkien to Rayner Unwin
#559
Carpenter #197
Tolkien expresses gratitude for a letter from GA&U and contemplates the idea of retiring in July and reflects on the financial and health implications. ...
19 June 1957
J.R.R. Tolkien to Rayner Unwin
#560
Carpenter #198
Tolkien expresses a personal openness to the idea of an animated motion picture based on his work.
24 June 1957
J.R.R. Tolkien to Caroline Everett
#561
Carpenter #199
Tolkien was not inclined to offer any biographical details, as he doubted their relevance. Though he does go on to give some biographical facts. This le...
25 June 1957
J.R.R. Tolkien to Major Bowen
#562
Carpenter #200
Tolkien provides an explanation of Sauron's nature and his role in the world.
7 September 1957
J.R.R. Tolkien to Rayner Unwin
#576
Carpenter #201
Tolkien expresses dissatisfaction with the current script for the proposed film version of The Lord of the Rings. Previously, Wayne G. Hammond and Chris...
11 September 1957
J.R.R. Tolkien to Christopher and Faith Tolkien
#577
Carpenter #202
Tolkien describes his meeting with Sir Stanley Unwin and Mr Ackerman, they decided upon a policy to deal with film rights.
17 November 1957
J.R.R. Tolkien to Herbert Schiro
#327
Carpenter #203
In response to a letter from Herbert Schiro asking about allegory in The Lord of the Rings, Tolkien quite angrily dismisses these readings. Much of this...
7 December 1957
J.R.R. Tolkien to Rayner Unwin
#578
Carpenter #204
Tolkien discusses a letter from Halsbury expressing admiration for the Silmarillion material and anticipation for its publication. Tolkien mentions a le...
1958
21 February 1958
J.R.R. Tolkien to Christopher Tolkien
#579
Carpenter #205
Tolkien congratulates Christopher on a paper that he gave at St Anne's College.
8 April 1958
J.R.R. Tolkien to Rayner Unwin
#580
Carpenter #206
Tolkien describes in great detail his trip to Rotterdam.
8 April 1958
J.R.R. Tolkien to Rayner Unwin
#581
Carpenter #207
Tolkien expresses his intent to review the "Story-Line" provided by Zimmerman for the animated film adaptation of The Lord of the Rings. Tolkien indicat...
10 April 1958
J.R.R. Tolkien to Cees Ouboter
#582
Carpenter #208
Tolkien describes the 'message' in The Lord of the Rings.
4 May 1958
J.R.R. Tolkien to Robert Murray, S.J.
#583
Carpenter #209
Tolkien discusses philology and the original meaning of words.
9 June 1958
J.R.R. Tolkien to Forrest J. Ackerman
#584
Carpenter #210
After receiving the script sent from Morton Grady Zimmerman Tolkien replies with (in parts) stinging criticism. He opens by apologising for sounding irr...
[late 1958-early 1959]
J.R.R. Tolkien to A.C. Nunn
#586
Carpenter #214
Tolkien describes Hobbit history and the process of giving and receiving gifts in the Shire.
14 October 1958
J.R.R. Tolkien to Rhona Beare
#400
Carpenter #211
Tolkien responds to questions, explaining the inspiration and meaning behind various elements in The Lord of the Rings. Tolkien concludes by emphasizing...
14 October 1958
J.R.R. Tolkien to Rhona Beare
#585
Carpenter #212
Tolkien describes the creation of the World and then of the Dwarves by Aulë in draft that was never sent to Beare.
25 October 1958
J.R.R. Tolkien to Deborah Webster
#340
Carpenter #213
Tolkien expresses reluctance to divulge personal details but acknowledges some significant facts about himself. He shares personal preferences, includin...
1959
17 April 1959
J.R.R. Tolkien to Walter Allen
#590
Carpenter #215
Tolkien declines to take part in a symposium on Children's writing in draft form, but ends up sending just a short note.
12 August 1959
J.R.R. Tolkien to Deputy Registrar, University of Madras
#591
Carpenter #216
Tolkien declines an appointment as a member of a Board of Examiners.
11 September 1959
J.R.R. Tolkien to Allen & Unwin
#592
Carpenter #217
Tolkien writes about the Polish translation of The Lord of the Rings. A slightly different quotation from the letter is given in Chronology from that re...
9 October 1959
J.R.R. Tolkien to Eric Rogers
#593
Carpenter #218
Tolkien replies about an English usage question referring to has or have.
15 October 1959
J.R.R. Tolkien to Naomi Mitchison
#596
Carpenter #219
Tolkien discusses his retirement.
16 October 1959
J.R.R. Tolkien to Allen & Unwin
#594
Carpenter #220
A Cambridge cat breeder had asked if she could register a litter of Siamese kittens under names taken from The Lord of the Rings.
24 November 1959
J.R.R. Tolkien to D. M. Hawke, First Assistant Registrar, Oxford University
#597
Carpenter #221
Tolkien writes to D. M. Hawke (First Assistant Registrar, Oxford University) on the Board of the Faculty of English about his retirement.
9 December 1959
J.R.R. Tolkien to Rayner Unwin
#598
Carpenter #222
Tolkien writes to Rayner about his translations of Sir Gawain and the Green Knight and Pearl.
1960
31 July 1960
J.R.R. Tolkien to Rayner Unwin
#599
Carpenter #223
Tolkien's publishing commitments are catching up with him. Chronology reproduced a slightly longer selection of the letter than what appears in Letters....
12 September 1960
J.R.R. Tolkien to Christopher Tolkien
#600
Carpenter #224
Tolkien comments on the C.S. Lewis book Studies in Words.
10 December 1960
J.R.R. Tolkien to Rayner Unwin
#601
Carpenter #225
Puffin Books, via Margaret S. Clark, had requested the rights to publish a paperback edition of The Hobbit on 30 November. After hearing of this from Ra...
31 December 1960
J.R.R. Tolkien to L.W. Forster
#602
Carpenter #226
Writing to L.W. Forster, Tolkien states that The Lord of the Rings was not influenced by the two World Wars, except for the landscape. Tolkien also writ...
1961
5 January 1961
J.R.R. Tolkien to Mrs E. C. Ossendrijver
#465
Carpenter #227
Of this letter, a large portion was published as Letter #227 in The Letters of J.R.R. Tolkien. In the opening portion of this letter to Madam Ossendrijv...
24 January 1961
J.R.R. Tolkien to Allen & Unwin
#603
Carpenter #228
Tolkien writes about including the Appendices of The Lord of the Rings in translations. Quoted selections from the letter appear in Chronology that are ...
23 February 1961
J.R.R. Tolkien to Allen & Unwin
#604
Carpenter #229
Tolkien’s commentary on Åke Ohlmarks’ introduction to the Swedish translation of The Lord of the Rings.
8 June 1961
J.R.R. Tolkien to Rhona Beare
#605
Carpenter #230
Answering various questions about The Lord of the Rings. A photocopy of original letter with a complete transcript is held at the Marquette archives.
4 October 1961
J.R.R. Tolkien to Jane Neave
#606
Carpenter #231
Tolkien writes to his Aunt Jane about publishing Tom Bombadil.
4 November 1961
J.R.R. Tolkien to Joyce Reeves
#607
Carpenter #232
Tolkien talks about his pre-WWI trip to the Alps.
15 November 1961
J.R.R. Tolkien to Rayner Unwin
#608
Carpenter #233
Allen & Unwin agree to publish The Adventures of Tom Bombadil.
22 November 1961
J.R.R. Tolkien to Jane Neave
#609
Carpenter #234
Tolkien sends some poems that he is considering for The Adventures of Tom Bombadil. A lecture he gave on fairy stories at St Andrews consolidated his vi...
6 December 1961
J.R.R. Tolkien to Pauline Baynes
#610
Carpenter #235
Pauline Baynes, who had illustrated Farmer Giles of Ham, had expressed herself willing to provide pictures for The Adventures of Tom Bombadil, and had b...
30 December 1961
J.R.R. Tolkien to Rayner Unwin
#611
Carpenter #236
Tolkien has read the Puffin Hobbit and was not impressed with changes made to the book. Chronology contains additional quoted material beyond what appea...
1962
12 April 1962
J.R.R. Tolkien to Rayner Unwin
#612
Carpenter #237
Tolkien discusses progress with The Adventures of Tom Bombadil. Chronology contains additional material quoted beyond what appears in Letters. The origi...
18 July 1962
J.R.R. Tolkien to Jane Neave
#613
Carpenter #238
Writing to his aunt, Jane Neave, and in a newly published portion of this letter Tolkien says that fan mail keeps arriving, some of it is interesting an...
20 July 1962
J.R.R. Tolkien to Alina Dadlez
#614
Carpenter #239
Writing to Alina Dadlez, Tolkien explains his displeasure at the Spanish translation of 'Hobbit' and remarks back to the "private fancies" of the transl...
1 August 1962
J.R.R. Tolkien to Pauline Baynes
#615
Carpenter #240
Pauline Baynes, who was illustrating The Adventures of Tom Bombadil, pointed out that the typescript of the title poem described Tom as wearing a peacoc...
8-9 September 1962
J.R.R. Tolkien to Jane Neave
#616
Carpenter #241
Tolkien writes about his lecture 'English and Welsh' and about 'Leaf by Niggle'.
28 November 1962
J.R.R. Tolkien to Sir Stanley Unwin
#617
Carpenter #242
The Adventures of Tom Bombadil was published on 22 November. Additional quotes and context appear in Chronology than what is in Letters. The original le...
19 December 1962
J.R.R. Tolkien to Michael Tolkien
#618
Carpenter #243
Tolkien sends a Christmas message to Michael. He mentions sales figures for The Adventures of Tom Bombadil and was very pleased that a ‘Festschrift’...
1963
c. 1963
J.R.R. Tolkien to Unknown
#619
Carpenter #244
A fragment at the top of which Tolkien has written: ‘Comments on a criticism (now lost?) concerning Faramir & Eowyn (c. 1963).’
25 June 1963
J.R.R. Tolkien to Rhona Beare
#620
Carpenter #245
Answers to the following questions: (1) In the ‘English runes’ used for Anglo-Saxon inscriptions, the rune does not stand for G as it does in The Lo...
20 September 1963
J.R.R. Tolkien to Colonel Worskett
#622
Carpenter #247
Tolkien writes about The Lord of the Rings, comparisons to The Hobbit, some discussion of the material being worked on for The Silmarillion, and a lengt...
22 September 1963
J.R.R. Tolkien to Eileen Elgar
#507
Carpenter #246
Tolkien answers questions about The Lord of the Rings, especially regarding the failure of Frodo. Marquette archives have a partial transcript along wit...
5 October 1963
J.R.R. Tolkien to Sir Stanley Unwin
#623
Carpenter #248
Allen & Unwin were to publish a paperback consisting of Tolkien’s lecture ‘On Fairy-stories’ and his short story ‘Leaf by Niggle’. An addition...
16 October 1963
J.R.R. Tolkien to Michael George Tolkien
#624
Carpenter #249
Tolkien describes his visit to the Hotel Miramar in Bournemouth. Chronology contains a few additional quotes from the letter that do not appear in Carpe...
1 November 1963
J.R.R. Tolkien to Michael Tolkien
#625
Carpenter #250
Tolkien thanks Michael for his letter. He gives him some fatherly advice and talks about his Christian faith. He was interested in how Michael George wa...
?Late November -?early December 1963
J.R.R. Tolkien to Michael Tolkien
#627
Carpenter #252
Tolkien writes about the death of C.S. Lewis.
26 November 1963
J.R.R. Tolkien to Priscilla Tolkien
#626
Carpenter #251
Tolkien discusses the death of C.S. Lewis.
23 December 1963
J.R.R. Tolkien to Rayner Unwin
#628
Carpenter #253
It had been agreed that the new paperback (see no. 248) should be given the title Tree and Leaf. Rayner Unwin asked if Tolkien could suggest a suitable ...
1964
9 January 1964
J.R.R. Tolkien to Rev. Denis Tyndall
#629
Carpenter #254
Tyndall, an old boy of King Edward’s, Birmingham, had written to Tolkien recalling their schooldays together.
5 March 1964
J.R.R. Tolkien to Eileen Elgar
#164
Carpenter #255
Eileen Elgar wrote to Tolkien asking for information about The Silmarillion. Included in his reply was a nine page manuscript, with genealogical tree il...
13 May 1964
J.R.R. Tolkien to Colin Bailey
#630
Carpenter #256
An account of Tolkien’s unfinished story ‘The New Shadow’. Hammond and Scull's Chronology mentions that this letter was started on May 13, but set...
16 July 1964
J.R.R. Tolkien to Christopher Bretherton
#631
Carpenter #257
Tolkien wrote that he usually typed letters because of his handwriting (which can be very difficult to read at times). He talks about the invention of h...
2 August 1964
J.R.R. Tolkien to Rayner Unwin
#632
Carpenter #258
During 1964 an Aquastroll hydrofoil, which made a trial crossing from Calais to Dover, was given the name Shadowfax (the name of the horse ridden by Gan...
7 August 1964
J.R.R. Tolkien to Anne Barrett (Houghton Mifflin)
#633
Carpenter #259
Tolkien discusses Charles Williams and then explains why Tree and Leaf is called Tree and Leaf.
16 August 1964
J.R.R. Tolkien to Carey Blyton
#634
Carpenter #260
Blyton had asked Tolkien’s permission to compose a Hobbit Overture.
30 August 1964
J.R.R. Tolkien to Anne Barrett (Houghton Mifflin)
#635
Carpenter #261
A comment on an article about C. S. Lewis by one of his former pupils, George Bailey, in The Reporter, 23 April 1964.
7 September 1964
J.R.R. Tolkien to Michael di Capua
#636
Carpenter #262
Tolkien responds to a query from Pantheon Books about writing a preface to George MacDonald’s The Golden Key. It never got past the draft stage, but l...
10 September 1964
J.R.R. Tolkien to Houghton Mifflin
#637
Carpenter #263
Tolkien is not happy with the design of HMCo's Tree and Leaf.
11 September 1964
J.R.R. Tolkien to Joy Hill
#638
Carpenter #264
Tolkien really does not like the design of HMCo's Tree and Leaf. He comments negatively on Carole Ward's proposal for a serialization of The Lord of the...
11 November 1964
J.R.R. Tolkien to David Kolb, S.J.
#639
Carpenter #265
Tolkien was asked about his views on the works of C.S. Lewis.
1965
6 January 1965
J.R.R. Tolkien to Michael George Tolkien
#571
Carpenter #266
In this letter from Tolkien to his grandson, who was studying at St. Andrew's University, Tolkien apologizes that his translations of Sir Gawain and the...
9-10 January 1965
J.R.R. Tolkien to Michael Tolkien
#640
Carpenter #267
Tolkien talks about the death of Dr C.T. Onions and his memories of Fr. Francis.
19 January 1965
J.R.R. Tolkien to Miss A. P. Northey
#641
Carpenter #268
Tolkien describes what happened to Shadowfax at the end of The Lord of the Rings (he went with Gandalf into the West).
12 May 1965
J.R.R. Tolkien to W.H. Auden
#642
Carpenter #269
Auden had asked Tolkien if the notion of the Orcs, an entire race that was irredeemably wicked, was not heretical.
20 May 1965
J.R.R. Tolkien to Rayner Unwin
#644
Carpenter #270
Tolkien had sent Unwin the typescript of his new story Smith of Wootton Major. It seemed to Unwin to need the companionship of other stories to make a s...
25 May 1965
J.R.R. Tolkien to Rayner Unwin
#645
Carpenter #271
Tolkien writes about revising The Lord of the Rings. Additional quotes from this letter concerning the revising of Sir Gawain are published in Chronolog...
20 July 1965
J.R.R. Tolkien to Zillah Sherring
#646
Carpenter #272
In a second-hand bookshop in Salisbury, Wiltshire, Zillah Sherring found and bought a copy of The Fifth Book of Thucydides which contained a number of s...
21 July 1965
J.R.R. Tolkien to Nan C. Scott
#647
Carpenter #273
Mrs Scott was a leading campaigner in the battle to keep the pirate edition of The Lord of the Rings out of the American bookshops.
28 July 1965
J.R.R. Tolkien to Austin Olney
#648
Carpenter #274
Tolkien discusses revising The Lord of the Rings and the maps. Additional quotes can be found in the Chronology entry for this letter. The original is i...
4 August 1965
J.R.R. Tolkien to W.H. Auden
#649
Carpenter #275
Auden had invited Tolkien to contribute to a festschrift marking the retirement of Nevill Coghill. He also asked if Tolkien knew that a ‘New York Tolk...
12 September 1965
J.R.R. Tolkien to Dick Plotz
#650
Carpenter #276
Tolkien writes about The Silmarillion, the Númenórean legends, and his friendship with C.S. Lewis. He discusses the formation of the Tolkien Society o...
12 September 1965
J.R.R. Tolkien to Rayner Unwin
#651
Carpenter #277
In August 1965 Ballantine Books produced the first ‘authorized’ American paperback of The Hobbit, without incorporating Tolkien’s revisions to the...
20 October 1965
J.R.R. Tolkien to Clyde S. Kilby
#652
Carpenter #278
In the portion of this letter published in The Letters of J.R.R. Tolkien he writes to Kilby about book, Light on C.S. Lewis. From a personal visit to th...
30 October 1965
J.R.R. Tolkien to Michael George Tolkien
#653
Carpenter #279
Tolkien discusses money worries. Other parts of the letter are detailed in The J.R.R. Tolkien Companion and Guide: Chronology.
8 November 1965
J.R.R. Tolkien to Rayner Unwin
#1010
Carpenter #280
Tolkien is working on drafts of Sir Gawain and Pearl and finding interesting words and passages that he hopes to write up for academic journals. An expa...
15 December 1965
J.R.R. Tolkien to Rayner Unwin
#654
Carpenter #281
Tolkien writes about a new UK paperback edition of The Hobbit. He comments on replacing the note explaining Bilbo's changed story and the two Thrains wi...
18 December 1965
J.R.R. Tolkien to Clyde S. Kilby
#655
Carpenter #282
Professor Kilby, of Wheaton College, Illinois, had met Tolkien while visiting Oxford in 1964. He now offered to return to England and help Tolkien in an...
1966
7 January 1966
J.R.R. Tolkien to Benjamin P. Indick
#656
Carpenter #283
An example of a stock reply to readers.
23 February 1966
J.R.R. Tolkien to W.H. Auden
#657
Carpenter #284
Auden told Tolkien that he had agreed to write a short book about him, in collaboration with Peter H. Salus, for a seres entitled Christian Perspectives...
8 April 1966
J.R.R. Tolkien to W.H. Auden
#658
Carpenter #285
Tolkien writes about his reaction to Auden's comments on his house.
27 April 1966
J.R.R. Tolkien to A. E. Couchman
#659
Carpenter #286
The following is one of many short replies that Tolkien wrote at this period of his life to readers who asked questions about his books. Its characteris...
10 May 1966
J.R.R. Tolkien to Joy Hill
#660
Carpenter #287
Tolkien’s telephone number was still in the Oxford directory, and he was sometimes bothered by calls from ‘fans’. A harsh critique of a particular...
10 May 1966
J.R.R. Tolkien to Professor Norman Davis
#661
Carpenter #288
Tolkien writes about a bust being made of him. His daughter-in-Law is the sculpter and he has decided to have it cast in bronze at his own expense. It w...
29 July 1966
J.R.R. Tolkien to Michael George Tolkien
#662
Carpenter #289
Tolkien discusses the etymology of Mirkwood. Brief quotes from this letter included in Chronology show that he also talked about the typewriters he uses...
28 October 1966
J.R.R. Tolkien to Michael George Tolkien
#663
Carpenter #290
Tolkien's grandson is studying at Oxford. Tolkien writes about his views on 'research' and reading Smith of Wootton Major the previous week instead of g...
22 November 1966
J.R.R. Tolkien to Walter Hooper
#664
Carpenter #291
Hooper had sent Tolkien a new volume of Lewis’s writings, which he had edited.
12 December 1966
J.R.R. Tolkien to Joy Hill
#665
Carpenter #292
Tolkien had been sent details of a proposed ‘sequel’ to The Lord of the Rings that a ‘fan’ was going to write himself.
29 December 1966
J.R.R. Tolkien to William Foster
#666
Carpenter #293
Tolkien was asked to be interviewed for The Scotsman.
1967
8 February 1967
J.R.R. Tolkien to Charlotte and Denis Plimmer
#667
Carpenter #294
The Plimmers had recently interviewed Tolkien for the Daily Telegraph Magazine, and had now sent him a draft of their article, the finished version of w...
29 March 1967
J.R.R. Tolkien to W.H. Auden
#668
Carpenter #295
Tolkien writes to W.H. Auden and remarks that he was delighted to receive his letter, noting that it "did much to restore my spirits". He was pleased th...
21 July 1967
J.R.R. Tolkien to Rayner Unwin
#669
Carpenter #296
Tolkien thanks Rayner for his friendship.
August 1967
J.R.R. Tolkien to Mr Rang
#670
Carpenter #297
At the top, Tolkien has written: ‘Some reflections in preparing an answer to a letter from one Mr Rang about investigations into my nomenclature. In t...
11 September 1967
J.R.R. Tolkien to William Luther White
#671
Carpenter #298
White had written to Tolkien asking for information regarding the Inklings. Tolkien replies with some brief information "from memory". He says that the ...
12 December 1967
J.R.R. Tolkien to Roger Lancelyn Green
#672
Carpenter #299
Tolkien thanks Green for his review of Smith of Wootton Major.
1968
20 February 1968
J.R.R. Tolkien to Walter Hooper
#673
Carpenter #300
With reference to C. S. Lewis’s verse ‘We were talking of dragons, Tolkien and I / In a Berkshire bar. . . .’ This short poem, first printed in...
29 February 1968
J.R.R. Tolkien to Donald Swann
#674
Carpenter #301
The BBC made a documentary programme, Tolkien in Oxford, which was filmed in early February and televised on 30 March 1968. Swann, whose musical setting...
2 May 1968
J.R.R. Tolkien to Time-Life International
#675
Carpenter #302
Tolkien is not happy to be asked to be photographed pretending to be at work.
6 May 1968
J.R.R. Tolkien to Nicholas Thomas
#676
Carpenter #303
Tolkien writes about Sarehole Mill.
4 June 1968
J.R.R. Tolkien to Clyde S. Kilby
#677
Carpenter #304
Tolkien writes about his move to the South Coast of England. In a portion that remains unpublished, Tolkien also spends some time complaining about Will...
26 June 1968
J.R.R. Tolkien to Rayner Unwin
#678
Carpenter #305
On 17 June, while preparing to move house, Tolkien fell downstairs and injured his leg. This letter was written from hospital in Oxford.
11 October 1968
J.R.R. Tolkien to Michael Tolkien
#679
Carpenter #306
Tolkien writes to Michael about his trip to Switzerland and writes about his own trip in 1911. He also talks about 'trends' in the Catholic Church and h...
14 November 1968
J.R.R. Tolkien to Amy Ronald
#680
Carpenter #307
Amy sent Tolkien some Port and Sherry.
1969
2 January 1969
J.R.R. Tolkien to Christopher Tolkien
#681
Carpenter #308
Tolkien wishes Christopher a happy 1969.
2 January 1969
J.R.R. Tolkien to Amy Ronald
#682
Carpenter #309
Tolkien replies to a letter from Amy Ronald. He explains his names and the different ways that family and friends address him.
20 May 1969
J.R.R. Tolkien to Camilla Unwin
#683
Carpenter #310
Rayner Unwin’s daughter Camilla was told, as part of a school ‘project’, to write and ask: ‘What is the purpose of life?’
31 July 1969
J.R.R. Tolkien to Christopher Tolkien
#684
Carpenter #311
Tolkien and Edith are not well and feeling cut-off.
16 November 1969
J.R.R. Tolkien to Amy Ronald
#685
Carpenter #312
Tolkien discusses his love of botany.
25 November 1969
J.R.R. Tolkien to Michael Tolkien
#686
Carpenter #313
Tolkien wishes he had an 'elven' grammar and vocabulary.
15 December 1969
J.R.R. Tolkien to Christopher Tolkien
#687
Carpenter #314
Tolkien writes about teaching.
1970
1 January 1970
J.R.R. Tolkien to Michael George Tolkien
#387
Carpenter #315
Tolkien discusses his problems with progressing with the Silmarillion. An additional portion of the letter has been quoted on Michael Tolkien's website.
11 September 1970
J.R.R. Tolkien to Robert Burchfield
#279
Carpenter #316
Tolkien discusses an O.E.D. dictionary definition of Hobbit.
1 November 1970
J.R.R. Tolkien to Amy Ronald
#412
Carpenter #317
Tolkien writes to Amy about his house and plans for Christmas.
22 November 1970
J.R.R. Tolkien to Neil Ker
#413
Carpenter #318
Tolkien reminisces about A.S. Napier.
1971
8 January 1971
J.R.R. Tolkien to Roger Lancelyn Green
#414
Carpenter #319
Tolkien writes to Roger about his thoughts on the origin of the word Hobbit.
25 January 1971
J.R.R. Tolkien to Mrs Ruth Austin
#415
Carpenter #320
Tolkien discusses Galadriel. He notes that he owes much of her character to Catholocism and Christian teachings.
4 February 1971
J.R.R. Tolkien to P. Rorke, S.J.
#416
Carpenter #321
Tolkien describes the Caverns of Helm's Deep as being influenced by Cheddar Gorge.
18 March 1971
J.R.R. Tolkien to William Cater
#417
Carpenter #322
Tolkien writes about progress on the Silmarillion.
about 2 June 1971
J.R.R. Tolkien to Christopher Tolkien
#418
Carpenter #323
Tolkien describes his visit to Sidmouth.
4-5 June 1971
J.R.R. Tolkien to Graham Tayar
#419
Carpenter #324
Tolkien writes about about the use of the name ‘Gamgee’ in The Lord of the Rings, and whether the name ‘Gondor’ had been suggested by Gondar in ...
17 July 1971
J.R.R. Tolkien to Roger Lancelyn Green
#420
Carpenter #325
Tolkien writes about Aman and what happens to mortals, such as Frodo, when they go there. In a portion published in the C.S. Lewis Biography by Green To...
24 July 1971
J.R.R. Tolkien to Rayner Unwin
#421
Carpenter #326
Tolkien writes to Rayner about his becoming Chairman of GA&U. A brief quote about Edith's health is reproduced in Chronology.
25 August 1971
J.R.R. Tolkien to Dr. Robert Boyer
#298
Carpenter #327
Tolkien replies to Dr. Boyer about W.H. Auden whom he regarded as a "great friend" and supporter. In a handwritten postscript (or separate undated lette...
Autumn 1971
J.R.R. Tolkien to Carole Batten-Phelps
#422
Carpenter #328
Tolkien talks about The Lord of the Rings and confesses that he feels it no longer belongs to him.
October 1971
J.R.R. Tolkien to Peter Szabó Szentmihályi
#423
Carpenter #329
Tolkien shares his views on author's biographies.
1 November 1971
J.R.R. Tolkien to William Cater
#424
Carpenter #330
Tolkien thanks William Cater for his letter, He had been interviewed by William Cater for the Sunday Times. The article was published on the 2nd January...
29 November 1971
J.R.R. Tolkien to William Cater
#425
Carpenter #331
Tolkien writes to William Cater about the death of his wife, "Edith Tolkien" and his utter bereavement. In the 2023 revised edition of Letters, a brief ...
1972
24 January 1972
J.R.R. Tolkien to Michael Tolkien
#426
Carpenter #332
Tolkien writes to his son about the very generous accommodation offered to him by Merton College in Oxford.
16 March 1972
J.R.R. Tolkien to Rayner Unwin
#427
Carpenter #333
Tolkien invites Rayner and his wife to visit him in his new flat at Merton.
30 March 1972
J.R.R. Tolkien to Rayner Unwin
#428
Carpenter #334
Tolkien thanks Rayner for organizing his trip to London to Buckingham Palace to be awarded the C.B.E., a party at the Garrick Club in his honour and sta...
18 May 1972
J.R.R. Tolkien to Michael Salmon
#429
Carpenter #335
Tolkien explains that he does not have time to comment on his works.
23 May 1972
J.R.R. Tolkien to Sir Patrick Browne
#430
Carpenter #336
Tolkien writes about being a cult figure.
25 May 1972
J.R.R. Tolkien to Mr Wrigley
#431
Carpenter #337
Tolkien discusses the sources of The Lord of the Rings.
?6 June 1972
J.R.R. Tolkien to Fr. Douglas Carter
#432
Carpenter #338
Tolkien discusses the question, did the Ents ever find the Entwives?
30 June 1972 (published 4 July)
J.R.R. Tolkien to The Daily Telegraph
#49
Carpenter #339
Tolkien writes to the Daily Telegraph newspaper about an editorial which they published on the 29th June 1972. He objects to having his name used as an ...
11 July 1972
J.R.R. Tolkien to Christopher Tolkien
#433
Carpenter #340
Tolkien writes to Christopher about Edith, her headstone, his thoughts of her as Lúthien and a visit to GA&U's headquarters.
17 September 1972
J.R.R. Tolkien to Marjorie Incledon
#434
Carpenter #341
Tolkien discusses his living situation at Merton College. His fame forces him to live behind locked doors.
9 November 1972
J.R.R. Tolkien to Mrs Meriel Thurston
#435
Carpenter #342
Tolkien is asked about Elvish names for bulls and herds of cattle.
21 November 1972
J.R.R. Tolkien to Sterling Lanier
#436
Carpenter #343
Tolkien describes his use for a drinking goblet sent to him, inscribed with the One Ring inscription. Published (in part) as letter 343 from The Letters...
23 November 1972
J.R.R. Tolkien to Edmund Meskys
#437
Carpenter #344
Tolkien talks about numerals in The Lord of the Rings. A photocopy with a complete transcript is held at the Marquette archives.
30 November 1972
J.R.R. Tolkien to Mrs Meriel Thurston
#438
Carpenter #345
A continuation of #Letter342, where Tolkien continues to discuss naming animals.
13 December 1972
J.R.R. Tolkien to Lyle Leach
#439
Carpenter #346
Tolkien expounds upon Gandalf's statement "He that breaks a thing to find out what it is have left the path of wisdom" when responding to someones "dest...
17 December 1972
J.R.R. Tolkien to Richard Jeffery
#384
Carpenter #347
A reply to the following questions: (1) Does ‘Speak, friend, and enter’ (the inscription over Moria Gate) mean ‘Speak as a friend’, i.e. in a fr...
1973
6 March 1973
J.R.R. Tolkien to Mrs Catharine Findlay
#385
Carpenter #348
Tolkien responds an enquiry about Galadriel.
8 March 1973
J.R.R. Tolkien to Mrs E. R. Ehrardt
#386
Carpenter #349
Tolkien discusses the origins of the name Tolkien.
24 May 1973
J.R.R. Tolkien to C.L. Wiseman
#383
Carpenter #350
Tolkien writes to Christopher Wiseman and thinks of his friends in the T.C.B.S.
29 May 1973
J.R.R. Tolkien to Christopher Tolkien
#382
Carpenter #351
Tolkien writes to Christopher about his trip to the Tolhursts and news of Priscilla's holiday in Crete.
5 June 1973
J.R.R. Tolkien to Ungfrú Aðalsteinsdottir
#381
Carpenter #352
Tolkien is pleased that The Hobbit is being translated into Icelandic.
4 August 1973
J.R.R. Tolkien to Lord Halsbury
#380
Carpenter #353
Tolkien writes about his current views on Galadriel which changed frequently through out his life.
29 August 1973
J.R.R. Tolkien to Priscilla Tolkien
#316
Carpenter #354
This letter to Priscilla was written four days before Tolkien's death. Tolkien had a difficult day, losing his bank card and money, and having trouble m...
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