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Guide to Tolkien's Letters
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Guide to Tolkien's Letters

Letters written by J.R.R. Tolkien: 1223 Carpenter's Letters: 354 Revised Letters: 508 New in Revised Letters: 154 Updated in Revised Letters: 46 By J.R.R. Tolkien but not in Letters: 715 Letters to J.R.R. Tolkien: 239 Not to or from J.R.R. Tolkien: 198 All letters: 1659 Recent additions

Appearing in Carpenter's Revised Letters

(508 letters match)

1914

c. 23 (or 26*) October 1914

J.R.R. Tolkien to Edith Bratt Letters #1

Written during Tolkiens final undergraduate year at Oxford. Describes his studies and social interactions. Note on the dating of this letter: Humphrey C...

27 November 1914

J.R.R. Tolkien to Edith Bratt Letters #2

Writing to Edith, Tolkien describes his day. He had dinner with a man called Earp (T.W. Earp, the Secretary of the Exeter College Essay Club) and attend...

1915

26 November 1915

J.R.R. Tolkien to Edith Bratt Letters #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 th...

1916

J.R.R. Tolkien to Edith Bratt Letters #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 that ...

J.R.R. Tolkien to G. B. Smith Letters #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 Letters #6

Tolkien writes to the wife of Joseph Wright (editor of the English Dialect Dictionary and whom Tolkien had studied philology with at Oxford) thanking he...

1925

J.R.R. Tolkien to [University of Oxford Electors] Letters #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 Re...

J.R.R. Tolkien to Vice Chancellor of Leeds University Letters #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...

1934

21 January 1934

J.R.R. Tolkien to John Tolkien Letters #8a

Writing to his son John, Tolkien asks about the credits he will take and also that he noted that his German books remained is his trunk after his holida...

1936

J.R.R. Tolkien to Christopher Tolkien Letters #8b

Writing to, Christopher, Tolkien says he misses his son but that he is glad Christopher’s little holiday has begun with fine weather. He discusses the...

21 October 1936

J.R.R. Tolkien to Michael Tolkien Letters #8c

Tolkien sends birthday wishes for his son Michael. He says that he has heard from John that he is short of cash and apologizes for his lack of help but ...

1937

J.R.R. Tolkien to Susan Dagnall Letters #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 Letters #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 Letters #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...

12 February 1937

J.R.R. Tolkien to Michael Tolkien Letters #11a

Tolkien replies to Michaels letter. It appears that Michael has opted to change his work, but Tolkien would like to talk with Welch & Bostock first befo...

J.R.R. Tolkien to C.A. Furth Letters #11b

Tolkien writes to C. A. Furth of GA&U acknowledging the two drawings which were “safely received”, he has placed them in the correct positions among...

J.R.R. Tolkien to Allen & Unwin Ltd. Letters #12

Concerning Tolkiens corrections to the text of The Hobbit, the cost of those corrections, and who would incur that cost, as well as details of his submi...

c. 16 April 1937

J.R.R. Tolkien to Priscilla Tolkien Letters #11c

Tolkien writes to his daughter Priscilla in April, 1937 while he is away on a walking tour of Somerset. He hopes to see her tomorrow. He remarks that he...

J.R.R. Tolkien to C.A. Furth Letters #13

Some of Tolkiens thoughts on the potential publication of The Hobbit in the USA as well as thoughts on American culture in general. Assumed ALS based on...

J.R.R. Tolkien to Allen & Unwin Ltd. Letters #14

Concerning the publication date of The Hobbit in the UK as well as some potentially early reviews of the book. Also Tolkiens reservations about his thou...

J.R.R. Tolkien to C.A. Furth (Allen & Unwin) Letters #15

Tolkien enclosed the last of his coloured illustrations for the American edition of The Hobbit. He asked Allen & Unwin to forward it to Houghton Mifflin...

17 September 1937

J.R.R. Tolkien to Stanley Unwin Letters #15a

Tolkien, writing to Stanley Unwin, apologizes for sounding ungrateful to him. Unwin had sent Tolkien a much welcomed cheque. He hopes that the Hobbit ea...

J.R.R. Tolkien to Christopher Tolkien Letters #15b

Writing to his son Christopher, Tolkien says how delighted he is to have received his letter, although he doesnt expect them. He, Edith, and Priscilla h...

J.R.R. Tolkien to Michael Tolkien Letters #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 fur...

15 October 1937

J.R.R. Tolkien to Stanley Unwin Letters #17

Tolkien was pleased that The Hobbit was being well received, though he suspected that the two glowing, unsigned reviews in The Times and the Times Liter...

23 October 1937

J.R.R. Tolkien to Stanley Unwin Letters #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. In...

22 November 1937

J.R.R. Tolkien to E.V. Gordon Letters #18a

Writing to his friend and colleague E.V. Gordon, Tolkien says of Gordon that he has been treated badly. He says that he cannot help enough on the Pearl ...

16 December 1937

J.R.R. Tolkien to Stanley Unwin Letters #19

Regarding Tolkiens next project after The Hobbit. He had previously discussed The Father Christmas Letters with Unwin and passed him manuscript of the Q...

19 December 1937

J.R.R. Tolkien to C.A. Furth Letters #20

I have written the first chapter of a new story about Hobbits – A long expected party. One page reproduced in the Silver Anniversary booklet and the G...

1938

1 February 1938

J.R.R. Tolkien to Allen & Unwin Ltd. Letters #21

Originally published as just a fragment of a letter, gauging Rayner Unwins interest in reading the sequel to The Hobbit. In the revised 2023 edition of ...

4 February 1938

J.R.R. Tolkien to C.A. Furth Letters #22

Tolkien sends his publisher a copy of ‘A Long-expected Party’, the first chapter of The Lord of the Rings. He also encloses errata for The Hobbit fo...

17 February 1938

J.R.R. Tolkien to C.A. Furth Letters #23

The publishers were again considering the publication of Mr Bliss, which had previously languished due to the complexity of the illustrations, but Tolki...

18 February 1938

J.R.R. Tolkien to Stanley Unwin Letters #24

Tolkien thanked Unwins son Rayner for his positive criticism of A Long-expected Party, but regretted that he has still not progressed past this first ch...

20 February 1938

J.R.R. Tolkien to Editor of the Observer Letters #25

On 16 January 1938 the Observer newspaper published a letter asking about the The Hobbits links to Beowulf and other branches of mythology, as well as t...

J.R.R. Tolkien to Stanley Unwin Letters #26

Tolkien writes to Stanley Unwin about C.S. Lewiss Out of the Silent Planet and gives his progress on the sequel to The Hobbit. He also mentions a letter...

J.R.R. Tolkien to Houghton Mifflin Co. Letters #27

Houghton Mifflin seemed to have asked Tolkien for drawings of Hobbits for some future edition of The Hobbit. Tolkien stated that such drawings should be...

J.R.R. Tolkien to Stanley Unwin Letters #28

On 1 June Unwin had told Tolkien that approximately 3,000 copies of the American edition of The Hobbit had been sold. In April, the book had been awarde...

J.R.R. Tolkien to C.A. Furth Letters #31

The Hobbit should have come out in 1938 instead of 1937, said Tolkien, because in 1939 he would have the time and mood to write the sequel. Current work...

J.R.R. Tolkien to Stanley Unwin Letters #29

Tolkien wrote to Stanley Unwin concerning a request made by Rütten & Loening Verlag. This German publishing house had enquired about a possible German ...

J.R.R. Tolkien to Rütten & Loening Verlag Letters #30

Rütten & Loening Verlag, a German publisher, had enquired about the possibility of a translation of The Hobbit, and asked about his ancestry and Aryan-...

J.R.R. Tolkien to John Masefield Letters #32

Masefield invited Tolkien to impersonate Chaucer in Oxford’s 1938 Summer Diversions to recite the Nun’s Priest’s Tale. With the invitation were so...

J.R.R. Tolkien to C.A. Furth Letters #33

Unspecified troubles led to the edge of a breakdown for Tolkien and he had been ordered by a doctor to rest. He had gotten Farmer Giles of Ham typed and...

13 October 1938

J.R.R. Tolkien to Stanley Unwin Letters #34

Tolkien stated that he had worked very hard for a month on the sequel to The Hobbit and had reached Chapter XI. He was thoroughly engrossed in it with a...

1939

2 February 1939

J.R.R. Tolkien to C.A. Furth Letters #35

Tolkien reported that the new story, The Lord of the Rings, had reached Chapter 12 and over 300 pages of manuscript. He foresaw at least 200 more pages ...

10 February 1939

J.R.R. Tolkien to C.A. Furth Letters #36

Tolkien had received a royalty check sent by Furth on February 8th for The Hobbit and he thanked him for it, calling it a tonic since he had the influen...

J.R.R. Tolkien to Michael Tolkien Letters #36a

Tolkien offers his sympathies to his son Michael as he has been bedridden with a bad cold. He has been very busy and feels he has neglected his son with...

15 September 1939

J.R.R. Tolkien to Phillip Unwin Letters #36b

Tolkien updates Phillip Unwin on the current situation at universities given the news of war with Germany. He says there will be a reduced demand, but s...

19 December 1939

J.R.R. Tolkien to Stanley Unwin Letters #37

Tolkien had agreed to write a forward to a revision by C.L. Wrenn of Clark Hall’s translation of Beowulf but had not answered several inquiries about ...

1940

J.R.R. Tolkien to Stanley Unwin Letters #38

Allen & Unwin had sent a letter on 27 March desperately asking for the promised forward to Clark Hall’s Beowulf, even if it was just a word or two. An...

J.R.R. Tolkien to Michael Tolkien Letters #38a

Tolkien replies to a letter from his son Michael where he had evidently spoken about his feelings about events of the world, studies, etc. Tolkien is re...

29 September 1940

J.R.R. Tolkien to Michael Tolkien Letters #39

Tolkien told his son Michael of two women, mother and daughter-in-law, who were staying with the Tolkiens during the Blitz. They went back to London tha...

J.R.R. Tolkien to Michael Tolkien Letters #40

Michael Tolkien volunteered for army service in September 1939. He was told to spend one year at a university and then enlist. He entered Trinity Colleg...

20 October 1940

J.R.R. Tolkien to Christopher Tolkien Letters #40a

Tolkien hopes that Christopher has not had air raids recently. He notes that he is very lonely without him close to home. Tolkien has been busy with ter...

1941

J.R.R. Tolkien to Michael Tolkien Letters #41

Tolkien told Michael that, now that his correspondence was in order, he could finally work on The Lord of the Rings again... for a short while, as the n...

12 January 1941

J.R.R. Tolkien to Michael Tolkien Letters #42

J.R.R. Tolkien sent Michael many letters while he convalesced in a Worcester hospital. In this letter, Tolkien chatted about the weather and an amusing ...

26 January 1941

J.R.R. Tolkien to Christopher Tolkien Letters #42a

Tolkien sends Christopher some money, and reminds him that it is important to remember birthdays, especially his mother’s. Tolkien then goes on to rem...

1 February 1941

J.R.R. Tolkien to Christopher Tolkien Letters #42b

Writing to Christopher, Tolkien remarks on the work of typing up Hobbit and how Edith and Priscilla are getting along. He then promises to write more.

23 February 1941

J.R.R. Tolkien to Christopher Tolkien Letters #42c

Tolkien says that he has neglected Christopher of late. He briefly mentions a trip out with Warnie Lewis and ‘Honest Humphrey’ Harvard. He and Micha...

J.R.R. Tolkien to Michael Tolkien Letters #43

Tolkien considered three ways by which men dealt with women: purely physical relationships, friendly relationships, and loving relationships. A purely p...

J.R.R. Tolkien to Michael Tolkien Letters #43a

Tolkien’s second son Michael evidently has informed his parents of his attachment to Joan Griffiths, a nurse at the Worcester Royal Infirmary, and Tol...

J.R.R. Tolkien to Michael Tolkien Letters #44

Tolkien told Michael of his mothers family, who were from Worcestershire. Mabel - to whom Michael owed much - was beautiful and full of wit, but died to...

J.R.R. Tolkien to Michael Tolkien Letters #45

One war is enough for any man, declared Tolkien, and he hoped Michael would be spared a second. He knew what Michael was suffering through. When he was ...

26 November 1941

J.R.R. Tolkien to R.W. Chapman Letters #46

R. W. Chapman, Secretary to the Delegates of the Oxford University Press, asked Tolkien for reminiscences about George S. Gordon (to possibly be include...

1942

7 December 1942

J.R.R. Tolkien to Stanley Unwin Letters #47

Unwin had written to say that Foyle’s bookshop in London would be issuing The Hobbit as part of their Childrens Book club, which enabled Allen and Unw...

1943

J.R.R. Tolkien to C.S. Lewis Letters #48

Lewis had been traveling around England giving talks on Christian religion to RAF stations and had become ill. Tolkien was sorry to hear that Lewis had ...

J.R.R. Tolkien to C.S. Lewis Letters #49

Tolkien began by stating that he had never been happy about Lewiss view of Christian policy regarding divorce, although he could not before say why. He ...

J.R.R. Tolkien to Christopher Tolkien Letters #49a

Tolkien was glad to get Christophers letter, he had been waiting to write, needing his new address. He mentions the weather, and fruits which are growin...

1 September 1943

J.R.R. Tolkien to Christopher Tolkien Letters #49b

Tolkien details a visit to Collegiate Church and describes the building. He then remarks on the people buried there and gives some historical context.

8 September 1943

J.R.R. Tolkien to Christopher Tolkien Letters #49c

Christopher had apparently been having a bad week, and Tolkien writes with his sympathies. He says to not spend “precious time” on letter writing, t...

13 September 1943

J.R.R. Tolkien to Christopher Tolkien Letters #49d

Tolkien has organized the next R.N.-R.A.F. course, he will have around 40 cadets and has to attend the Passing Out Parade of the R.N. tomorrow. He is al...

19 September 1943

J.R.R. Tolkien to Christopher Tolkien Letters #49e

Tolkien asks how Christopher has been getting on with flight training, he says that he has been very busy with letters and chores, but did manage to hea...

25 October 1943

J.R.R. Tolkien to Christopher Tolkien Letters #50

Tolkien describes how the trees look 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 Letters #51

Tolkien describes meeting C.E.B. Joad the night before at dinner with C.S. Lewis, and talks a bit about Joads visit to Russia. The dinner is described i...

3 November 1943

J.R.R. Tolkien to Christopher Tolkien Letters #51a

Tolkien had not managed to send Christopher his pipe yesterday, and sends it on to him with this letter. He and Edith received a long letter and were ha...

10 November 1943

J.R.R. Tolkien to Christopher Tolkien Letters #51b

Tolkien reports that he is tired, but has managed to get things done in his usual “programme”. He notes that he has heard two chapters from Charles ...

29 November 1943

J.R.R. Tolkien to Christopher Tolkien Letters #52

Tolkien claimed that his political opinions leaned increasingly to Anarchy (philosophically understood) or to unconstitutional Monarchy. He would arrest...

9 December 1943

J.R.R. Tolkien to Christopher Tolkien Letters #53

Tolkien was sickly amused that the bloodthirsty murderer Josef Stalin invited all nations to join to abolish tyranny and intolerance. Tolkien thought th...

15 December 1943

J.R.R. Tolkien to Christopher Tolkien Letters #53a

Tolkien writes to Christopher after hearing from his brother Michael that Christopher had been unwell again. Tolkien updates him on home life, with Edit...

1944

J.R.R. Tolkien to Christopher Tolkien Letters #53b

Tolkien replies to a letter from Christopher, he is glad to hear from him and notes his instructions for his tobacco. He has prayed constantly for his s...

J.R.R. Tolkien to Christopher Tolkien Letters #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 hea...

18 January 1944

J.R.R. Tolkien to Christopher Tolkien Letters #55

Tolkien related local news, of which the most personally memorable was a stay in an air raid warden room. Referring to the number one at the beginning o...

25 January 1944

J.R.R. Tolkien to Christopher Tolkien Letters #55a

Tolkien has not written for a week and speaks of his “shame of letting a whole week go”. He has been praying for Christopher constantly though. Tolk...

J.R.R. Tolkien to Christopher Tolkien Letters #56

Tolkien mentions the return of the Useless Quack, Robert Havard, who had joined the Navy medical corps and was on leave in Oxford. He then told of C.S. ...

J.R.R. Tolkien to Christopher Tolkien Letters #56a

Tolkien says they have received many letters from Christopher, he will feel much better when he knows that he has received theirs. Tolkien notes that he...

J.R.R. Tolkien to Christopher Tolkien Letters #57

Tolkien had seen the Lewis brothers the day before and lunched with C.S. Lewis. The indefatigable Lewis read part of a new story and put pressure on him...

J.R.R. Tolkien to Christopher Tolkien Letters #58

Tolkien told a story about finding himself in a carriage with an R.A.F. officer and a very nice young American Officer. A stroll around Tolkiens hometow...

J.R.R. Tolkien to Christopher Tolkien Letters #59

Tolkien reported seriously trying to finish his book, staying up late, re-reading and doing research. It was painfully sticky getting into the swing aga...

J.R.R. Tolkien to Christopher Tolkien Letters #59a

Tolkien writes to Christopher and mentions him sitting in his garden on a beautiful night around 2 a.m. Tolkien had struggled that day with a chapter an...

J.R.R. Tolkien to Christopher Tolkien Letters #60

Christopher had arrived in his training camp in South Africa and letters were beginning to flow again between him and his father. Tolkien missed his son...

J.R.R. Tolkien to Christopher Tolkien Letters #61

Tolkien had always opposed Christopher’s choice of service but at least he would be spared active service on the ground. Tolkien was glad his son got ...

J.R.R. Tolkien to Christopher Tolkien Letters #62

Tolkien had read his second chapter, Passage of the Dead Marshes, to Lewis and Williams and reported that they approved of it. He was nearly done with a...

J.R.R. Tolkien to Christopher Tolkien Letters #63

Tolkien had had the uncommon luxury of lying a-bed with toast, home-made marmalade, and Christophers recent letter. He had gotten only broken sleep due ...

J.R.R. Tolkien to Christopher Tolkien Letters #64

Tolkien missed his son and said that war was an utter stupid waste – materially, morally, and spiritually. Although the products of worldwide anguish ...

J.R.R. Tolkien to Christopher Tolkien Letters #65

Tolkien had seen C.S. Lewis and read another chapter. He said he would soon send Christopher copies.

J.R.R. Tolkien to Christopher Tolkien Letters #66

Tolkien expressed some comments about the slow airgraph system. The Professor and his son wrote a lot, but since their letters arrived late, they could ...

J.R.R. Tolkien to Christopher Tolkien Letters #67

Tolkien reported to Christopher about various every day affairs, including meetings with C.S. Lewis, Charles Williams and R.B. McCallum. He had found so...

J.R.R. Tolkien to Christopher Tolkien Letters #68

Tolkien spent a morning writing and was within sight of Minas Morghul. He had not gotten new copies typed to send to Christopher because he was pushing ...

J.R.R. Tolkien to Christopher Tolkien Letters #69

Tolkien had written a certain amount of The Lord of the Rings the day before but he had been hindered by needing to clean up his study and dealing with ...

J.R.R. Tolkien to Christopher Tolkien Letters #70

Tolkien had had the advantage of a bitterly cold week in which to write, but had struck a sticky patch. Everything sketched or written before was of lit...

J.R.R. Tolkien to Christopher Tolkien Letters #71

Letters from Christopher had poured in and Tolkien envied his sons stationing in Africa, which stirred a curious sense of reminiscence in him. Tolkien h...

J.R.R. Tolkien to Christopher Tolkien Letters #72

Tolkien had been to an Inklings meeting where a chapter of Warnie Lewiss book on Louis XIV had been heard, along with some excerpts from C.S. Lewiss Who...

J.R.R. Tolkien to Christopher Tolkien Letters #73

Tolkien reported that a great deal had happened at his end of the world. He expected that Christopher knew as much as he did, except that Tolkien mentio...

J.R.R. Tolkien to Christopher Tolkien Letters #73a

Tolkien had gone to bed early, and stayed there for nearly 10 hours, which he says has made him feel “worn out”. He mentions that he had received a ...

J.R.R. Tolkien to Stanley Unwin Letters #74

On 22 June Unwin sent Tolkien a substantial cheque for royalties on The Hobbit and let him know that his son Rayner Unwin was reading English at Oxford ...

J.R.R. Tolkien to Christopher Tolkien Letters #74a

Writing to Christopher, Tolkien gives news of C.S. Lewis and his need for an operation to remove some shrapnel, which he says must have been in his arm ...

J.R.R. Tolkien to Christopher Tolkien Letters #75

Tolkien wrote this letter in midget type. He explained that although he had written recently he had a great desire to communicate. He had been shopping ...

J.R.R. Tolkien to Christopher Tolkien Letters #76

Tolkien assured his son that he would not dream of altering Samwise Gamgees name without his approval, but the object of altering it was to bring out th...

J.R.R. Tolkien to Christopher Tolkien Letters #77

Tolkien reports in a newly published portion that he had received Christophers airletter of 24 July. He says that his day on Friday was “grim”, as h...

J.R.R. Tolkien to Christopher Tolkien Letters #78

Tolkien told his son that he carefully read his letters and that it was right for him to open his troubled heart, but not to think that any part of his ...

J.R.R. Tolkien to Christopher Tolkien Letters #79

Kroonstad, said Tolkien, was a real product of current English culture. Johannesburg is what it would like to be. Tolkien predicted that in twenty years...

3 September 1944

J.R.R. Tolkien to Christopher Tolkien Letters #80

Tolkien told Christopher of his attempts to teach Priscilla the meaning of G.K. Chestertons The Ballad of the White Horse.

19 September 1944

J.R.R. Tolkien to G.E. Selby Letters #80a

Tolkien writes to G.E. Selby, a family friend agreeing to act as a referee for his application to a post. In a newly published extract, which he hopes G...

20 September 1944

J.R.R. Tolkien to Stanley Unwin Letters #80b

Tolkien says that he has now seen Rayner twice. He regrets that he has not been able to help him but remarks on what a fine young man he is. He hopes th...

23-25 September 1944

J.R.R. Tolkien to Christopher Tolkien Letters #81

Christopher had sent back, with approval, several chapters of The Lord of the Rings that his father had sent. Tolkien was pleased and planned to send th...

30 September 1944

J.R.R. Tolkien to Christopher Tolkien Letters #82

Tolkien had just returned from a very poor production of Arms and the Man. While at the theatre he saw C. Williams with the lady who was typing Ring and...

J.R.R. Tolkien to Christopher Tolkien Letters #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 Letters #84

Tolkien began writing The Lord of the Rings again but hit an error in synchronizing the movements of Frodo and the others. It took a day or two to figur...

16 October 1944

J.R.R. Tolkien to Christopher Tolkien Letters #85

Tolkien reported struggling with the dislocated chronology of the Ring, which had interfered with other urgent and duller duties and had stopped his wri...

23 October 1944

J.R.R. Tolkien to Christopher Tolkien Letters #86

Tolkien told Christopher that he was bored and tired, and then discussed the topic blasphemy.

25 October 1944

J.R.R. Tolkien to Christopher Tolkien Letters #87

Along with this letter Tolkien sent two more chapters of the Ring to Christopher for his delectation and criticism. Since he thought the packet would no...

28 October 1944

J.R.R. Tolkien to Christopher Tolkien Letters #88

Tolkien lamented the fading of an empty year into darkness and wondered what the new year would bring.

1 November 1944

J.R.R. Tolkien to Christopher Tolkien Letters #88a

Tolkien was interested to hear that Christopher had run into “another of the Unwins”, Harold Unwin, a.k.a Chris. He says that Rayner was at Blackwel...

7-8 November 1944

J.R.R. Tolkien to Christopher Tolkien Letters #89

Christopher had referred to the care of his guardian angel was being held. Tolkien then gave a detailed description of his experience and his meditation...

13 November 1944

J.R.R. Tolkien to Christopher Tolkien Letters #89a

Tolkien had seen C.S. Lewis and he notes how Lewis had been interested in the “angelic question” which Tolkien had mentioned to him in an earlier le...

24 November 1944

J.R.R. Tolkien to Christopher Tolkien Letters #90

Tolkien and Edith had been amused by Christopher Tolkiens account of the Wings Ceremony. He wondered how his son had seen and remembered a quotation fro...

29 November 1944

J.R.R. Tolkien to Christopher Tolkien Letters #91

Tolkien sent Christopher the last two chapters of the Fourth Book, where it would be seen that Tolkien had gotten the hero into such a fix that not even...

29 November 1944

J.R.R. Tolkien to Christopher Tolkien Letters #91a

Tolkien says that he gave two lectures yesterday, which was an “appalling” day of weather but that he had an excellent morning “at the Bird” wit...

4 December 1944

J.R.R. Tolkien to Christopher Tolkien Letters #91b

Tolkien opens with the news that he has finished his Beowulf lectures . He has neglected academic matters in favour of working out the time-schemes and ...

10 December 1944

J.R.R. Tolkien to Christopher Tolkien Letters #91c

Tolkien has given himself an early Christmas gift in the form of a new pruner for the garden, and gives a humorous description of his cycling to the gar...

18 December 1944

J.R.R. Tolkien to Christopher Tolkien Letters #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 Letters #93

Tolkien was happy that Christopher had enjoyed the next three chapters of the Ring and told him new consignments should reach him about 10 December and ...

28 December 1944

J.R.R. Tolkien to Christopher Tolkien Letters #94

Tolkien was happy that Christopher had sent many letters and that more of Ring had arrived. His son liked it even though it seemed to have added to his ...

1945

J.R.R. Tolkien to Christopher Tolkien Letters #94a

Tolkien says he is struggling with letters, many of which he should have written at Christmas. He complains that the weather is bitterly cold and he can...

J.R.R. Tolkien to Christopher Tolkien Letters #94b

Tolkien continues to talk about the movie he and Edith saw remarking that his “mind and heart” are still thinking of it. He says that it has the qua...

15 January 1945

J.R.R. Tolkien to Christopher Tolkien Letters #94c

Tolkien says that he is still “under the influence” of the movie he and Edith saw a week ago and continues to talk about religion, God, and other as...

18 January 1945

J.R.R. Tolkien to Christopher Tolkien Letters #95

Tolkien enthused about reading Stentons Anglo-Saxon England. Tolkien hoped his son could one day delve into the story of the origins of their peculiar p...

30 January 1945

J.R.R. Tolkien to Christopher Tolkien Letters #96

Tolkien met Lewis at the Mitre for warmth and beer, where he received a telephone call informing him that Professor H.C. Wyld had died. This left Tolkie...

11 February 1945

J.R.R. Tolkien to Christopher Tolkien Letters #97

Tolkien reports wasting time writing a letter to the Catholic Herald (published as The Name Coventry). A sentimentalist correspondent had written about ...

17 February 1945

J.R.R. Tolkien to Christopher Tolkien Letters #97a

Tolkien says that he is finding lectures hard work, and that he is tired. He is surprised that he does not have written notes for Beowulf beyond approx....

23 February 1945

J.R.R. Tolkien to E.H. Connor Letters #97b

Tolkien discusses Chaucer, saying he had “little learning”, some Latin skill but lacked the talent for prose. Also on this day Tolkiens letter to th...

J.R.R. Tolkien to Christopher Tolkien Letters #97c

Tolkien writes to Christopher while in working with Cadets at the Taylorian . He is missing his son and wishes he could see him. He gives an update on t...

Undated (circa 18 March 1945)

J.R.R. Tolkien to Stanley Unwin Letters #98

Stanley Unwins elder son David had read Leaf by Niggle, called it exquisite, and suggested that it be published with other short stories by Tolkien. Unw...

J.R.R. Tolkien to Christopher Tolkien Letters #98a

A short excerpt from Tolkien to Christopher after he had been on leave. He describes seeing him again as like having an old tooth with a dulled ache. He...

J.R.R. Tolkien to Florence (Michal) Williams Letters #99

Tolkien sent his heart out in sympathy. He had grown to admire and love her husband and was more grieved than he could express. Father Gervase Mathew wo...

J.R.R. Tolkien to Christopher Tolkien Letters #100

Christopher had returned from South Africa and was stationed with the R.A.F. in Shropshire. He hoped to transfer to the Fleet Air Arm. J.R.R. Tolkien wo...

J.R.R. Tolkien to Christopher Tolkien Letters #101

The Civil Defense was staging a stand-down parade and Tolkien said he would drag himself to it. But he felt it was a mockery.

J.R.R. Tolkien to Christopher Tolkien Letters #102

Tolkien commented on the Atomic bombs, and denounced such tactics as utter folly.Tolkien ended the fragment with the statement that we are all in Gods h...

J.R.R. Tolkien to Christopher Tolkien Letters #102a

Tolkien writes to his son Christopher, informing him that the Inklings propose to consider him a permanent member. An extract from the letter appears in...

11 October 1945

J.R.R. Tolkien to Christopher Tolkien Letters #103

After being elected to the Merton Professorship of English Language and Literature, Tolkien became a Professorial Fellow of Merton College. After being ...

22 October 1945

J.R.R. Tolkien to Christopher Tolkien Letters #104

For the first time Tolkien dined at the Merton high table, which had been very agreeable but odd. The dons met, chatted amiably, and when enough were th...

1946

J.R.R. Tolkien to Stanley Unwin Letters #105

Unwin had been knighted and asked about progress on The Lord of the Rings. Tolkien, addressing him as Sir Stanley, felt he had treated him badly and sai...

30 September 1946

J.R.R. Tolkien to Stanley Unwin Letters #106

Allen and Unwin were enthusiastic about Farmer Giles of Ham but asked if more stories could be provided to fill up a volume. Tolkien was delighted that ...

7 December 1946

J.R.R. Tolkien to Stanley Unwin Letters #107

Tolkien reported receiving letters from Horus Engels about a German translation of The Hobbit, although he seemed he was not proposing himself as the tr...

1947

J.R.R. Tolkien to Stanley Unwin Letters #107a

Tolkien notes to Stanley Unwin that he has received the agreement for Farmer Giles of Ham, he would also send revised manuscripts for it in July Hammond...

J.R.R. Tolkien to Allen & Unwin Ltd. Letters #108

Tolkien returned his revised manuscript of Farmer Giles of Ham, having made many alterations which he hoped and thought were for the better. He pointed ...

J.R.R. Tolkien to Stanley Unwin Letters #109

A fair typescript of Book I of The Fellowship of the Ring had been given to Rayner Unwin and on 28 July 1947 he had sent his comments to Tolkien. Rayner...

20 September 1947

J.R.R. Tolkien to Allen & Unwin Ltd. Letters #110

The Houghton Mifflin Co. asked Allen and Unwin for permission to use several riddles from The Hobbit in a poetry anthology. Allen and Unwin suggested to...

21 September 1947

J.R.R. Tolkien to Stanley Unwin Letters #111

Tolkien stated that he had written a letter to Unwin on the last day of July but had laid it aside since it seemed too much of a bother about his works....

30 September 1947

J.R.R. Tolkien to Stanley Unwin Letters #111a

Tolkien writes to Stanley Unwin with regard to his visit of Merton Colleges estates in Cambridge, Leicestershire, and Lincolnshire between 22 and 25 Sep...

30 November 1947

J.R.R. Tolkien to Katharine Farrer Letters #112

Katharine Farrer, an Oxford-based detective author, had apparently asked for her copy of The Hobbit to be signed. Instead, Tolkien wrote her a note in R...

1948

25 January 1948

J.R.R. Tolkien to C.S. Lewis Letters #113

Apparently Tolkien and Lewis had been corresponding about Tolkiens criticisms of something Lewis had read aloud to the Inklings. This may have been part...

J.R.R. Tolkien to Hugh Brogan Letters #114

Brogan had read The Hobbit, and inquired about the world it played in. Tolkien informed him about Farmer Giles of Ham and the unfinished The Silmarillio...

15 June [?1948]

J.R.R. Tolkien to Katharine Farrer Letters #115

Tolkien was touched and excited by a kind letter Mrs. Farrer had sent to him. Although he had worked on these things since 1914 only C.S. Lewis and his ...

J.R.R. Tolkien to Allen & Unwin Ltd. Letters #116

Allen and Unwin had chosen Milein Cosman to illustrate Farmer Giles of Ham and, after many delays, sent Tolkien samples for his opinion. Tolkien was not...

31 October 1948

J.R.R. Tolkien to Hugh Brogan Letters #117

Tolkien told Brogan that he had gone into retreat in the summer and had successfully concluded The Lord of the Rings. It had been read and approved by R...

25 December 1948

J.R.R. Tolkien to Hugh Brogan Letters #118

Tolkien sent Hugh Brogan Christmas greetings in a note with three inscriptions. The first was a form of Angerthas not quite matching the dwarf-runes of ...

1949

28 February 1949

J.R.R. Tolkien to Allen & Unwin Ltd. Letters #119

Tolkien declared that he did not have the time to retype Farmer Giles and did not think it necessary. Typing a fair copy of The Lord of the Rings was a ...

J.R.R. Tolkien to Allen & Unwin Ltd. Letters #120

Pauline Baynes had been contracted to illustrate Farmer Giles of Ham. Tolkien had not seen her pictures until the day before. He wrote to say that he wa...

J.R.R. Tolkien to Allen & Unwin Ltd. Letters #121

Tolkien had referred to further legends of the Little Kingdom in the Foreword to of Farmer Giles of Ham in case he ever wrote more. But Georgius and Sue...

18 December 1949

J.R.R. Tolkien to Mrs. Naomi Mitchison Letters #122

A two page letter (single 5.5 x 7 inch sheet, both sides) in response to Mrs. Mitchisons praise of Farmer Giles of Ham. Tolkien mentions that FG was rea...

20 December 1949

J.R.R. Tolkien to Pauline Baynes Letters #122a

Tolkien writes to Baynes making mention that Lewis had been in touch and wishes her a Happy Christmas. She (Baynes) is illustrating Lewiss Lion, Witch b...

1950

5 February 1950

J.R.R. Tolkien to Milton Waldman Letters #123

Tolkien writes to Milton Waldman of the Collins Publishing co., who he had been introduced to in 1949. Waldman had been interested in publishing the Sil...

24 February 1950

J.R.R. Tolkien to Stanley Unwin Letters #124

Allen and Unwin sent Tolkien an enquiry from a Mr. Selby asking if he had written an Authentic History of Faery. After explaining that he had been busy ...

J.R.R. Tolkien to Stanley Unwin Letters #125

Tolkien said that a work of great length could be artificially divided, such as when the Oxford Dictionary had sections labeled Onomastical – Outing. ...

J.R.R. Tolkien to Milton Waldman Letters #126

Unwin wants to break up Tolkiens monstrous Saga, and Tolkien hopes Unwin will let the project go so Tolkien can publish The Lord of the Rings and The Si...

J.R.R. Tolkien to Stanley Unwin Letters #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 ...

J.R.R. Tolkien to Allen & Unwin Ltd. Letters #128

In July, Tolkien was sent proofs for a new edition of The Hobbit. Along with minor corrections, the new version of Chapter 5, Riddles in the Dark had be...

4 September 1950

J.R.R. Tolkien to Hugh Brogan Letters #128a

Writing to Hugh Brogan, Tolkien notes that he does not know what is happening with The Lord of the Rings which he had hoped would be published this year...

10 September 1950

J.R.R. Tolkien to Stanley Unwin Letters #129

For the new edition of The Hobbit, Tolkiens publishers asked for the precise wording for a note that explained the changes. People who had read both ver...

14 September 1950

J.R.R. Tolkien to Stanley Unwin Letters #130

Tolkien had, by way of example, sent in a new version of the chapter Riddles in the Dark, which Allen & Unwin included in the second edition of The Hobbit.

J.R.R. Tolkien to Hugh Brogan Letters #130a

Tolkien in a letter to Hugh Brogan gives him some updates on his health. He also says that “Drama” is a “bore”.

1951

J.R.R. Tolkien to Milton Waldman Letters #131

Tolkien noted that Waldman had asked for a brief sketch of his imaginary world. He said it was difficult to say anything without saying too much: the at...

1952

10 February 1952

J.R.R. Tolkien to Father John Tolkien Letters #132

Tolkien writes to his son John about a meal that he had with Lewis, which they called the ham-feast.

J.R.R. Tolkien to John Tolkien Letters #132a

Tolkien says that Edith is much happier but for the terrible noise in the street. He says that they will move into the room he currently uses as an offi...

J.R.R. Tolkien to Rayner Unwin Letters #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 George...

J.R.R. Tolkien to Rayner Unwin Letters #134

Tolkien was anxious to publish The Lord of the Rings as soon as possible as he thought it a great but not flawless work. He only had one copy that he da...

21 October 1952

J.R.R. Tolkien to Michael Tolkien Letters #134a

Tolkien writes to wish Michael a happy birthday for tomorrow. He is busy with work but offers his prayers and love to his son. He also mentions the arri...

24 October 1952

J.R.R. Tolkien to Rayner Unwin Letters #135

A printer had estimated that to recover costs The Lord of the Rings would have to be priced at £3 10s at a minimum and would cost more if divided into ...

12 November 1952

J.R.R. Tolkien to Rayner Unwin Letters #135a

Tolkien replies to Rayners letter and mentions his pleasure at the news of Allen & Unwins decision to publish The Lord of the Rings.

1953

Not dated (1953)

J.R.R. Tolkien to Basil Blackwell Letters #135b

Tolkien remarks to Basil Blackwell on the merits and shortcomings of a linguistic text being published in the near future. He points out that had he bee...

29 January 1953

J.R.R. Tolkien to Michael and Joan Tolkien Letters #135c

Writing to his son Michael and daughter-in-law Joan, Tolkien gives an update on their move to a new house, to 76 Sandfield Road. He notes that the start...

J.R.R. Tolkien to Norman Davis Letters #135d

Tolkien notes how it has been some time since he wrote, he has been meaning to but has been getting his affairs in order with his house move. He says th...

J.R.R. Tolkien to Rayner Unwin Letters #136

Following Allen & Unwins decision to publish The Lord of the Rings, Tolkien wrote that he could not make it by the agreed upon dead-line (March 25). Edi...

J.R.R. Tolkien to Rayner Unwin Letters #137

Tolkien had meant to write to Rayner sooner and apologized that it was already eleven days into April. At last Tolkien had completed Part I of The Lord ...

J.R.R. Tolkien to Norman and Lena Davis Letters #137a

Tolkien writing to Norman and Lena Davis begins by saying that he does not know how to call Davis, now that he has spent time with him and ate his “br...

J.R.R. Tolkien to Rayner Unwin Letters #137b

Tolkien asks Rayner Unwin for an update on galleys for The Lord of the Rings. He hopes that there will be little work as the copy was “pretty good”....

J.R.R. Tolkien to Allen & Unwin Letters #137c

Tolkien writes to Allen & Unwin asking if there will be opportunity for the book to be reviewed. He wants C.S. Lewis especially to be able to review the...

J.R.R. Tolkien to P.H. Newby Letters #137d

Tolkien writes to P.H. Newby of the BBC. Newby had been negotiating to broadcast some of Tolkiens translation of Sir Gawain but pressures meant that he ...

J.R.R. Tolkien to P.H. Newby Letters #137e

Tolkien writing to P.H. Newby of the BBC, apologies for his delay in sending the typescript of Sir Gawain and the Green Knight, which he has enclosed wi...

J.R.R. Tolkien to Christopher Tolkien Letters #138

Galley-proofs of Volume I of The Lord of the Rings were sent to Tolkien in mid-July. Tolkien told his son that they had proven a bore. They were endless...

J.R.R. Tolkien to Rayner Unwin Letters #139

Tolkien was told that it was desirable to have separate titles for each of the three volumes of The Lord of the Rings, referring to Tolkiens 24 March le...

J.R.R. Tolkien to Rayner Unwin Letters #140

Rayner Unwin had just visited Tolkien, and he thanked Rayner for coming and clearing things up. For the volumes of The Lord of the Rings Tolkien suggest...

J.R.R. Tolkien to Rayner Unwin Letters #140a

Tolkien writes, reminding Rayner that he will be in London the following day, he hopes Rayner will have time to lunch with him. He will arrive at Museum...

3 September 1953

J.R.R. Tolkien to P.H. Newby Letters #140b

The BBC had expressed a desire to split Sir Gawain into six episodes but Tolkien does not think he can improve the divisions further. But after consider...

23 September 1953

J.R.R. Tolkien to W.N. Beard Letters #140c

Tolkien apologizes for his delay in providing comments on the drawings. He does not think them satisfactory. He says that he should have been more caref...

J.R.R. Tolkien to Allen & Unwin Ltd. Letters #141

The maps were essential and urgent but Tolkien could not get them done. Enormous time had been spent without profit due to lack of skill plus being harr...

15 October 1953

J.R.R. Tolkien to P.H. Newby Letters #141a

Tolkien writes to P.H. Newby, giving details of his various health issues at present. He is suffering from laryngitis, lumbago, and sciatica. He still h...

19 November 1953

J.R.R. Tolkien to Rayner Unwin Letters #141b

Tolkien writes to Rayner, he has been struggling with ill-health through the term and only recently has he been able to deal with “many strands” of ...

30 November 1953

J.R.R. Tolkien to Rayner Unwin Letters #141c

Tolkien will bring his copy of the third volume for GA&U to use for costing but says it is yet to be revised and will need to be returned to him. He hop...

1 December 1953

J.R.R. Tolkien to Rayner Unwin Letters #141d

Tolkien writing to Rayner says that Volume Two reads “rather well” and notes that the first book contains very few errors. He hopes to arrive at the...

2 December 1953

J.R.R. Tolkien to Father Robert Murray Letters #142

Robert Murray had offered Tolkien some thought on The Lord of the Rings to which Tolkien replies. Tolkien was pleased by Murrays words of encouragement ...

10 December 1953

J.R.R. Tolkien to Katharine Farrer Letters #142a

Tolkien thanks Katharine Farrer Tolkien has a galley of Volume One of The Lord of the Rings which he has read only once, intended for Farrer to read, an...

1954

22 January 1954

J.R.R. Tolkien to Rayner Unwin Letters #143

Tolkien told Rayner Unwin he would send Book III, the first part of Volume II, carefully corrected. Book IV would follow later.

J.R.R. Tolkien to Allen & Unwin Letters #143a

Writing to Allen & Unwin, Tolkien says that he has today, sent by registered, the proof for the “General Map” with a second map for Part of the Shir...

J.R.R. Tolkien to Allen & Unwin Letters #143b

Tolkien, writing to Allen & Unwin, encloses possible jacket designs, one for The Fellowship of the Ring, and another for The Two Towers. Describing them...

J.R.R. Tolkien to Allen & Unwin Letters #143c

Tolkien sends Allen & Unwin proofs of various pages and notes that included rune for “33” are not good, also “59” which he has previous explaine...

J.R.R. Tolkien to Rayner Unwin Letters #143d

Tolkien has drawn a sketch for Volume III, but says he wont show it to Rayner as it is not constructive to point out the artificial divisions in the vol...

J.R.R. Tolkien to Allen & Unwin Letters #143e

Further to #TCGLetter1438, Tolkien says that p. 33 passes, p. 59 is improved. He has discovered “2 or 3” errors in the runic decoration on the title...

J.R.R. Tolkien to Naomi Mitchison Letters #144

Naomi Mitchison had a number of questions about the first two volumes of The Lord of the Rings. Tolkien began the letter by thanking her for all her let...

J.R.R. Tolkien to P.H. Newby Letters #144a

In reply to a letter from P.H. Newby, Tolkien says that a talk on the Third Programme would be a suitable subject but notes that it would be a controver...

J.R.R. Tolkien to Rayner Unwin Letters #145

Tolkien said that the Americans were not very amenable to criticism, but he thought their effort so poor that he had to make some effort to improve it. ...

J.R.R. Tolkien to Allen & Unwin Ltd, [to Ronald Eames] Letters #146

The Production Department had asked Tolkien to approve the design of the dust-jacket for The Lord of the Rings. Tolkien thought his opinion of the jacke...

J.R.R. Tolkien to Allen & Unwin Letters #146a

Tolkien addresses queries about The Two Towers by Allen and Unwins head reader. Tolkien found the close reading exraordiary. A large publisher will have...

J.R.R. Tolkien to Allen & Unwin Ltd. Letters #147

The publishers altered the design of the dust-jacket for The Lord of the Rings in light of Tolkiens objections in Letter 146. Tolkien had received his a...

J.R.R. Tolkien to Katharine Farrer Letters #148

Tolkien acknowledged that misprints still existed in Volume I, but nasturtians was deliberate and represented a final triumph over the high-handed print...

J.R.R. Tolkien to Katharine Farrer Letters #148a

Tolkien remarks on the morality of The Lord of the Rings and thanks the Farrer for paying close attention to such matters. He addresses the connections ...

9 September 1954

J.R.R. Tolkien to Rayner Unwin Letters #149

Tolkien found that the reviews were a great deal better than he had feared. They might have been better if quoting Ariosto had been avoided or without c...

18 September 1954

J.R.R. Tolkien to Allen & Unwin Ltd. Letters #150

Tolkien regretted that no copy for the Appendices had been sent. He was doing his best to produce them before the end of the month. His index had reache...

18 September 1954

J.R.R. Tolkien to Hugh Brogan Letters #151

Tolkien opined that part of the fascination with The Lord of the Rings was the incomplete vistas of legend and history. Brogan preferred goblins to orcs...

23 September 1954

J.R.R. Tolkien to Rayner Heppenstall Letters #152

Heppenstall asked what dialect the speakers should adopt for the radio program The Homecoming of Beorhtnoth, Beorhthelms Son. Tolkien replied that none ...

25 September 1954

J.R.R. Tolkien to Naomi Mitchison Letters #154

Tolkien explained why he had not written long before: he had been plagued by business, troubles, illness, and journeys. Mitchison was the only commentat...

25 September 1954

J.R.R. Tolkien to Naomi Mitchison Letters #155

Tolkien feared that he had been far too casual about magic and the use of the word, although criticism by Galadriel and others of the mortal use of the ...

27-30 September 1954

J.R.R. Tolkien to Peter Hastings Letters #153

Peter Hastings was the manager of the (Catholic) Newman Bookshop in Oxford. He wrote to Tolkien expressing enthusiasm for The Lord of the Rings but heav...

4 November 1954

J.R.R. Tolkien to Father Robert Murray Letters #156

Tolkien thanked Murray for his letter that contained comments on The Lord of the Rings. One of the reasons he could answer at once was because he had fi...

27 November 1954

J.R.R. Tolkien to Katharine Farrer Letters #157

Tolkien felt very mean, knowing that Katharine Farrer had been ill and troubled, and he had not communicated with her at all despite good intentions. He...

2 December 1954

J.R.R. Tolkien to Rayner Unwin Letters #158

Tolkien said that Houghton Mifflins The Two Towers blurb must have been written by someone who had not read the book, but relied on hearsay inaccurately...

20 December 1954

J.R.R. Tolkien to Rayner Unwin Letters #158a

Tolkien apologizes to Rayner for not having sent off the main matter earlier, and he details the hectic year he has had. More than any one person could ...

1955

J.R.R. Tolkien to Dora Marshall Letters #159

Tolkien stated that it took several years to get The Lord of the Rings published. He found it an unfailing delight to find his belief justified: that th...

J.R.R. Tolkien to Rayner Unwin Letters #160

Allen and Unwin were pressing for the remainder of the Appendices. Rayner Unwin wrote (on 2 March) that unless it arrived soon they would have to yield ...

J.R.R. Tolkien to Rayner Unwin Letters #161

The map is hell, proclaimed Tolkien, saying that he had not been careful with distances and that the large scale map simply revealed all the chinks in t...

J.R.R. Tolkien to Rayner Unwin Letters #162

Christopher Tolkien had beautifully re-drawn Tolkiens draft-map of the area with which Volume III was concerned.

J.R.R. Tolkien to Rayner Unwin Letters #162a

Tolkien is still not happy with the appendices going in with The Return of the King, but says that they will have to do. He remarks on the ability of th...

J.R.R. Tolkien to W. H. Auden Letters #163

Tolkien responded that he wrote the Trilogy for personal satisfaction since there was a scarcity of this sort of literature that he wanted to read. He w...

J.R.R. Tolkien to Naomi Mitchison Letters #164

Tolkien complained of having more work that he could cope with, plus the work on Vol. III. He was feeling as flat as a burst tire but might revive if th...

J.R.R. Tolkien to Houghton Mifflin Co. Letters #165

Out of sheet pity for any new enquirer, Tolkien enclosed a few notes in his letter for Houghton Mifflin. He stated that his name is TOLKIEN and not –k...

J.R.R. Tolkien to Allen & Unwin Letters #165a

Tolkien notes that the proofs sent to him arrived later than expected and notes that this will hurry matters, after his days of leisure have been cut sh...

J.R.R. Tolkien to Allen & Unwin Letters #165b

Tolkien received some additional proofs of The Return of the King back from the printers, and is still not happy with the result. He chalks it up to his...

J.R.R. Tolkien to Allen & Unwin Ltd. Letters #166

Tolkien informed the publishers that he had returned material sent to him but that it may have missed that day’s post. He realized that time was short...

J.R.R. Tolkien to Rayner Unwin Letters #166a

Tolkien informs Rayner that he will be in Gondor for a few days, but doubts that anything urgent will come up while he is away.

J.R.R. Tolkien to W.N. Beard Letters #166b

Tolkien says that he cannot answer Mr. Beards questions until he is back home and has a proof copy of the final text of Return of the King to look at.

J.R.R. Tolkien to Christopher & Faith Tolkien Letters #167

Tolkien described his vacation to Italy with Priscilla. They went to Assisi and Venice.

7 September 1955

J.R.R. Tolkien to Richard Jeffery Letters #168

Richard Jeffery, an Oxford student, had some etymological queries. Tolkien replied late, because he was on vacation in Italy (as described in Letter 167...

8 September 1955

J.R.R. Tolkien to Katharine Farrer Letters #168a

Tolkien remarks that his holiday in Italy only made him more tired and not at all rested. Combined with his anxieties over the Return of the King releas...

11 September 1955

J.R.R. Tolkien to Hugh Brogan Letters #169

Hugh Brogan discovered the word Numinor in C.S. Lewis That Hideous Strength, and asked Tolkien about it.

18 September 1955

J.R.R. Tolkien to Hugh Brogan Letters #171

Tolkien dismissed Brogans self-accusations of impertinency and sycophancy and said that anyone so appreciative and perceptive is entitled to criticism. ...

30 September 1955

J.R.R. Tolkien to Philip Unwin (Allen & Unwin Ltd.) Letters #170

Tolkien in writing to Philip Unwin says that the reader is correct, Tolkien had to extend the Entmoot to fit everything in. He also asks if The Return o...

12 October 1955

J.R.R. Tolkien to Philip Unwin (Allen & Unwin Ltd.) Letters #172

Allen and Unwin proposed 20 October 1955 as the publication date for The Return of the King. Tolkien beseeched them not to fail; it was the last possibl...

24 October 1955

J.R.R. Tolkien to Katharine Farrer Letters #173

Tolkien told of the publishing of The Return of the King on October 20 and the ODonnell lecture due on October 21.

10 November 1955

J.R.R. Tolkien to Lord Halsbury Letters #174

Lord Halsbury had suggested to Tolkien that if Allen and Unwin were unwilling to publish The Silmarillion commercially, perhaps it could be published by...

30 November 1955

J.R.R. Tolkien to Molly Waldron Letters #175

Tolkien comments on the first episodes of the radio adaptation of The Lord of the Rings that was airing at the time. Tolkien was less than happy. He cal...

J.R.R. Tolkien to Michael Straight Letters #181

Tolkien thanked Mr. Straight for his letter but asked if he had enjoyed The Lord of the Rings, which was written to amuse, as in to be readable. He stre...

8 December 1955

J.R.R. Tolkien to Naomi Mitchison Letters #176

After a holiday in Italy Tolkien returns and writes to Naomi Mitchison, a fellow novelist and his proofreader. Tolkien discusses the demands on his time...

8 December 1955

J.R.R. Tolkien to Rayner Unwin Letters #177

Although Tolkien agreed with the critics view of the radio adaptations of The Lord of the Rings he was annoyed when this group that had not read the boo...

12 December 1955

J.R.R. Tolkien to Allen & Unwin Ltd. Letters #178

Tolkien described his inspiration for the Shire; that of a Warwickshire village around the time of the Diamond Jubilee of Queen Victoria (1897). Additio...

14 December 1955

J.R.R. Tolkien to Hugh Brogan Letters #179

Brogan had previously sent Tolkien a letter containing criticism that, in hindsight, he thought was stupid and tactless. Tolkien replied to him that he ...

20 December 1955

J.R.R. Tolkien to John Tolkien Letters #179a

Tolkien writes to his eldest son, Father John Tolkien, saying that he will miss him at Christmas time but knows that he will see him soon. He says he is...

20 December 1955

J.R.R. Tolkien to Joan Anne Tolkien Letters #179b

Tolkien writes to granddaughter Joan and says that he really enjoyed her birthday party, and that she is growing so fast. He has enclosed some money for...

1956

J.R.R. Tolkien to Rayner Unwin Letters #179c

Tolkien says he has had no time to revisit The Silmarillion, but hoping to in the near future. He makes a point to thank Rayner Unwin for all his help i...

14 January 1956

J.R.R. Tolkien to Mr. Thompson Letters #180

Tolkien said he recognized the arrogance of his self-imposed task of restoring to the English an epic tradition and mythology and found it wonderful tha...

?Late January 1956

J.R.R. Tolkien to Notes on W. H. Auden’s review of The Return of the King Letters #183

Middle-earth was not an imaginary world, stated Tolkien. It was a modernized form of the 13th century midden-erd, the abiding place of Men and their obj...

J.R.R. Tolkien to Sam Gamgee Letters #184

Following the 1955 radio series of The Lord of the Rings, a Tooting resident named Sam Gamgee wrote to Tolkien on March 13, 1956. On March 18, Tolkien r...

J.R.R. Tolkien to Christopher Tolkien Letters #185

Tolkien commented on Letter 184, from a Sam Gamgee of Tooting. The last fragment of the letter commented on Allen & Unwins prognosis for book sales, ext...

J.R.R. Tolkien to Joanna de Bortadano Letters #186

Joanna De Bortadano had asked Tolkien whether The Lord of the Rings was an allegory of Atomic power. Tolkien told her it was not; if there was any power...

J.R.R. Tolkien to Allen & Unwin Ltd. Letters #188

Allen & Unwin had signed an agreement to publish a Dutch translation of The Lord of the Rings, and asked for Tolkiens approval. Tolkien wrote them that ...

J.R.R. Tolkien to Hugh Brogan Letters #188a

Tolkien tells Hugh that although he will be delighted to see him, there are few hobbits left in Old Marston and Old Headington.

J.R.R. Tolkien to M. Wilson Letters #189

Tolkien responded to a reader, Mrs. M. Wilson, who had apparently told him of the interest The Lord of the Rings received from children.

J.R.R. Tolkien to H [Humphrey]. Cotton Minchin Letters #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. Letters #182

Tolkien vowed to publish parts of his great history, if he was allowed. Because of the surprising success of The Lord of the Rings he expected the prior...

J.R.R. Tolkien to Rayner Unwin Letters #190

Tolkien had been sent a list of translations to the nomenclature for the first translation of The Lord of the Rings, into Dutch by Max Schuchart. Tolkie...

J.R.R. Tolkien to Miss J. Burn Letters #191

Tolkien urged Burns to re-read all passages dealing with Frodo and the Ring. She would see that it was quite impossible for him to surrender the Ring at...

J.R.R. Tolkien to Amy Ronald Letters #192

Tolkien told Ronald that he had just gotten another letter about Frodos failure (see Letter 191). Few had observed it, he said, but from the logic of th...

2 November 1956

J.R.R. Tolkien to Terence Tiller Letters #193

Tiller, adapting and producing the BBC Third Program version of The Lord of the Rings, had written to Tolkien asking for advice on accents. Tolkien took...

6 November 1956

J.R.R. Tolkien to Terence Tiller Letters #194

Tolkien had made two rapid readings of three episodes sent to him by Tiller and decided to make some comments before it was too late. He did not offer c...

6 November 1956

J.R.R. Tolkien to Michael Tolkien Letters #194a

Writing to son Michael, Tolkien muses on his faith and how it brings him solace in times of trouble, he details how it helps, how it sometimes is a burd...

24 November 1956

J.R.R. Tolkien to Rayner Unwin Letters #194b

In regards to the Dutch translation of The Lord of the Rings, Tolkien says he has not the time or energy to be overly critical of it, and in any case ha...

15 December 1956

J.R.R. Tolkien to Amy Ronald Letters #195

Tolkien told Miss Ronald that Frodo did not like weapons, but was not a pacifist in modern terms. Tolkien went on to tell Miss Ronald of his Catholicism...

1957

3 February 1957

J.R.R. Tolkien to Rayner Unwin Letters #195a

Tolkien says that work is still getting in the way of him spending any time on The Silmarillion. He is having trouble with a professor in America as wel...

J.R.R. Tolkien to Rayner Unwin Letters #195b

Tolkien apologizes to Rayner for being exhausted at their previous meeting and says he is recovering from a very stressful school term. He says that he ...

J.R.R. Tolkien to Katharine Farrer Letters #196

Tolkien believed that Mrs Farrer had been much concerned about Jack Lewis’s troubles. Tolkien knew little beyond cautious hints of the extremely discr...

J.R.R. Tolkien to Michael George Tolkien Letters #196a

Tolkien discusses various matters including academic news, Hebrew, work with The Jerusalem Bible, the Book of Jonah. Excerpts from this letter were publ...

J.R.R. Tolkien to Rayner Unwin Letters #197

Allen and Unwin had sent Tolkien a substantial check for his earnings from The Lord of the Rings. Had he known of the bombshell earlier Tolkien said he ...

J.R.R. Tolkien to Rayner Unwin Letters #198

An (unidentified) American filmmaker had expressed interest in making a cartoon film of The Lord of the Rings. Tolkien welcomed the idea of an animated ...

J.R.R. Tolkien to Caroline Everett Letters #199

Tolkien was both complementary and sorry to be the subject of Everetts thesis. He was disinclined to offer any biographical details since he doubted its...

J.R.R. Tolkien to Major Bowen Letters #200

Tolkien explained that Sauron was always de-bodied when vanquished. He was one of the minor angelic spirits, belonging to the race of intelligent beings...

4 September 1957

J.R.R. Tolkien to Rayner Unwin Letters #200a

Tolkien informs Rayner that he has had a meeting with Forrest J. Ackerman, acting for three persons, who were interested in filming The Lord of the Ring...

7 September 1957

J.R.R. Tolkien to Rayner Unwin Letters #201

Writing to Rayner Unwin, Tolkien gives some thoughts on the material left with him by Forrest J. Ackerman, including the script of Morton Grady Zimmerma...

11 September 1957

J.R.R. Tolkien to Christopher and Faith Tolkien Letters #202

Tolkien describes his meeting with Sir Stanley Unwin and Mr Ackerman, they decided upon a policy of Art or Cash when dealing with film rights.

17 November 1957

J.R.R. Tolkien to Herbert Schiro Letters #203

In response to a letter from Herbert Schiro asking about allegory in The Lord of the Rings, with comparisons as five wizards = five senses, and Orcs are...

7 December 1957

J.R.R. Tolkien to Rayner Unwin Letters #204

Tolkien writes to Rayner Unwin about translations and an index for The Lord of the Rings.

13 December 1957

J.R.R. Tolkien to Rayner Unwin Letters #204a

Tolkien gives his thoughts to Rayner on the continuing work to try and turn the Lord of the Rings into a film. He gives his thoughts on the people wanti...

1958

21 February 1958

J.R.R. Tolkien to Christopher Tolkien Letters #205

Tolkien congratulates Christopher on a paper that he gave at St Annes College.

J.R.R. Tolkien to Messrs. Voorhoeve en Dietrich Letters #205a

Tolkien thanks Ouboter for the invitation to the festival, and says he is mostly looking forward to it. He points out that his understanding of Dutch is...

J.R.R. Tolkien to Messrs. Voorhoeve en Dietrich Letters #205b

Tolkien writes a letter thanking Mr. Ouboter regarding his visit to Holland. He says that the sooner he can return there, the better.

J.R.R. Tolkien to Rayner Unwin Letters #206

Tolkien describes in great detail his trip to Rotterdam.

J.R.R. Tolkien to Rayner Unwin Letters #207

Tolkien writes to Rayner Unwin about the Zimmerman adaption of The Lord of the Rings. Some additional quotes beyond what appear in Letters are reproduce...

J.R.R. Tolkien to C. Ouboter Letters #208

Tolkien describes the message in The Lord of the Rings.

J.R.R. Tolkien to Robert Murray, S.J. Letters #209

Tolkien discusses philology and the original meaning of words.

J.R.R. Tolkien to Forrest J. Ackerman Letters #210

After receiving the script sent from Morton Grady Zimmerman Tolkien replies with (in parts) stinging criticism. He opens by apologising for sounding irr...

14 October 1958

J.R.R. Tolkien to Rhona Beare Letters #211

Covering more than six pages, Tolkien replied to several questions asked by Rhona Beare. A draft of this letter was included as Letter 212. Sam chanted ...

14 October 1958

J.R.R. Tolkien to Rhona Beare Letters #212

Tolkien describes the creation of the World and then of the Dwarves by Aulë in draft that was never sent to Beare.

23 October 1958

J.R.R. Tolkien to Marjorie Incledon Letters #212a

Tolkien discusses his decision on moving house after retirement, and his frustrations on the work being done to his current residence. He discusses how ...

25 October 1958

J.R.R. Tolkien to Deborah Webster Letters #213

Tolkien says he does not like giving facts about himself, other than dry ones. Not only for personal reasons but Tolkien says he dislikes contemporary c...

1959

[late 1958-early 1959]

J.R.R. Tolkien to A.C. Nunn Letters #214

Tolkien describes Hobbit history and the process of giving and receiving gifts in the Shire.

4 February 1959

J.R.R. Tolkien to [Father] Alex Jones Letters #214a

Tolkien expresses his hope that he will upon retirement, be able to work on a new Bible translation but expresses concerns for Ediths health and says th...

J.R.R. Tolkien to Michael Tolkien Letters #214b

Writing to his son Michael, Tolkien remarks on the state of their house, and Ediths recovery from a broken arm. He also talks about his recent health st...

J.R.R. Tolkien to Walter Allen Letters #215

Tolkien declines to take part in a symposium on Childrens writing in draft form, but ends up sending just a short note.

J.R.R. Tolkien to Rayner Unwin Letters #215a

Tolkien tells Rayner that he would like his translation of Sir Gawain and the Green Knight to be published next and details his work on Ancrene Wisse. H...

J.R.R. Tolkien to Deputy Registrar, University of Madras Letters #216

Tolkien declines an appointment as a member of a Board of Examiners.

11 September 1959

J.R.R. Tolkien to Allen & Unwin Letters #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...

J.R.R. Tolkien to Eric Rogers Letters #218

Tolkien replies about an English usage question referring to has or have.

15 October 1959

J.R.R. Tolkien to Naomi Mitchison Letters #219*

Tolkien discusses his retirement. *PLEASE NOTE THAT IN THE ORIGINAL EDITION THIS LETTER WAS NUMBERED #220

16 October 1959

J.R.R. Tolkien to Allen & Unwin Letters #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. * PLEASE NOTE THAT IN ...

8 November 1959

J.R.R. Tolkien to Naomi Mitchison Letters #220a

Writing to Naomi Mitchison, Tolkien apologizes that he has not been able to see her. He and Edith had gone away to Beournemouth and her letters, twice d...

24 November 1959

J.R.R. Tolkien to D. M. Hawke, First Assistant Registrar, Oxford University Letters #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 Letters #222

Tolkien writes to Rayner about his translations of Sir Gawain and the Green Knight and Pearl.

1960

9 February 1960

J.R.R. Tolkien to Rayner Unwin Letters #222a

Tolkien informs Rayner that by way of looking at the Scunthorpe lists This letter is held at the Tolkien–George Allen & Unwin archive, HarperCollins.

12 February 1960

J.R.R. Tolkien to Rayner Unwin Letters #222b

Tolkien tells Rayner that he is getting to his work on the translations of Sir Gawain and Pearl, in addition to The Silmarillion, however the arrival of...

29 February 1960

J.R.R. Tolkien to Rayner Unwin Letters #222c

Tolkien asks Rayners thoughts on publishing small or minor bits having to do with the Ring Cycle. He says that he is being asked for these, and that the...

J.R.R. Tolkien to Allen & Unwin Letters #222d

Writing to Allen & Unwin, Tolkien says that he has been sent five more copies of Sagam om Ringen, he notes that Swedish is not especially popular in Eng...

J.R.R. Tolkien to Jane Neave Letters #222e

Tolkien tells Jane Neave that he will send her a long instalment for reference.

J.R.R. Tolkien to Rayner Unwin Letters #222f

Writing to Rayner Unwin, Tolkien tells him that he has had very little time for literary work of late, but says that the latest royalty check from The H...

J.R.R. Tolkien to Rayner Unwin Letters #223

Tolkiens 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 Letters #224

Tolkien comments on the C.S. Lewis book Studies in Words.

10 December 1960

J.R.R. Tolkien to Rayner Unwin Letters #225

Tolkien discusses Puffin Books offer to print The Hobbit.

31 December 1960

J.R.R. Tolkien to L.W. Forster Letters #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. The 2023 revised ...

1961

J.R.R. Tolkien to Mrs E. C. Ossendrijver Letters #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 Letters #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 ...

13 February 1961

J.R.R. Tolkien to [Father] Alex Jones Letters #228a

Tolkien writes to Father Alex Jones apologizing for being late in his submission to the new Bible translation project, and says that he has been stuck i...

23 February 1961

J.R.R. Tolkien to Allen & Unwin Letters #229

Tolkien’s commentary on Åke Ohlmarks’ introduction to the Swedish translation of The Lord of the Rings.

J.R.R. Tolkien to Rhona Beare Letters #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.

J.R.R. Tolkien to Jane Neave Letters #231

Tolkien writes to his Aunt Jane about publishing Tom Bombadil.

Not dated (November 1961)

J.R.R. Tolkien to Joan Anne Tolkien Letters #231a

Tolkien describes the changes to the town of Oxford since he has been living there. He says that many of the changes are not for the better, noise, cong...

4 November 1961

J.R.R. Tolkien to Joyce Reeves Letters #232

Tolkien talks about his pre-WWI trip to the Alps.

15 November 1961

J.R.R. Tolkien to Rayner Unwin Letters #233

Allen & Unwin agree to publish The Adventures of Tom Bombadil.

22 November 1961

J.R.R. Tolkien to Jane Neave Letters #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 Letters #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 Letters #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

J.R.R. Tolkien to Rayner Unwin Letters #237

Tolkien discusses progress with The Adventures of Tom Bombadil. Chronology contains additional material quoted beyond what appears in Letters. The origi...

J.R.R. Tolkien to Jane Neave Letters #238

Writing to his aunt, Jane Neave, and in a newly published From the original Letters, 1981. Tolkien had sent Jane a cheque, but she returned it suggestin...

J.R.R. Tolkien to Alina Dadlez Letters #239

Writing to Alina Dadlez, Tolkien explains his displeasure at the Spanish translation of Hobbit and remarks back to the private fancies of the translator...

J.R.R. Tolkien to Rayner Unwin Letters #239a

Tolkien informs Rayner Unwin that he is now in residence until 2 October and will return on 10 October as he is once again involved in term. He is stand...

J.R.R. Tolkien to Pauline Baynes Letters #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 Letters #241

Tolkien writes about his lecture English and Welsh and about Leaf by Niggle.

2 November 1962

J.R.R. Tolkien to Rayner Unwin Letters #241a

Tolkien says that as Rayner knows, The Adventures of Tom Bombadil began, with his Aunt Jane. he asks that a complimentary copy be sent to her and charge...

?19 November, 1962

J.R.R. Tolkien to Rayner Unwin Letters #241b

In secret, Allen & Unwin had been putting a Festschrift together to present to Tolkien on his 70th birthday. Tolkien writes to to congratulate Rayner fo...

28 November 1962

J.R.R. Tolkien to Sir Stanley Unwin Letters #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...

16 December 1962

J.R.R. Tolkien to Austin and Katharine Farrer Letters #242a

Tolkien gives thanks for a gift of a booklet on the Rosary and says that he has benefited from it tremendously. He gives his reasoning for coming to the...

19 December 1962

J.R.R. Tolkien to Michael Tolkien Letters #243

Tolkien wished Mick a merry Christmas. After his retirement, so the Professor told, he was short of money, but Allen & Unwin paid his royalties for the ...

1963

J.R.R. Tolkien to Unknown Letters #244

A fragment at the top of which Tolkien has written: ‘Comments on a criticism (now lost?) concerning Faramir & Eowyn (c. 1963).’

J.R.R. Tolkien to Rhona Beare Letters #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 Letters #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 Letters #246

Tolkien answers questions about The Lord of the Rings, especially regarding the failure of Frodo. An excerpt from the letter has appeared in Sothebys En...

J.R.R. Tolkien to Sir Stanley Unwin Letters #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 Letters #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...

20 October 1963

J.R.R. Tolkien to Christopher Tolkien Letters #249a

Tolkien writes to Christopher to congratulate him in a way on being named a Fellow at Exeter College.

1 November 1963

J.R.R. Tolkien to Michael Tolkien Letters #250

Tolkien remarked that Michael apparently had not inherited a dislike of letter-writing, but the inability to write briefly. Inevitably it meant that the...

?Late November -?early December 1963

J.R.R. Tolkien to Michael Tolkien Letters #252

Tolkien writes about the death of C.S. Lewis.

26 November 1963

J.R.R. Tolkien to Priscilla Tolkien Letters #251

Tolkien discusses the death of C.S. Lewis.

23 December 1963

J.R.R. Tolkien to Rayner Unwin Letters #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

J.R.R. Tolkien to Rev. Denis Tyndall Letters #254

Tyndall, an old boy of King Edward’s, Birmingham, had written to Tolkien recalling their schooldays together.

8 February 1964 (not sent)

J.R.R. Tolkien to Christopher Tolkien Letters #254a

Tolkien writes to Christopher. He reflects on the unwillingness of contemporary society to discuss complicated issues in the public square, and alludes ...

J.R.R. Tolkien to Eileen Elgar Letters #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...

J.R.R. Tolkien to Colin Bailey Letters #256

An account of Tolkien’s unfinished story ‘The New Shadow’. See #Letter338 for more about the events after The Lord of the Rings. Chronology mentio...

J.R.R. Tolkien to Christopher Bretherton Letters #257

Tolkien assured Bretherton that typing was not a discourtesy. He usually typed since his handwriting tended to start fair but then drift into picturesqu...

J.R.R. Tolkien to Rayner Unwin Letters #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...

J.R.R. Tolkien to Anne Barrett Letters #259

Tolkien is asked why Tree and Leaf is called Tree and Leaf.

J.R.R. Tolkien to Carey Blyton Letters #260

Blyton had asked Tolkien’s permission to compose a Hobbit Overture.

J.R.R. Tolkien to Anne Barrett Letters #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 Letters #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 Letters #263

Tolkien is not happy with the design of HMCos Tree and Leaf.

11 September 1964

J.R.R. Tolkien to Joy Hill Letters #264

Tolkien really does not like the design of HMCos Tree and Leaf. He comments negatively on Carole Wards proposal for a serialization of The Lord of the R...

11 November 1964

J.R.R. Tolkien to David Kolb, S.J. Letters #265

Tolkien was asked about his views on the works of C.S. Lewis.

1965

J.R.R. Tolkien to Michael George Tolkien Letters #266

In this letter from Tolkien to his grandson, who was studying at St. Andrews University, Tolkien apologizes that his translations of Sir Gawain and the ...

9-10 January 1965

J.R.R. Tolkien to Michael Tolkien Letters #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 Letters #268

Tolkien describes what happened to Shadowfax at the end of The Lord of the Rings (he went with Gandalf into the West).

J.R.R. Tolkien to W.H. Auden Letters #269

Auden had asked Tolkien if the notion of the Orcs, an entire race that was irredeemably wicked, was not heretical.

J.R.R. Tolkien to Rayner Unwin Letters #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...

J.R.R. Tolkien to Rayner Unwin Letters #271

Tolkien writes about revising The Lord of the Rings.. Additional quotes from this letter concerning the revising of Sir Gawain are published in Chronolo...

J.R.R. Tolkien to Zillah Sherring Letters #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...

J.R.R. Tolkien to Nan C. Scott Letters #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.

J.R.R. Tolkien to Austin Olney Letters #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...

J.R.R. Tolkien to Austin Olney Letters #274a

Tolkien writes to Austin Olney, at Houghton Mifflin, with corrections and additions to The Two Towers.

J.R.R. Tolkien to W.H. Auden Letters #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...

J.R.R. Tolkien to Rayner Unwin Letters #275a

Tolkien apologizes once again for being late in getting work to Rayner, this time revisions on the 3rd edition of The Hobbit. He says that many revision...

12 September 1965

J.R.R. Tolkien to Dick Plotz Letters #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 Letters #277

In August 1965 Ballantine Books produced the first ‘authorized’ American paperback of The Hobbit, without incorporating Tolkien’s revisions to the...

19 September 1965

J.R.R. Tolkien to Donald Swann Letters #277a

Tolkien, Edith and R.E. Havard, attend a performance of At the Drop of Another Hat on the 18th September 1965. Tolkien loved the show.

20 October 1965

J.R.R. Tolkien to Clyde S. Kilby Letters #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 Letters #279

Tolkien discusses money worries. The letter was originally published as letter 279 in The Letters of J.R.R. Tolkien. Hammond and Scull published a descr...

8 November 1965

J.R.R. Tolkien to Rayner Unwin Letters #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 Letters #281

Tolkien writes about a new UK paperback edition of The Hobbit. He comments on replacing the note explaining Bilbos changed story and the two Thrains wit...

18 December 1965

J.R.R. Tolkien to Clyde S. Kilby Letters #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...

29 December 1965

J.R.R. Tolkien to Rayner Unwin Letters #282a

Tolkien shoots down any idea of a Tolkien Award by Ace Books, and suspects that this is just a way for them to make themselves feel better about denying...

1966

J.R.R. Tolkien to Benjamin P. Indick Letters #283

An example of a stock reply to readers.

12 January 1966

J.R.R. Tolkien to Dick Plotz Letters #283a

A brief one-page response to a birthday card that Plotz had sent to Tolkien. Tolkien corrects a Quenya phrase from that card. Also included with this le...

20 January 1966

J.R.R. Tolkien to Donald A. Wollheim Letters #283b

Tolkien thinks it doesn’t make sense for Ace Books to spend the revenue from The Lord of the Rings sales on an award named after Tolkien, rather than ...

23 February 1966

J.R.R. Tolkien to W.H. Auden Letters #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...

J.R.R. Tolkien to Nan C. Scott Letters #284a

Tolkien informs Scott that Ace Books have been in touch and offered an agreement. He notes that Ace have agreed to not reprint the book once current cop...

J.R.R. Tolkien to W.H. Auden Letters #285

Tolkien writes about his reaction to Audens comments on his house.

J.R.R. Tolkien to A. E. Couchman Letters #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...

J.R.R. Tolkien to Joy Hill Letters #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...

J.R.R. Tolkien to Professor Norman Davis Letters #288

The English Faculty of Oxford University wished to acquire a bust of Tolkien by his daughter-in-law Faith. The bust was duly presented to them, and now ...

J.R.R. Tolkien to Michael George Tolkien Letters #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...

Not dated; August 1966

J.R.R. Tolkien to Rayner Unwin Letters #289a

Tolkien writes to Rayner Unwin about an interview with Philip Norman that appeared in The Sunday Times on 15 January 1967, The Hobbit Man. He wishes tha...

11 October 1966

J.R.R. Tolkien to Clyde S. Kilby Letters #289b

Mr. and Mrs. Tolkiens Mediterranean cruise. Work on books and manuscripts. Excerpts from the letter have been published in SEVEN, Volume 27 (p. 49). Ano...

14 October 1966

J.R.R. Tolkien to Donald Swann Letters #289c

Donald Swann had written to Tolkien expressing interest in his poem Errantry. Tolkien replied that was interested in his suggestion but wondered if it m...

18 October 1966

J.R.R. Tolkien to [Father] Alex Jones Letters #289d

Writing to Father Jones, Tolkien thanks him for including his name in the list of contributors of the New Jerusalem Bible, even though Tolkien feels lik...

28 October 1966

J.R.R. Tolkien to Michael George Tolkien Letters #290

Tolkiens grandson is studying at Oxford, and likes the typewriter that Tolkien loaned him enough that Tolkien is gifting it to him permanently. He discu...

7 November 1966

J.R.R. Tolkien to Gene Wolfe Letters #290a

Tolkien writes to Gene Wolf about the origin of Orc and Warg

22 November 1966

J.R.R. Tolkien to Walter Hooper Letters #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 Letters #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 Letters #293

Tolkien was asked to be interviewed for The Scotsman.

1967

Late 1966 - early 1967

J.R.R. Tolkien to Dick Plotz Letters #293a

This letter, known as the Plotz Letter, or Plotz Declension was a letter written by Tolkien that contained manuscript notes regarding Quenya grammar. Th...

11 January 1967

J.R.R. Tolkien to R. B. McCallum Letters #293b

Tolkien writes to R.B. McCallum, Master of Pembroke College, who asks that Tolkien remember the college in his will. Tolkien says he doesnt remember mak...

8 February 1967

J.R.R. Tolkien to Charlotte and Denis Plimmer Letters #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...

J.R.R. Tolkien to Michael Tolkien Letters #294a

Writing to son Michael, Tolkien remarks on the current state of the Church and says that these need to be resolved in private, not with public comments....

J.R.R. Tolkien to Donald Swann Letters #294b

Tolkien writes to Donald Swann including more material for his project. He thanks Swann for not cursing him. He has had long delays and while trying to ...

J.R.R. Tolkien to W.H. Auden Letters #295

Auden had written to praise Tolkien for the poem in Anglo-Saxon which Tolkien had contributed (together with a version in modern English) to the journal...

J.R.R. Tolkien to Donald Swann Letters #295a

Writing to Donald Swann on the matter of their book, The Road Goes Ever On, Tolkien provides much on the contents of the book, noting that the commentar...

12-13 July 1967

J.R.R. Tolkien to Donald Swann Letters #295b

Tolkien does not like the calligraphy being made by Samuel Hanks Bryant as filler for blank pages in The Road Goes Ever On. Tolkien objects to Swann usi...

J.R.R. Tolkien to Rayner Unwin Letters #296

Tolkien thanks Rayner for his friendship.

J.R.R. Tolkien to Mr Rang Letters #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 Letters #298

White had written to Tolkien asking for information regarding the Inklings. Tolkien replies with some brief information from memory. He says that the na...

12 December 1967

J.R.R. Tolkien to Roger Lancelyn Green Letters #299

Tolkien thanks Green for his review of Smith of Wootton Major.

1968

20 February 1968

J.R.R. Tolkien to Walter Hooper Letters #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 Letters #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...

J.R.R. Tolkien to Time-Life International Letters #302

Tolkien is not happy to be asked to be photographed pretending to be at work.

J.R.R. Tolkien to Nicholas Thomas Letters #303

Tolkien writes about Sarehole Mill.

J.R.R. Tolkien to Clyde S. Kilby Letters #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...

J.R.R. Tolkien to Rayner Unwin Letters #305

On 17 June, while preparing to move house, Tolkien fell downstairs and injured his leg. This letter was written from hospital in Oxford.

J.R.R. Tolkien to Alan Klass Letters #305a

Tolkien says that between his recent injury and recover, Ediths health problems, and recently moving house, all his papers and other belongs are unorgan...

11 October 1968

J.R.R. Tolkien to Michael Tolkien Letters #306

Tolkien was delighted that Michael had visited Switzerland and the very place that affected him so deeply. Bilbos Misty Mountains journey, especially th...

14 November 1968

J.R.R. Tolkien to Amy Ronald Letters #307

Amy sent Tolkien some Port and Sherry.

29 December 1968

J.R.R. Tolkien to Michael Tolkien Letters #307a

Writing to son Michael, Tolkien says he hopes he is doing better and has recovered from overwork. He says that he and Edith spent Christmas with daughte...

1969

J.R.R. Tolkien to Christopher Tolkien Letters #308

Tolkien wishes Christopher a happy 1969.

J.R.R. Tolkien to Amy Ronald Letters #309

Tolkien replies to a letter from Amy Ronald. He explains his names and the different ways that family and friends address him.

11 January 1969

J.R.R. Tolkien to Philip Neal Letters #309a

Writing to a fan, who published a review of The Hobbit, Tolkien responds by saying that he enjoyed the review, and is sending him a little book but not ...

J.R.R. Tolkien to Camilla Unwin Letters #310

Rayner Unwin’s daughter Camilla was told, as part of a school ‘project’, to write and ask: ‘What is the purpose of life?’

J.R.R. Tolkien to Christopher Tolkien Letters #311

Tolkien and Edith are not well and feeling cut-off.

16 November 1969

J.R.R. Tolkien to Amy Ronald Letters #312

Tolkien discusses his love of botany.

25 November 1969

J.R.R. Tolkien to Michael Tolkien Letters #313

Tolkien wishes he had an elven grammar and vocabulary.

15 December 1969

J.R.R. Tolkien to Christopher Tolkien Letters #314

Tolkien writes about teaching.

1970

J.R.R. Tolkien to Michael George Tolkien Letters #315

Tolkien discusses his problems with progressing with the Silmarillion. An additional portion of the letter has been quoted on Michael Tolkiens website.

J.R.R. Tolkien to Michael Tolkien Letters #315a

Tolkien visited Nottingham with Rayner Unwin on 2nd May 1970. Tolkien received an Honorary D. Litt. Tolkien writes about a student demonstration that to...

J.R.R. Tolkien to Robert F. Cook Letters #315b

Tolkien sends a copy of an article that he had written, and he also mentions an anecdote of a story, the name of which he cannot remember.

11 September 1970

J.R.R. Tolkien to Robert Burchfield Letters #316

Tolkien discusses an O.E.D. dictionary definition of Hobbit.

1 November 1970

J.R.R. Tolkien to Amy Ronald Letters #317

Tolkien writes to Amy about his house and plans for Christmas.

22 November 1970

J.R.R. Tolkien to Neil Ker Letters #318

Tolkien reminisces about A.S. Napier.

1971

J.R.R. Tolkien to Roger Lancelyn Green Letters #319

Tolkien writes to Roger about his thoughts on the origin of the word Hobbit.

18 January 1971

J.R.R. Tolkien to Roger Lancelyn Green Letters #319a

Tolkien had written to Roger Lancelyn Green to try and find out about a story he remembers reading in Childhood. The story was Puss-cat Mew by E. H. Kna...

25 January 1971

J.R.R. Tolkien to Mrs Ruth Austin Letters #320

Tolkien discusses Galadriel.

4 February 1971

J.R.R. Tolkien to P. Rorke, S.J. Letters #321

Tolkien describes the Caverns of Helms Deep as being influenced by Cheddar Gorge.

J.R.R. Tolkien to William Cater Letters #322

Tolkien writes about progress on the Silmarillion.

about 2 June 1971

J.R.R. Tolkien to Christopher Tolkien Letters #323

Tolkien describes his visit to Sidmouth.

J.R.R. Tolkien to Graham Tayar Letters #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 ...

J.R.R. Tolkien to Mrs. Phyllis Robertson Letters #324a

Tolkien sends signed copies of his book The Adventures of Tom Bombadil to Mrs Robertson and discusses the biblical parallels to the current weather.

J.R.R. Tolkien to Roger Lancelyn Green Letters #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...

J.R.R. Tolkien to Rayner Unwin Letters #326

Tolkien writes to Rayner about his becoming Chairman of GA&U. A brief quote about Ediths health is reproduced in Chronology.

J.R.R. Tolkien to Mr. Boyer Letters #327

Tolkien replies to Mr. Boyer about W.H. Auden whom he regarded as a great friend and supporter.

J.R.R. Tolkien to Carole Batten-Phelps Letters #328

Tolkien talks about The Lord of the Rings and confesses that he feels it no longer belongs to him.

J.R.R. Tolkien to Peter Szabó Szentmihályi Letters #329

Tolkien shares his views on authors biographies.

1 November 1971

J.R.R. Tolkien to William Cater Letters #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...

8 November 1971

J.R.R. Tolkien to Michael Tolkien Letters #330a

Tolkien writes to Michael about how little time he has to work on The Silmarillion and about any prospects of feature films, he believes that no films w...

29 November 1971

J.R.R. Tolkien to William Cater Letters #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 no...

J.R.R. Tolkien to Patient in Broadmoor Hospital Letters #331a

Tolkien discusses Hobbits and mentions that he will be in an upcoming edition of The Sunday Times. Broadmoor Hospital is a high-security psychiatric hos...

19 December 1971

J.R.R. Tolkien to Michael Tolkien Letters #331b

Tolkien has been ill and worried about where he is going to live, he is staying with family members while he decides on a permanent location to live.

1972

24 January 1972

J.R.R. Tolkien to Michael Tolkien Letters #332

Tolkien writes to his son about the very generous accommodation offered to him by Merton College in Oxford.

J.R.R. Tolkien to Dear R. Letters #333

Tolkien invites Rayner and his wife to visit him in his new flat at Merton.

J.R.R. Tolkien to Rayner Unwin Letters #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...

Not dated (?May 1972)

J.R.R. Tolkien to Lord Halsbury Letters #334a

Tolkien had moved to 21 Merton Street in Oxford. Lord Halsbury had offered to help him with book moving. Tolkien thanks him but declines his offer and t...

J.R.R. Tolkien to Michael Salmon Letters #335

Tolkien explains that he does not have time to comment on his works.

J.R.R. Tolkien to Sir Patrick Browne Letters #336

Tolkien writes about being a cult figure.

J.R.R. Tolkien to Mr Wrigley Letters #337

Tolkien discusses the sources of The Lord of the Rings.

J.R.R. Tolkien to Fr. Douglas Carter Letters #338

Tolkien discusses the question, did the Ents ever find the Entwives?

J.R.R. Tolkien to Lord Bullock Letters #338a

On the 3rd June 1972, Tolkien is awarded an honorary Doctorate of Letters by Vice Chancellor of Oxford University (Lord Bullock; then Sir Alan Bullock)....

30 June 1972 (published 4 July)

J.R.R. Tolkien to The Daily Telegraph Letters #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 ...

J.R.R. Tolkien to Christopher Tolkien Letters #339a

Tolkien discusses the various meals that he has been treated to.

J.R.R. Tolkien to Christopher Tolkien Letters #340

Tolkien writes to Christopher about Edith, her headstone, his thoughts of her as Lúthien and a visit to GA&Us headquarters.

17 September 1972

J.R.R. Tolkien to Marjorie Incledon Letters #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 Letters #342

Tolkien is asked about Elvish names for bulls and herds of cattle.

21 November 1972

J.R.R. Tolkien to Sterling Lanier Letters #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 Donald Glover Letters #343a

Tolkien declines to discuss C.S. Lewis and states that he is still trying to work on The Silmarillion.

23 November 1972

J.R.R. Tolkien to Edmund Meskys Letters #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 Letters #345

A continuation of #Letter342, where Tolkien continues to discuss naming animals.

13 December 1972

J.R.R. Tolkien to Lyle Leach Letters #346

Tolkien expounds upon Gandalfs statement He that breaks a thing to find out what it is have left the path of wisdom when responding to someones destruct...

17 December 1972

J.R.R. Tolkien to Richard Jeffery Letters #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

Not dated (January 1973)

J.R.R. Tolkien to Miss T.R.C. Letters #347a

Tolkien details his thoughts on a recent article about him in a paper, and what he thought should have been written about. He then tells the respondent ...

24 January 1973

J.R.R. Tolkien to Sterling Lanier Letters #347b

Tolkien writes, thanking Lanier for the book The War for the Lot by Lanier himself. Tolkien says that he found it quite original, and frightening. Tolki...

J.R.R. Tolkien to Mrs Catharine Findlay Letters #348

Tolkien responds an enquiry about Galadriel.

J.R.R. Tolkien to Clyde S. Kilby Letters #348a

Tolkien writes to Clyse S. Kilby regarding his health issues. Kilby remarks in his article Woodland Prisoner from SEVEN Vol. 27 that this was the last l...

J.R.R. Tolkien to Mrs E. R. Ehrardt Letters #349

Tolkien discusses the origins of the name Tolkien.

J.R.R. Tolkien to Michael Tolkien Letters #349a

Tolkien writes about the process of writing letters, a very relevant topic to be included.

J.R.R. Tolkien to C.L. Wiseman Letters #350

Tolkien writes to his T.C.B.S. friend Christopher Wiseman and thinks of his friends in the T.C.B.S.

J.R.R. Tolkien to Christopher Tolkien Letters #351

Tolkien writes to Christopher about his trip to the Tolhursts and news of Priscillas holiday in Crete.

J.R.R. Tolkien to Ungfrú Aðalsteinsdottir Letters #352

Tolkien is pleased that The Hobbit is being translated into Icelandic.

J.R.R. Tolkien to Lord Halsbury Letters #353

Tolkien writes about his current views on Galadriel which changed frequently through out his life.

J.R.R. Tolkien to Priscilla Tolkien Letters #354

This letter to Priscilla was written four days before Tolkiens death.

The Letters of JRR Tolkien 2nd Ed. (US, HB)

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