Letters 
Letter Tags
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Writing to his son John, Tolkien asks about the credits he will take and also that he noted that his German books remained in his trunk after his holida...
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...
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 ...
Tolkien replies to Michael's letter. It appears that Michael has opted to change his work, but Tolkien would like to talk with Welch & Bostock first bef...
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...
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...
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...
Writing to his son Christopher, Tolkien says how delighted he is to have received his letter, although he doesn't expect them. He, Edith, and Priscilla ...
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 ...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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.
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...
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...
Tolkien was glad to get Christopher's letter, he had been waiting to write, needing his new address. He mentions the weather, and fruits which are growi...
Tolkien details a visit to Collegiate Church and describes the building. He then remarks on the people buried there and gives some historical context.
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...
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...
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...
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...
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 ...
Tolkien writes to Christopher after hearing from his brother Michael that Christopher had been unwell again. Tolkien updates him on home life, with Edit...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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 ...
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 ...
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, of this previous...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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 ...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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....
Tolkien discusses Chaucer, saying he had “little learning”, some Latin skill but lacked the talent for prose. Also on this day Tolkien's letter to t...
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...
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". ...
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...
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 and he ...
Tolkien writes to Stanley Unwin with regard to his visit of Merton College's estates in Cambridge, Leicestershire, and Lincolnshire between 22 and 25 Se...
Tolkien writes to Baynes making mention that Lewis had been in touch and wishes her a Happy Christmas. She (Baynes) is illustrating Lewis's Lion, Witch ...
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...
Tolkien in a letter to Hugh Brogan gives him some updates on his health. He also says that “Drama” is a “bore”.
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...
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...
Tolkien replies to Rayner's letter and mentions his pleasure at the news of Allen & Unwin's decision to publish The Lord of the Rings.
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...
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...
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...
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...
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”....
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...
Tolkien writes to P.H. Newby of the BBC. Newby had been negotiating to broadcast some of Tolkien's translation of Sir Gawain but pressures meant that he...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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 ...
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...
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...
Tolkien thanks Katharine Farrer for her “charity” at a time he is suffering illness. He felt that the Sir Gawain broadcast on BBC Radio was not espe...
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 Shi...
Tolkien, writing to Allen & Unwin, encloses possible jacket designs, one for The Fellowship of the Ring, and another for The Two Towers. Describing them...
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...
Tolkien has drawn a sketch for Volume III, but says he won't show it to Rayner as it is not constructive to point out the artificial divisions in the vo...
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...
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...
Tolkien addresses queries about The Two Towers by Allen and Unwin's head reader. Tolkien found the close reading extraordinary. A large publisher will h...
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 ...
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 cou...
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...
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 ...
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...
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.
Tolkien says that he cannot answer Mr. Beard's questions until he is back home and has a proof copy of the final text of Return of the King to look at.
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...
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...
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...
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...
Tolkien tells Hugh that although he will be delighted to see him, there are few hobbits left in Old Marston and Old Headington.
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...
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...
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...
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 ...
Tolkien discusses various matters including academic news, Hebrew, work with The Jerusalem Bible, the Book of Jonah. Excerpts from this letter were publ...
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...
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...
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...
Tolkien writes a letter thanking Mr. Ouboter regarding his visit to Holland. He says that the sooner he can return there, the better.
Tolkien discusses his decision on moving house after retirement, and his frustrations on the work being done to his current residence. He discusses how ...
Tolkien expresses his hope that he will upon retirement, be able to work on a new Bible translation but expresses concerns for Edith's health and says t...
Writing to his son Michael, Tolkien remarks on the state of their house, and Edith's recovery from a broken arm. He also talks about his recent health s...
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...
Tolkien had hoped to see Mitchison but her letter "twice delayed" had not reached Tolkien until it was too late. He gives an update on life and remarks ...
Tolkien informs Rayner that by way of looking at the "Scunthorpe lists" he has also continued work on The Silmarillion, and can say that it is in an act...
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...
Tolkien asks Rayner's 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 th...
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...
Tolkien tells Jane Neave that he will send her "a long instalment" for reference.
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...
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...
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...
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 sta...
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...
In secret, Allen & Unwin had been putting a 'Festschrift' together to present to Tolkien on his 70th birthday. Tolkien writes to to congratulate Rayner ...
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...
Tolkien writes to Christopher to congratulate him in a way on being named a Fellow at Exeter College.
Tolkien writes to Christopher. He reflects on the unwillingness of contemporary society to discuss complicated issues in the public square, and alludes ...
Tolkien writes to Austin Olney, at Houghton Mifflin, with corrections and additions to The Two Towers.
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...
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.
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 denyi...
A brief one-page response to a birthday card that Plotz had sent to Tolkien. Tolkien corrects a Quenya phrase from that card.
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 ...
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...
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...
This letter, known as the Plotz Letter, or Plotz Declension was a letter written by Tolkien that contained manuscript notes regarding Quenya grammar. Th...
Tolkien discusses his and Edith's Mediterranean cruise and the bust of him at the English Faculty in Oxford. Excerpts from the letter have been publishe...
Donald Swann had written to Tolkien expressing interest in his poem 'Errantry'. Tolkien replied that was interested in his suggestion but wondered if it...
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...
Tolkien writes to Gene Wolf about the origin of "Orc" and "Warg".
Tolkien writes to R.B. McCallum, Master of Pembroke College, who asks that Tolkien remember the college in his will. Tolkien says he doesn't remember ma...
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....
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 ...
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...
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...
In the Revised edition of Letters, there is brief extract where Tolkien talks about his serious health issues and complains about Joy Hill saying it was...
Tolkien says that between his recent injury and recover, Edith's health problems, and recently moving house, all his papers and other belongs are unorga...
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...
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 ...
Tolkien visited Nottingham with Rayner Unwin on 2nd May 1970. Tolkien received an Honorary D. Litt. Tolkien writes about a student demonstration that to...
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.
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. K...
Tolkien sends signed copies of his book The Adventures of Tom Bombadil to Mrs Robertson and discusses the biblical parallels to the current weather.
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...
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...
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.
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...
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)....
Tolkien discusses the various meals that he has been treated to.
Tolkien declines to discuss C.S. Lewis and states that he is still trying to work on The Silmarillion.
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 ...
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...
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...
Tolkien writes about the process of writing letters, a very relevant topic to be included.
Letter Tags
Stats
Guide to Tolkien's Letters
Appearing only in Carpenter's Revised Letters
(154 letters match)1934
21 January 1934
J.R.R. Tolkien to John Tolkien
#1364
Carpenter #8a
Writing to his son John, Tolkien asks about the credits he will take and also that he noted that his German books remained in his trunk after his holida...
1936
10 August 1936
J.R.R. Tolkien to Christopher Tolkien
#1367
Carpenter #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
#1368
Carpenter #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
12 February 1937
J.R.R. Tolkien to Michael Tolkien
#1369
Carpenter #11a
Tolkien replies to Michael's letter. It appears that Michael has opted to change his work, but Tolkien would like to talk with Welch & Bostock first bef...
?10 March 1937
J.R.R. Tolkien to C.A. Furth
#1370
Carpenter #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...
c. 16 April 1937
J.R.R. Tolkien to Priscilla Tolkien
#1371
Carpenter #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...
17 September 1937
J.R.R. Tolkien to Stanley Unwin
#1372
Carpenter #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...
2 October 1937
J.R.R. Tolkien to Christopher Tolkien
#1373
Carpenter #15b
Writing to his son Christopher, Tolkien says how delighted he is to have received his letter, although he doesn't expect them. He, Edith, and Priscilla ...
22 November 1937
J.R.R. Tolkien to E.V. Gordon
#1374
Carpenter #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 ...
1939
1 March 1939
J.R.R. Tolkien to Michael Tolkien
#1375
Carpenter #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
#1376
Carpenter #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...
1940
12 July 1940
J.R.R. Tolkien to Michael Tolkien
#1377
Carpenter #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...
20 October 1940
J.R.R. Tolkien to Christopher Tolkien
#1378
Carpenter #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
26 January 1941
J.R.R. Tolkien to Christopher Tolkien
#1379
Carpenter #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
#1380
Carpenter #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
#1381
Carpenter #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...
12 March 1941
J.R.R. Tolkien to Michael Tolkien
#114
Carpenter #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...
1943
28 July 1943
J.R.R. Tolkien to Christopher Tolkien
#1383
Carpenter #49a
Tolkien was glad to get Christopher's letter, he had been waiting to write, needing his new address. He mentions the weather, and fruits which are growi...
1 September 1943
J.R.R. Tolkien to Christopher Tolkien
#1384
Carpenter #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
#1385
Carpenter #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
#1386
Carpenter #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
#1387
Carpenter #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...
3 November 1943
J.R.R. Tolkien to Christopher Tolkien
#1388
Carpenter #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
#1389
Carpenter #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 ...
15 December 1943
J.R.R. Tolkien to Christopher Tolkien
#1390
Carpenter #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
6 January 1944
J.R.R. Tolkien to Christopher Tolkien
#1391
Carpenter #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...
25 January 1944
J.R.R. Tolkien to Christopher Tolkien
#1392
Carpenter #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...
27 March 1944
J.R.R. Tolkien to Christopher Tolkien
#1393
Carpenter #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...
8 April 1944
J.R.R. Tolkien to Christopher Tolkien
#1033
Carpenter #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...
27 June 1944
J.R.R. Tolkien to Christopher Tolkien
#1395
Carpenter #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 ...
7 July 1944
J.R.R. Tolkien to Christopher Tolkien
#1396
Carpenter #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 ...
19 September 1944
J.R.R. Tolkien to G.E. Selby
#1397
Carpenter #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, of this previous...
20 September 1944
J.R.R. Tolkien to Stanley Unwin
#1398
Carpenter #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...
1 November 1944
J.R.R. Tolkien to Christopher Tolkien
#1399
Carpenter #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...
13 November 1944
J.R.R. Tolkien to Christopher Tolkien
#1400
Carpenter #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...
29 November 1944
J.R.R. Tolkien to Christopher Tolkien
#1401
Carpenter #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
#1402
Carpenter #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
#1403
Carpenter #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...
1945
7 January 1945
J.R.R. Tolkien to Christopher Tolkien
#1404
Carpenter #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...
9 January 1945
J.R.R. Tolkien to Christopher Tolkien
#1405
Carpenter #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
#1406
Carpenter #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...
17 February 1945
J.R.R. Tolkien to Christopher Tolkien
#1407
Carpenter #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
#1408
Carpenter #97b
Tolkien discusses Chaucer, saying he had “little learning”, some Latin skill but lacked the talent for prose. Also on this day Tolkien's letter to t...
12 March 1945
J.R.R. Tolkien to Christopher Tolkien
#1409
Carpenter #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...
29 April 1945
J.R.R. Tolkien to Christopher Tolkien
#1410
Carpenter #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". ...
9 October 1945
J.R.R. Tolkien to Christopher Tolkien
#124
Carpenter #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...
1947
5 May 1947
J.R.R. Tolkien to Stanley Unwin
#1412
Carpenter #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 and he ...
30 September 1947
J.R.R. Tolkien to Stanley Unwin
#1036
Carpenter #111a
Tolkien writes to Stanley Unwin with regard to his visit of Merton College's estates in Cambridge, Leicestershire, and Lincolnshire between 22 and 25 Se...
1949
20 December 1949
J.R.R. Tolkien to Pauline Baynes
#1162
Carpenter #122a
Tolkien writes to Baynes making mention that Lewis had been in touch and wishes her a Happy Christmas. She (Baynes) is illustrating Lewis's Lion, Witch ...
1950
4 September 1950
J.R.R. Tolkien to Hugh Brogan
#1415
Carpenter #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...
9 October 1950
J.R.R. Tolkien to Hugh Brogan
#1416
Carpenter #130a
Tolkien in a letter to Hugh Brogan gives him some updates on his health. He also says that “Drama” is a “bore”.
1952
23 March 1952
J.R.R. Tolkien to John Tolkien
#1417
Carpenter #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...
21 October 1952
J.R.R. Tolkien to Michael Tolkien
#1418
Carpenter #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...
12 November 1952
J.R.R. Tolkien to Rayner Unwin
#1419
Carpenter #135a
Tolkien replies to Rayner's letter and mentions his pleasure at the news of Allen & Unwin's decision to publish The Lord of the Rings.
1953
Not dated (1953)
J.R.R. Tolkien to Basil Blackwell
#1420
Carpenter #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
#1421
Carpenter #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...
11 March 1953
J.R.R. Tolkien to Norman Davis
#1422
Carpenter #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...
21 April 1953
J.R.R. Tolkien to Norman and Lena Davis
#1423
Carpenter #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...
5 June 1953
J.R.R. Tolkien to Rayner Unwin
#1424
Carpenter #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”....
5 June 1953
J.R.R. Tolkien to Allen & Unwin
#1425
Carpenter #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...
22 June 1953
J.R.R. Tolkien to P.H. Newby
#1426
Carpenter #137d
Tolkien writes to P.H. Newby of the BBC. Newby had been negotiating to broadcast some of Tolkien's translation of Sir Gawain but pressures meant that he...
8 July 1953
J.R.R. Tolkien to P.H. Newby
#1427
Carpenter #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...
31 August 1953
J.R.R. Tolkien to Rayner Unwin
#1428
Carpenter #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
#1429
Carpenter #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
#1430
Carpenter #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...
15 October 1953
J.R.R. Tolkien to P.H. Newby
#1431
Carpenter #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
#1432
Carpenter #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
#1433
Carpenter #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
#1434
Carpenter #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...
10 December 1953
J.R.R. Tolkien to Katharine Farrer
#1435
Carpenter #142a
Tolkien thanks Katharine Farrer for her “charity” at a time he is suffering illness. He felt that the Sir Gawain broadcast on BBC Radio was not espe...
1954
16 March 1954
J.R.R. Tolkien to Allen & Unwin
#1436
Carpenter #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 Shi...
23 March 1954
J.R.R. Tolkien to Allen & Unwin
#1437
Carpenter #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...
24 March 1954
J.R.R. Tolkien to Allen & Unwin
#1438
Carpenter #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...
26 March 1954
J.R.R. Tolkien to Rayner Unwin
#1439
Carpenter #143d
Tolkien has drawn a sketch for Volume III, but says he won't show it to Rayner as it is not constructive to point out the artificial divisions in the vo...
15 April 1954
J.R.R. Tolkien to Allen & Unwin
#1440
Carpenter #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...
3 May 1954
J.R.R. Tolkien to P.H. Newby
#1441
Carpenter #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...
10 June 1954
J.R.R. Tolkien to Allen & Unwin
#1442
Carpenter #146a
Tolkien addresses queries about The Two Towers by Allen and Unwin's head reader. Tolkien found the close reading extraordinary. A large publisher will h...
18 August 1954
J.R.R. Tolkien to Katharine Farrer
#1443
Carpenter #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 ...
20 December 1954
J.R.R. Tolkien to Rayner Unwin
#1444
Carpenter #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 cou...
1955
26 May 1955
J.R.R. Tolkien to Rayner Unwin
#1445
Carpenter #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...
5 July 1955
J.R.R. Tolkien to Allen & Unwin
#1446
Carpenter #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 ...
15 July 1955
J.R.R. Tolkien to Allen & Unwin
#1447
Carpenter #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...
27 July 1955
J.R.R. Tolkien to Rayner Unwin
#1448
Carpenter #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.
11 August 1955
J.R.R. Tolkien to W.N. Beard
#1449
Carpenter #166b
Tolkien says that he cannot answer Mr. Beard's questions until he is back home and has a proof copy of the final text of Return of the King to look at.
8 September 1955
J.R.R. Tolkien to Katharine Farrer
#1450
Carpenter #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...
20 December 1955
J.R.R. Tolkien to John Tolkien
#1451
Carpenter #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
#1452
Carpenter #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
5 January 1956
J.R.R. Tolkien to Rayner Unwin
#1453
Carpenter #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...
3 April 1956
J.R.R. Tolkien to Hugh Brogan
#1454
Carpenter #188a
Tolkien tells Hugh that although he will be delighted to see him, there are few hobbits left in Old Marston and Old Headington.
6 November 1956
J.R.R. Tolkien to Michael Tolkien
#1455
Carpenter #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
#1456
Carpenter #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...
1957
3 February 1957
J.R.R. Tolkien to Rayner Unwin
#1457
Carpenter #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...
1 March 1957
J.R.R. Tolkien to Rayner Unwin
#1458
Carpenter #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 ...
24 April 1957
J.R.R. Tolkien to Michael George Tolkien
#287
Carpenter #196a
Tolkien discusses various matters including academic news, Hebrew, work with The Jerusalem Bible, the Book of Jonah. Excerpts from this letter were publ...
4 September 1957
J.R.R. Tolkien to Rayner Unwin
#1460
Carpenter #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...
13 December 1957
J.R.R. Tolkien to Rayner Unwin
#1461
Carpenter #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
18 March 1958
J.R.R. Tolkien to Messrs. Voorhoeve en Dietrich
#389
Carpenter #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...
2 April 1958
J.R.R. Tolkien to Messrs. Voorhoeve en Dietrich
#388
Carpenter #205b
Tolkien writes a letter thanking Mr. Ouboter regarding his visit to Holland. He says that the sooner he can return there, the better.
23 October 1958
J.R.R. Tolkien to Marjorie Incledon
#1464
Carpenter #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 ...
1959
4 February 1959
J.R.R. Tolkien to [Father] Alex Jones
#1465
Carpenter #214a
Tolkien expresses his hope that he will upon retirement, be able to work on a new Bible translation but expresses concerns for Edith's health and says t...
4 March 1959
J.R.R. Tolkien to Michael Tolkien
#1466
Carpenter #214b
Writing to his son Michael, Tolkien remarks on the state of their house, and Edith's recovery from a broken arm. He also talks about his recent health s...
4 August 1959
J.R.R. Tolkien to Rayner Unwin
#1467
Carpenter #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...
8 November 1959
J.R.R. Tolkien to Naomi Mitchison
#346
Carpenter #220a
Tolkien had hoped to see Mitchison but her letter "twice delayed" had not reached Tolkien until it was too late. He gives an update on life and remarks ...
1960
9 February 1960
J.R.R. Tolkien to Rayner Unwin
#1470
Carpenter #222a
Tolkien informs Rayner that by way of looking at the "Scunthorpe lists" he has also continued work on The Silmarillion, and can say that it is in an act...
12 February 1960
J.R.R. Tolkien to Rayner Unwin
#1471
Carpenter #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
#1472
Carpenter #222c
Tolkien asks Rayner's 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 th...
1 March 1960
J.R.R. Tolkien to Allen & Unwin
#1473
Carpenter #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...
4 April 1960
J.R.R. Tolkien to Jane Neave
#1474
Carpenter #222e
Tolkien tells Jane Neave that he will send her "a long instalment" for reference.
5 May 1960
J.R.R. Tolkien to Rayner Unwin
#1475
Carpenter #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...
1961
13 February 1961
J.R.R. Tolkien to [Father] Alex Jones
#1476
Carpenter #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...
Not dated (November 1961)
J.R.R. Tolkien to Joan Anne Tolkien
#1469
Carpenter #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...
1962
21 July 1962
J.R.R. Tolkien to Rayner Unwin
#1477
Carpenter #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 sta...
2 November 1962
J.R.R. Tolkien to Rayner Unwin
#1478
Carpenter #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
#1479
Carpenter #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 ...
16 December 1962
J.R.R. Tolkien to Austin and Katharine Farrer
#1480
Carpenter #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...
1963
20 October 1963
J.R.R. Tolkien to Christopher Tolkien
#1481
Carpenter #249a
Tolkien writes to Christopher to congratulate him in a way on being named a Fellow at Exeter College.
1964
8 February 1964 (not sent)
J.R.R. Tolkien to Christopher Tolkien
#1482
Carpenter #254a
Tolkien writes to Christopher. He reflects on the unwillingness of contemporary society to discuss complicated issues in the public square, and alludes ...
1965
31 July 1965
J.R.R. Tolkien to Austin Olney
#1483
Carpenter #274a
Tolkien writes to Austin Olney, at Houghton Mifflin, with corrections and additions to The Two Towers.
24 August 1965
J.R.R. Tolkien to Rayner Unwin
#1484
Carpenter #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...
19 September 1965
J.R.R. Tolkien to Donald Swann
#1485
Carpenter #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.
29 December 1965
J.R.R. Tolkien to Rayner Unwin
#1486
Carpenter #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 denyi...
1966
12 January 1966
J.R.R. Tolkien to Dick Plotz
#1027
Carpenter #283a
A brief one-page response to a birthday card that Plotz had sent to Tolkien. Tolkien corrects a Quenya phrase from that card.
20 January 1966
J.R.R. Tolkien to Donald A. Wollheim
#1488
Carpenter #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 ...
11 March 1966
J.R.R. Tolkien to Nan C. Scott
#948
Carpenter #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...
Not dated; August 1966
J.R.R. Tolkien to Rayner Unwin
#1532
Carpenter #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...
Late 1966 - early 1967
J.R.R. Tolkien to Dick Plotz
#784
Carpenter #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 October 1966
J.R.R. Tolkien to Clyde S. Kilby
#792
Carpenter #289b
Tolkien discusses his and Edith's Mediterranean cruise and the bust of him at the English Faculty in Oxford. Excerpts from the letter have been publishe...
14 October 1966
J.R.R. Tolkien to Donald Swann
#1014
Carpenter #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...
18 October 1966
J.R.R. Tolkien to [Father] Alex Jones
#1491
Carpenter #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...
7 November 1966
J.R.R. Tolkien to Gene Wolfe
#485
Carpenter #290a
Tolkien writes to Gene Wolf about the origin of "Orc" and "Warg".
1967
11 January 1967
J.R.R. Tolkien to R. B. McCallum
#1494
Carpenter #293b
Tolkien writes to R.B. McCallum, Master of Pembroke College, who asks that Tolkien remember the college in his will. Tolkien says he doesn't remember ma...
5 March 1967
J.R.R. Tolkien to Michael Tolkien
#1495
Carpenter #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....
20 March 1967
J.R.R. Tolkien to Donald Swann
#974
Carpenter #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 ...
12 April 1967
J.R.R. Tolkien to Donald Swann
#977
Carpenter #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
#979
Carpenter #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...
ca. 3 December 1967
J.R.R. Tolkien to Clyde S. Kilby
#903
Carpenter #298a
In the Revised edition of Letters, there is brief extract where Tolkien talks about his serious health issues and complains about Joy Hill saying it was...
1968
30 August 1968
J.R.R. Tolkien to Alan Klass
#1500
Carpenter #305a
Tolkien says that between his recent injury and recover, Edith's health problems, and recently moving house, all his papers and other belongs are unorga...
29 December 1968
J.R.R. Tolkien to Michael Tolkien
#1501
Carpenter #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
11 January 1969
J.R.R. Tolkien to Philip Neal
#1502
Carpenter #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 ...
1970
6 June 1970
J.R.R. Tolkien to Michael Tolkien
#1504
Carpenter #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...
26 August 1970
J.R.R. Tolkien to Robert F. Cook
#1505
Carpenter #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.
1971
18 January 1971
J.R.R. Tolkien to Roger Lancelyn Green
#1506
Carpenter #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. K...
10 June 1971
J.R.R. Tolkien to Mrs. Phyllis Robertson
#290
Carpenter #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.
8 November 1971
J.R.R. Tolkien to Michael Tolkien
#1508
Carpenter #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...
December 1971
J.R.R. Tolkien to Patient in Broadmoor Hospital
#1509
Carpenter #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
#1510
Carpenter #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
Not dated (?May 1972)
J.R.R. Tolkien to Lord Halsbury
#1511
Carpenter #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...
6 June 1972
J.R.R. Tolkien to Lord Bullock
#1512
Carpenter #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)....
9 July 1972
J.R.R. Tolkien to Christopher Tolkien
#1513
Carpenter #339a
Tolkien discusses the various meals that he has been treated to.
23 November 1972
J.R.R. Tolkien to Donald Glover
#1514
Carpenter #343a
Tolkien declines to discuss C.S. Lewis and states that he is still trying to work on The Silmarillion.
1973
Not dated (January 1973)
J.R.R. Tolkien to Miss T.R.C.
#1503
Carpenter #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
#835
Carpenter #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...
8 March 1973
J.R.R. Tolkien to Clyde S. Kilby
#839
Carpenter #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...
24 March 1973
J.R.R. Tolkien to Michael Tolkien
#1517
Carpenter #349a
Tolkien writes about the process of writing letters, a very relevant topic to be included.
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