Letters 
Letter Tags
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Sir Stanley Unwin's son Rayner was paid to write a review of a book that was being considered for publication, The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien
C. A. Furth of GA&U writes to Tolkien on matters of his illustrations for The Hobbit. His drawings are admirable and blocks for them are being produced....
Mary writes to Tolkien asking if he would send her a presentation copy of The Hobbit. In return she will send him prayers. This letter is found among th...
Stanley Unwin writes to Tolkien telling him that The Hobbit is selling well, and had good reviews in the Times Literary Supplement and The Times itself....
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 geni...
Stanley Unwin writes to Tolkien and includes colour plates of illustrations for The Hobbit along with a report from Rayner on The Adventures of Tom Bomb...
Originally published as just a fragment of a letter, asking if Rayner Unwin was interested to read the "sequel to The Hobbit". In the revised ...
Stanley Unwin writes that his son Rayner is delighted with the sample chapter from the new book about hobbits. Rayner does wonder if a child who hasn&ap...
In this two page handwritten letter, Tolkien thanks Unwin's son Rayner for his positive feedback on the first chapter of the new book, "A Long...
Tolkien writes to Stanley Unwin about C.S. Lewis's Out of the Silent Planet and gives him an update on progress with the sequel to The Hobbit. He a...
Stanley writes a short cover letter to Tolkien explaining that Rayner has had little time (going to boarding school on this day), but has scribbled down...
Rayner "scribbles" a book report on the first three chapters of the Hobbit sequel. His father Stanley sends this review to Tolkien along with ...
Tolkien thanks Stanley Unwin for the excellent news from America, where The Hobbit is selling well and it has won a prize of $250. Rayner's review ...
Tolkien bemoans The Hobbit being published in 1937 over 1938. His work pressure has left him hard-pressed to get into actions on the sequel. Tolkien has...
Stanley Unwin replies to Tolkien's letter of 19 December. He says that it would be a relief to receive Tolkien's work on the Clark Hall Beowul...
Stanley Unwin writes to Tolkien asking of he could meet his son Rayner who is serving as a Cadet in the Navy at Oxford. He also encloses a cheque for £...
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 recei...
Stanley Unwin had sent Tolkien a large cheque as payment of royalties on The Hobbit, and mentions that Rayner is now at Oxford reading English. Tolkien ...
Stanley writes to tell Tolkien that if paper were available they would immediately reprint The Hobbit as it would sell well. Stanley apologizes for not ...
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...
Stanley Unwin writes to Tolkien, remarked by Hammond & Scull as being about "an interesting poem, presumably Pearl, that Tolkien lent to Rayner."
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 Bl...
Tolkien expresses deep concern about Rayner, who is off to war, and mentions that his son Christopher has become great friends with Chris Unwin. One of ...
Tolkien writes to Sir Stanley Unwin, who had just been knighted. He asked about Farmer Giles. And remarks on his progress to The Hobbit sequel among oth...
Tolkien 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 responded to Rayner Unwin's comments about The Fellowship of the Ring. He talks about allegory as well as other literary illusions. Tolkien...
Tolkien apologizes for the delay in responding to a letter sent in July and explains that he has been preoccupied with philology due to academic commitm...
In response to Tolkien's letter from the prior week Unwin lets Tolkien know that the Hobbit corrections have been passed on to the production depar...
Tolkien writes to Stanley Unwin with regard to his visit of Merton College's estates in Cambridge, Leicestershire, and Lincolnshire between 22 and ...
Success! declares Tolkien. He has completed The Lord of the Rings and having been read by Rayner Unwin is approved. He does not think it will make any m...
Tolkien spent some time in the 1950s in Ireland and while there he stayed with the Hogan family. The father, Jeremiah worked with Tolkien during his vis...
Tolkien had "dumped" the manuscript of The Lord of the Rings on Milton Waldman just as he was going on holiday, and Tolkien felt bad burdoning...
Tolkien writes to Stanley Unwin, mentioning various topics but chief among them is The Lord of the Rings. Stranded without a publisher, and the work now...
Sir Stanley Unwin writes to Tolkien on the matter of how to publish the Lord of the Rings. He does not see a possibility of one volume and gives some fi...
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 ...
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 publish...
In 1937, at the urging of his publishers, Tolkien began writing "a new Hobbit." Due to his full-time academic position, progress was slow, and...
Tolkien expresses his eagerness to publish The Lord of the Rings as soon as possible. Tolkien plans to spend some days correcting the manuscript at his ...
Tolkien expresses regret for producing a substantial work like The Lord of the Rings during challenging times. He expresses gratitude for the recipient&...
Rayner Unwin writing to Tolkien gives him the welcome news that they have decided to publish The Lord of the Rings. They will take the unusual approach ...
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 writes to Rayner Unwin about the challenges he's faced leading up to the contract day for The Lord of the Rings. He is also concerned about...
Tolkien apologizes for the delay in sending the revised manuscript for The Lord of the Rings. His move was incredibly challenging. Tolkien has finally c...
Tolkien 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 about The Lord of the Rings and he suggests some titles if it is published in three volumes. He was also concerned about whether the publ...
Eames had written to Tolkien the previous day regarding galleys for The Lord of the Rings. Tolkien replies saying he will return all copies, "if it...
Tolkien expresses gratitude for Rayner's visit. He proposes titles for the volumes of The Lord of the Rings and his rationale behind the titles.
Tolkien 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...
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 Rayner, he has been struggling with ill-health through the term and only recently has he been able to deal with "many strands&quo...
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 ...
Tolkien arranges to visit Allen & Unwin in London with the manuscript for The Return of the King.
Tolkien writes about corrections to Book III and Book IV.
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 t...
Tolkien is pleased with positive early opinions about his work. He notes his dissatisfaction with the Houghton Mifflin effort, and gives some suggestion...
Tolkien addresses queries about The Two Towers by Allen and Unwin's head reader. Tolkien found the close reading extraordinary. A large publisher w...
Tolkien expresses his relief that the critiques were better than feared. He acknowledges the disadvantage of issuing the work in three parts, with criti...
Tolkien briefly mentions having only had time to glance at the Houghton Mifflin 'jacket' information. He thinks it was written by someone who ...
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...
Tolkien regrets having promised the appendices to The Lord of the Rings. He acknowledges the demand for detailed information but is finding this very di...
Tolkien expresses frustration with creating a map for The Lord of the Rings.
Christopher Tolkien had re-drawn Tolkien's draft-map of the area of Gondor and Rohan.
Tolkien replies to Rayner Unwin concerning his approval of Tolkien's map, which Christopher Tolkien reproduced.
Rayner Unwin sends Tolkien a folder with reviews from the USA, forwarded from Houghton Mifflin.
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 shares insights into the origins and inspirations behind his writing, particularly focusing on The Lord of the Rings. He discusses the evolution...
Tolkien mentions his visit to London where he met Rayner Unwin. He met Mr. Wilson, who he described as "the small old Scot who seems to reign over ...
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 expresses his agreement with critics' negative views on the radio adaptation of The Lord of the Rings. Tolkien anticipates negative respons...
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 expresses strong objections to the Dutch translation of The Lord of the Rings. He vehemently opposes any alteration or translation of the nomenc...
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 expresses gratitude for a letter from GA&U and contemplates the idea of retiring in July and reflects on the financial and health implications. ...
Tolkien expresses a personal openness to the idea of an animated motion picture based on his work.
Tolkien sends his letter from 6 September intended for Forrest J. Ackerman to Rayner Unwin after hearing nothing more from him and asks him to forward i...
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...
Rayner Unwin writes to say he is delighted that Tolkien was impressed with the concept artwork and photography he was shown during his visit by Forrest ...
Tolkien expresses dissatisfaction with the current script for the proposed film version of The Lord of the Rings. Previously, Wayne G. Hammond and Chris...
Rayner Unwin writes to Tolkien to say that Allen & Unwin have still not heard from Ackerman.
Rayner Unwin writes to Forrest J. Ackerman, to ask if he is still interested in the film project of the Lord of the Rings. He is holding a letter with c...
Rayner writes asking Tolkien how things stand between him and the Dutch bookshop, Voorhoeve & Dietrich regarding his visit to Holland. He also notes tha...
Tolkien discusses a letter from Halsbury expressing admiration for the Silmarillion material and anticipation for its publication. Tolkien mentions a le...
Rayner agrees with Tolkien that future translations should adopt the names as Tolkien prefers. Rayner says that Allen & Unwin can have an index of names...
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...
This letter, held at the Marquette archives from Rayner Unwin to the archives of The J.R.R. Tolkien Collection concerned corrections for the Return of t...
Rayner has found a lady who can index The Lord of the Rings for him, and notes that he has said it is to be in "two parts". One of proper name...
Following the publication of the third volume from Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings, many readers' demands grew for an index or glossary that w...
Rayner informs Tolkien that Forrest J. Ackerman with Zimmerman have been given a free option on the film rights to the Lord of the Rings, Zimmerman will...
Tolkien describes in great detail his trip to Rotterdam.
Tolkien expresses his intent to review the "Story-Line" provided by Zimmerman for the animated film adaptation of The Lord of the Rings. Tolki...
Rayner writes to Tolkien to inform him that Allen & Unwin's Hollywood agent has reported that Ackerman has agreed to pay $500 for an additional 6 m...
Rayner informs Tolkien that the head of the agency from Hollywood who is responsible for the negotiations with Ackerman/Zimmerman will visit the Allen &...
Writing to Rayner, Tolkien says that his face is healing, and he is feeling better, and able to read and write again. He has not been able to complete t...
Rayner replies to Tolkien with sympathy for his health troubles. He also agrees on Tolkien's proposed reply to Ackerman.
Due to demand from fans, Rayner Unwin hires editor and friend Nancy Smith to help Tolkien compile an index for The Lord of the Rings. See also #TCGLette...
Tolkien writes to Rayner Unwin, including a letter with a sheet of answers to be forwarded to Nancy Smith. He has been waylaid by many bothers and will ...
Writing to Tolkien, Rayner says that he will seriously consider adding the index into the Lord of the Rings. Possibly to coincide with the proposed publ...
Rayner Unwin sends Tolkien's unfinished letter intended for Forrest J. Ackerman to their Hollywood agent.
Edgar Carter of Allen & Unwin's Hollywood agents sends Tolkien's two pages from his unfinished letter of April or May to Forrest J. Ackerman. ...
Tolkien writes to Rayner Unwin, including the Zimmerman story-line along with the cover note to Ackerman. Tolkien tells Rayner that he does not want &qu...
Writing to Tolkien on the matter of the option for the Lord of the Rings film rights, he has heard from agents that Ackerman and Co. have decided to not...
Tolkien's secretary, Miss A.M. Hope writes to Rayner Unwin to inform him that Tolkien is in hospital and will be unable to attend the Playhour meet...
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 writes to Rayner about his translations of Sir Gawain and the Green Knight and Pearl.
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...
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 th...
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's publishing commitments are catching up with him. Chronology reproduced a slightly longer selection of the letter than what appears in Let...
Puffin Books, via Margaret S. Clark, had requested the rights to publish a paperback edition of The Hobbit on 30 November. After hearing of this from Ra...
Tolkien discusses the artist Cor Blok's pictures and whether any artist could do justice to the noble and heroic in his works.
Rayner Unwin writes to Tolkien with news that Miss Pamela Chandler wants to photograph him. He impresses upon Tolkien that they could use the photograph...
Tolkien suggests a book about Tom Bombadil as "an interim amusement" that wouldn't cost too much. He suggests Pauline Baynes as illustrator.
Rayner suggests that Tolkien include additional poems with 'Tom Bombadil' not just from The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings.
Allen & Unwin agree to publish The Adventures of Tom Bombadil.
Tolkien sends an additional poem (Princess Mee) to Rayner Unwin for possible inclusion in the 'Tom Bombadil' poetry book.
Rayner tells Tolkien that he has sent the Tom Bombadil poems to Pauline Baynes to get her thoughts.
Tolkien has misgivings about the 'Tom Bombadil' poems being incompatible, particularly 'The Sea-Bell'.
Tolkien has read the Puffin Hobbit and was not impressed with changes made to the book. Chronology contains additional quoted material beyond what appea...
Rayner Unwin sends Tolkien a specimen page for The Adventures of Tom Bombadil, and estimates the book would be a total of 64 pages.
Tolkien submits additional poems for possible inclusion in the 'Tom Bombadil' book - 'Firiel', 'The Trees of Kortirion', &...
Tolkien discusses progress with The Adventures of Tom Bombadil. Chronology contains additional material quoted beyond what appears in Letters. The origi...
Following Rayner Unwin's letter to Pauline Baynes, Joy Hill writes to Tolkien confirming their offer to Baynes to illustrate The Adventures of Tom ...
Rayner Unwin writes offering Pauline Baynes the job of illustrating The Adventures of Tom Bombadil and Other Verses from the Red Book. This will include...
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....
Ronald Eames of George Allen & Unwin writes to Pauline Baynes. They are delighted with the first instalment for The Adventures of Tom Bombadil and Other...
Tolkien sends his reaction to the first pictures produced for the book:
Rayner Unwin writes to Tolkien detailing Pauline Baynes schedule for completing illustrations. He asks Tolkien to dine with he and his father in London ...
Tolkien writes to Rayner, agreeing on a visit to London on 22 August. He has written to Pauline, and today receives a reply from her that she is proceed...
Rayner sends Tolkien full-page illustrations of The Adventures of Tom Bombadil, drawn by Pauline Baynes. He asks Tolkien to decide which one should be e...
Tolkien sends his comments on the illustrations by Pauline Baynes to Rayner Unwin. Extracts are found in The J.R.R. Tolkien Companion and Guide: Chronol...
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...
Tolkien thanks Rayner for sending him Sir Stanley Unwin's article in the Sunday Times. He will send a list of people who he wishes to receive a cop...
In secret, Allen & Unwin had been putting a 'Festschrift' together to present to Tolkien on his 70th birthday. Tolkien writes to to congratula...
Tolkien sends a Christmas message to Michael. He mentions sales figures for The Adventures of Tom Bombadil and was very pleased that a 'Festschrift...
Allen & Unwin were to publish a paperback consisting of Tolkien's lecture 'On Fairy-stories' and his short story 'Leaf by Niggle&apo...
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 ...
Tolkien wrote that he usually typed letters because of his handwriting (which can be very difficult to read at times). He talks about the invention of h...
Rayner Unwin says that the artwork for the Lord of the Rings have been safely collected, they look marvellous, Rayner will take to Tolkien as soon as ca...
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...
Rayner Unwin of GA&U writing to Pauline Baynes, as "said in my scribbled postscript we all of us are entranced by your design for the box of The Lo...
Rayner Unwin replies to a letter from Ed Meskys saying the Silmarillion will not be published for many years but that Sir Gawain and Pearl could be publ...
Tolkien had sent Unwin the typescript of his new story Smith of Wootton Major. It seemed to Unwin to need the companionship of other stories to make a s...
Tolkien writes about revising The Lord of the Rings. Additional quotes from this letter concerning the revising of Sir Gawain are published in Chronolog...
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...
In August 1965 Ballantine Books produced the first 'authorized' American paperback of The Hobbit, without incorporating Tolkien's revisio...
No details are currently known from this letter. It is held at the Wade.
Rayner contradicts Ace Books assertions about a publishing agreement between Ace and Tolkien or his publishers. *Note - this date reflects when the lett...
Tolkien is working on drafts of Sir Gawain and Pearl and finding interesting words and passages that he hopes to write up for academic journals. An expa...
Tolkien writes about a new UK paperback edition of The Hobbit. He comments on replacing the note explaining Bilbo's changed story and the two Thrai...
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 a...
Tolkien writes concerning the designs for a new dust jacket for The Lord of the Rings and on plans for The Tolkien Reader. Tolkien would like to see the...
Tolkien thanks Joy Hill for sending various packets including fan mail. He would like to attend a Donald Swann concert and asks for seats. He says, rega...
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...
Joy Hill writes to Pamela Chandler. She is delighted by the photos taken of Tolkien and could not take them all in given the amount. She mentions that t...
Edith Tolkien sends a short note to Pamela Chandler saying that they are anxious to see the photos before they go away at the end of the week. Reports a...
Joy Hill writes to Pamela Chandler saying that Tolkien is pleased with the photographs and that if the letter reaches her before she sees Tolkien again,...
Unwin will show the Maurice Sendak Hobbit artwork to Tolkien in early February, and will try to talk to him about making some embellishments for The Roa...
Rayner had visited with Tolkien on 16 February, and shown him the Maurice Sendak Hobbit art piece proposed for a Houghton Mifflin deluxe illustrated edt...
Writing to Rayner Unwin, Tolkien makes clear that he does not want to take part in another interview. He is unhappy with the list of proposed questions ...
Rayner writes to Mr Hooton about The Silmarillion. He describes Tolkien as "a perfectionist" and does not expect publication for a few years. ...
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...
Ronald Eames of GA&U writes to Pauline Baynes. Her illustrations for Smith of Wootton Major are delightful. He is certain Tolkien will be pleased. he ag...
Tolkien thanks Rayner for his friendship.
On 17 June, while preparing to move house, Tolkien fell downstairs and injured his leg. This letter was written from hospital in Oxford.
A letter to Mary Fairburn about her illustrations for The Lord of the Rings - he has not yet shown her drawings to Rayner Unwin. He doesn't think a...
Tolkien is distressed at Mary Fairburn's situation and offers to financially help her. Mary Fairburn had sent Tolkien some illustrations to view, w...
Letter to Mary Fairburn declining acquiring all of her pictures as he does not have wall space to hang them, but he is interested in her Mirror of Galad...
Rayner Unwin of GA&U writes to Pauline Baynes. The poster of the map of Middle-earth in The Lord of the Rings has had enormous success. Allen & Unwin wo...
Rayner Unwin's daughter Camilla was told, as part of a school 'project', to write and ask: 'What is the purpose of life?'
Tolkien writes to Unwin (first name not noted) about his health. This letter was sold by Sotheby Parke Bernet in the Catalogue of Modern Literary Manusc...
Joy Hill writes to Pauline Baynes, she says that one day last week she produced 44 letters for Tolkien. Rayner Unwin will see her poster A Map of Middle...
Pauline's A Map of Middle-earth is a masterpiece writes Rayner Unwin, as he believes Tolkien himself has already told her. Rayner did not write dow...
Tolkien writes to his cousin Dorothy after he and Edith had dined at Hotel Miramar (possibly with Rayner Unwin) and had been told that Dorothy had inqui...
Tolkien visited Nottingham with Rayner Unwin on 2nd May 1970. Tolkien received an Honorary D. Litt. Tolkien writes about a student demonstration that to...
Joy Hill writes to confirm scheduling just discussed in a phone call. Boorman will meet with Rayner Unwin on Monday 17th August, and Tolkien in Bournemo...
Rayner Unwin to Pauline Baynes writes that A Map of Middle-earth is selling well, and they already plan a reprint. They are now thinking of a poster map...
Rayner Unwin to Pauline Baynes says that GA&U are very happy to commission the Hobbit map, entitled There and Back Again] as soon as she can fit it in, ...
Rayner Unwin comments that they are delighted that Baynes will do the Hobbit map entitled 'There and Back Again'. There is no urgency and a fe...
Tolkien writes to Rayner about his becoming Chairman of GA&U. A brief quote about Edith's health is reproduced in Chronology.
Rayner Unwin has sent via Joy Hill blowups from the The Lord of the Rings of area the There and Back Again map would need to cover. It has much some det...
Rayner Unwin notes that GA&U are delighted with There and Back Again map and that Tolkien is unqualified in his praise. 'He loved your visit . . . ...
Rayner Unwin is quite happy with the different method of payment but is re-sending the cheque for £150 that she returned to him. He outlines new method...
Tolkien invites Rayner and his wife to visit him in his new flat at Merton.
Tolkien thanks Rayner for organizing his trip to London to Buckingham Palace to be awarded the C.B.E., a party at the Garrick Club in his honour and sta...
Tolkien discusses the various meals that he has been treated to.
A letter regarding the printed appearance of colours of certain pictures in the Ballantine Tolkien Calendar, the Moria Gate illustration, and not liking...
Christopher writes to Rayner Unwin on the subject of publishing his father's translation of Sir Gawain. He cannot find any notes or material that w...
Christopher agrees to produce a new version of Notes on Nomenclature and for Lobdell to publish them in his book A Tolkien Compass.
Rayner Unwin thanks Bernie Zuber and the membership of the World Science Fiction Convention for awarding J.R.R. Tolkien with the "Gandalf Award&quo...
In his preface to Beren and Luthien, Christopher Tolkien gave Rayner Unwin an update on the work he had been involved with. He told him about his curren...
Tony Davison writes to Rayner Unwin. He asks about various matters after reading the Letters of J.R.R. Tolkien and Biography, including on future public...
In reply to a letter to Christopher Tolkien, Rayner Unwin gives some details of a possible publication of the Book of Lost Tales and says that the manus...
Letter Tags
Stats
Guide to Tolkien's Letters
Mentioning 'rayner' AND mentioning 'unwin'
(198 letters match)1936
30 October 1936
Rayner Unwin to Sir Stanley Unwin
#1176
Sir Stanley Unwin's son Rayner was paid to write a review of a book that was being considered for publication, The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien
1937
7 January 1937
C.A. Furth (GA&U) to J.R.R. Tolkien
#1845
C. A. Furth of GA&U writes to Tolkien on matters of his illustrations for The Hobbit. His drawings are admirable and blocks for them are being produced....
7 October 1937
Mary St John [Wiseman] to J.R.R. Tolkien
#2034
Mary writes to Tolkien asking if he would send her a presentation copy of The Hobbit. In return she will send him prayers. This letter is found among th...
11 October 1937
Stanley Unwin to J.R.R. Tolkien
#1987
Stanley Unwin writes to Tolkien telling him that The Hobbit is selling well, and had good reviews in the Times Literary Supplement and The Times itself....
23 October 1937
J.R.R. Tolkien to Stanley Unwin
#21
Carpenter #18
Originally published as just a fragment of a thank you letter to Stanley Unwin who had written that Tolkien was "one of those rare people with geni...
20 December 1937
Stanley Unwin to J.R.R. Tolkien
#2124
Stanley Unwin writes to Tolkien and includes colour plates of illustrations for The Hobbit along with a report from Rayner on The Adventures of Tom Bomb...
1938
1 February 1938
J.R.R. Tolkien to C.A. Furth (Allen & Unwin Ltd.)
#24
Carpenter #21
Originally published as just a fragment of a letter, asking if Rayner Unwin was interested to read the "sequel to The Hobbit". In the revised ...
11th February 1938
Stanley Unwin to J.R.R. Tolkien
#1988
Stanley Unwin writes that his son Rayner is delighted with the sample chapter from the new book about hobbits. Rayner does wonder if a child who hasn&ap...
18 February 1938
J.R.R. Tolkien to Stanley Unwin
#27
Carpenter #24
In this two page handwritten letter, Tolkien thanks Unwin's son Rayner for his positive feedback on the first chapter of the new book, "A Long...
4 March 1938
J.R.R. Tolkien to Stanley Unwin
#30
Carpenter #26
Tolkien writes to Stanley Unwin about C.S. Lewis's Out of the Silent Planet and gives him an update on progress with the sequel to The Hobbit. He a...
3rd May, 1938
Stanley Unwin to J.R.R. Tolkien
#1989
Stanley writes a short cover letter to Tolkien explaining that Rayner has had little time (going to boarding school on this day), but has scribbled down...
3 May 1938
Rayner Unwin to J.R.R. Tolkien
#1990
Rayner "scribbles" a book report on the first three chapters of the Hobbit sequel. His father Stanley sends this review to Tolkien along with ...
June 4th 1938
J.R.R. Tolkien to Stanley Unwin
#32
Carpenter #28
Tolkien thanks Stanley Unwin for the excellent news from America, where The Hobbit is selling well and it has won a prize of $250. Rayner's review ...
24 July 1938
J.R.R. Tolkien to C.A. Furth
#35
Carpenter #31
Tolkien bemoans The Hobbit being published in 1937 over 1938. His work pressure has left him hard-pressed to get into actions on the sequel. Tolkien has...
1939
28 December 1939
Stanley Unwin to J.R.R. Tolkien
#2191
Stanley Unwin replies to Tolkien's letter of 19 December. He says that it would be a relief to receive Tolkien's work on the Clark Hall Beowul...
1944
22 June 1944
Stanley Unwin to J.R.R. Tolkien
#1342
Stanley Unwin writes to Tolkien asking of he could meet his son Rayner who is serving as a Cadet in the Navy at Oxford. He also encloses a cheque for £...
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 recei...
29 June 1944
J.R.R. Tolkien to Stanley Unwin
#145
Carpenter #74
Stanley Unwin had sent Tolkien a large cheque as payment of royalties on The Hobbit, and mentions that Rayner is now at Oxford reading English. Tolkien ...
7 July 1944
Stanley Unwin to J.R.R. Tolkien
#2245
Stanley writes to tell Tolkien that if paper were available they would immediately reprint The Hobbit as it would sell well. Stanley apologizes for not ...
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...
26 September 1944
Stanley Unwin to J.R.R. Tolkien
#2433
Stanley Unwin writes to Tolkien, remarked by Hammond & Scull as being about "an interesting poem, presumably Pearl, that Tolkien lent to Rayner."
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 Bl...
1945
Undated (circa 18 March 1945)
J.R.R. Tolkien to Stanley Unwin
#223
Carpenter #98
Tolkien expresses deep concern about Rayner, who is off to war, and mentions that his son Christopher has become great friends with Chris Unwin. One of ...
1946
21 July 1946
J.R.R. Tolkien to Stanley Unwin
#251
Carpenter #105
Tolkien writes to Sir Stanley Unwin, who had just been knighted. He asked about Farmer Giles. And remarks on his progress to The Hobbit sequel among oth...
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 ...
31 July 1947
J.R.R. Tolkien to Stanley Unwin
#255
Carpenter #109
Tolkien responded to Rayner Unwin's comments about The Fellowship of the Ring. He talks about allegory as well as other literary illusions. Tolkien...
21 September 1947
J.R.R. Tolkien to Stanley Unwin
#257
Carpenter #111
Tolkien apologizes for the delay in responding to a letter sent in July and explains that he has been preoccupied with philology due to academic commitm...
27 September 1947
Stanley Unwin to J.R.R. Tolkien
#2246
In response to Tolkien's letter from the prior week Unwin lets Tolkien know that the Hobbit corrections have been passed on to the production depar...
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 ...
1948
31 October 1948
J.R.R. Tolkien to Hugh Brogan
#269
Carpenter #117
Success! declares Tolkien. He has completed The Lord of the Rings and having been read by Rayner Unwin is approved. He does not think it will make any m...
1950
1950s
J.R.R. Tolkien to Jeremiah Hogan (and family)
#1180
Tolkien spent some time in the 1950s in Ireland and while there he stayed with the Hogan family. The father, Jeremiah worked with Tolkien during his vis...
5 February 1950
J.R.R. Tolkien to Milton Waldman
#275
Carpenter #123
Tolkien had "dumped" the manuscript of The Lord of the Rings on Milton Waldman just as he was going on holiday, and Tolkien felt bad burdoning...
24 February 1950
J.R.R. Tolkien to Stanley Unwin
#276
Carpenter #124
Tolkien writes to Stanley Unwin, mentioning various topics but chief among them is The Lord of the Rings. Stranded without a publisher, and the work now...
3 April 1950
Sir Stanley Unwin to J.R.R. Tolkien
#1525
Sir Stanley Unwin writes to Tolkien on the matter of how to publish the Lord of the Rings. He does not see a possibility of one volume and gives some fi...
14 April 1950
J.R.R. Tolkien to Stanley Unwin
#294
Carpenter #127
Relations between Tolkien and Allen & Unwin had begun to become strained as Tolkien felt that A&U were not open to publishing his work as he would have ...
1952
22 June 1952
J.R.R. Tolkien to Rayner Unwin
#315
Carpenter #133
Rayner Unwin had written to Tolkien about 'Errantry' and this gave Tolkien an opportunity to see if he could get The Lord of the Rings publish...
7 August 1952
J.R.R. Tolkien to George Sayer
#157
In 1937, at the urging of his publishers, Tolkien began writing "a new Hobbit." Due to his full-time academic position, progress was slow, and...
29 August 1952
J.R.R. Tolkien to Rayner Unwin
#350
Carpenter #134
Tolkien expresses his eagerness to publish The Lord of the Rings as soon as possible. Tolkien plans to spend some days correcting the manuscript at his ...
24 October 1952
J.R.R. Tolkien to Rayner Unwin
#351
Carpenter #135
Tolkien expresses regret for producing a substantial work like The Lord of the Rings during challenging times. He expresses gratitude for the recipient&...
10 November 1952
Rayner Unwin to J.R.R. Tolkien
#1355
Rayner Unwin writing to Tolkien gives him the welcome news that they have decided to publish The Lord of the Rings. They will take the unusual approach ...
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
24 March 1953
J.R.R. Tolkien to Rayner Unwin
#352
Carpenter #136
Tolkien writes to Rayner Unwin about the challenges he's faced leading up to the contract day for The Lord of the Rings. He is also concerned about...
11 April 1953
J.R.R. Tolkien to Rayner Unwin
#353
Carpenter #137
Tolkien apologizes for the delay in sending the revised manuscript for The Lord of the Rings. His move was incredibly challenging. Tolkien has finally c...
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&...
8 August 1953
J.R.R. Tolkien to Rayner Unwin
#355
Carpenter #139
Tolkien writes about The Lord of the Rings and he suggests some titles if it is published in three volumes. He was also concerned about whether the publ...
15 August 1953
J.R.R. Tolkien to Ronald Eames
#180
Eames had written to Tolkien the previous day regarding galleys for The Lord of the Rings. Tolkien replies saying he will return all copies, "if it...
17 August 1953
J.R.R. Tolkien to Rayner Unwin
#356
Carpenter #140
Tolkien expresses gratitude for Rayner's visit. He proposes titles for the volumes of The Lord of the Rings and his rationale behind the titles.
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...
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...
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&quo...
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 ...
28 December 1953
J.R.R. Tolkien to Rayner Unwin
#181
Tolkien arranges to visit Allen & Unwin in London with the manuscript for The Return of the King.
1954
22 January 1954
J.R.R. Tolkien to Rayner Unwin
#371
Carpenter #143
Tolkien writes about corrections to Book III and Book IV.
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 t...
13 May 1954
J.R.R. Tolkien to Rayner Unwin
#390
Carpenter #145
Tolkien is pleased with positive early opinions about his work. He notes his dissatisfaction with the Houghton Mifflin effort, and gives some suggestion...
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 w...
9 September 1954
J.R.R. Tolkien to Rayner Unwin
#394
Carpenter #149
Tolkien expresses his relief that the critiques were better than feared. He acknowledges the disadvantage of issuing the work in three parts, with criti...
2 December 1954
J.R.R. Tolkien to Rayner Unwin
#406
Carpenter #158
Tolkien briefly mentions having only had time to glance at the Houghton Mifflin 'jacket' information. He thinks it was written by someone who ...
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...
1955
6 March 1955
J.R.R. Tolkien to Rayner Unwin
#408
Carpenter #160
Tolkien regrets having promised the appendices to The Lord of the Rings. He acknowledges the demand for detailed information but is finding this very di...
14 April 1955
J.R.R. Tolkien to Rayner Unwin
#409
Carpenter #161
Tolkien expresses frustration with creating a map for The Lord of the Rings.
18 April 1955
J.R.R. Tolkien to Rayner Unwin
#410
Carpenter #162
Christopher Tolkien had re-drawn Tolkien's draft-map of the area of Gondor and Rohan.
12 May 1955
J.R.R. Tolkien to Rayner Unwin
#201
Tolkien replies to Rayner Unwin concerning his approval of Tolkien's map, which Christopher Tolkien reproduced.
26 May 1955 (day of delivery)
Rayner Unwin to J.R.R. Tolkien
#1526
Rayner Unwin sends Tolkien a folder with reviews from the USA, forwarded from Houghton Mifflin.
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...
7 June 1955
J.R.R. Tolkien to W. H. Auden
#476
Carpenter #163
Tolkien shares insights into the origins and inspirations behind his writing, particularly focusing on The Lord of the Rings. He discusses the evolution...
28 June 1955
J.R.R. Tolkien to Miss Perry
#1089
Tolkien mentions his visit to London where he met Rayner Unwin. He met Mr. Wilson, who he described as "the small old Scot who seems to reign over ...
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.
8 December 1955
J.R.R. Tolkien to Rayner Unwin
#526
Carpenter #177
Tolkien expresses his agreement with critics' negative views on the radio adaptation of The Lord of the Rings. Tolkien anticipates negative respons...
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 July 1956
J.R.R. Tolkien to Rayner Unwin
#538
Carpenter #190
Tolkien expresses strong objections to the Dutch translation of The Lord of the Rings. He vehemently opposes any alteration or translation of the nomenc...
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 ...
9 May 1957
J.R.R. Tolkien to Rayner Unwin
#559
Carpenter #197
Tolkien expresses gratitude for a letter from GA&U and contemplates the idea of retiring in July and reflects on the financial and health implications. ...
19 June 1957
J.R.R. Tolkien to Rayner Unwin
#560
Carpenter #198
Tolkien expresses a personal openness to the idea of an animated motion picture based on his work.
?Mid-September 1957
J.R.R. Tolkien to Rayner Unwin
#1669
Tolkien sends his letter from 6 September intended for Forrest J. Ackerman to Rayner Unwin after hearing nothing more from him and asks him to forward i...
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...
5 September 1957
Rayner Unwin to J.R.R. Tolkien
#1667
Rayner Unwin writes to say he is delighted that Tolkien was impressed with the concept artwork and photography he was shown during his visit by Forrest ...
7 September 1957
J.R.R. Tolkien to Rayner Unwin
#576
Carpenter #201
Tolkien expresses dissatisfaction with the current script for the proposed film version of The Lord of the Rings. Previously, Wayne G. Hammond and Chris...
4 October 1957
Rayner Unwin to J.R.R. Tolkien
#1670
Rayner Unwin writes to Tolkien to say that Allen & Unwin have still not heard from Ackerman.
18 October 1957
Rayner Unwin to Forrest J. Ackerman
#1671
Rayner Unwin writes to Forrest J. Ackerman, to ask if he is still interested in the film project of the Lord of the Rings. He is holding a letter with c...
14 November 1957
Rayner Unwin to J.R.R. Tolkien
#1672
Rayner writes asking Tolkien how things stand between him and the Dutch bookshop, Voorhoeve & Dietrich regarding his visit to Holland. He also notes tha...
7 December 1957
J.R.R. Tolkien to Rayner Unwin
#578
Carpenter #204
Tolkien discusses a letter from Halsbury expressing admiration for the Silmarillion material and anticipation for its publication. Tolkien mentions a le...
12 December 1957
Rayner Unwin to J.R.R. Tolkien
#1673
Rayner agrees with Tolkien that future translations should adopt the names as Tolkien prefers. Rayner says that Allen & Unwin can have an index of names...
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
Unknown but no earlier than 1958
Rayner Unwin to Marquette University
#1098
This letter, held at the Marquette archives from Rayner Unwin to the archives of The J.R.R. Tolkien Collection concerned corrections for the Return of t...
14 January 1958
Rayner Unwin to J.R.R. Tolkien
#1674
Rayner has found a lady who can index The Lord of the Rings for him, and notes that he has said it is to be in "two parts". One of proper name...
12 March 1958
J.R.R. Tolkien to Nancy Smith
#207
Following the publication of the third volume from Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings, many readers' demands grew for an index or glossary that w...
27 March 1958
Rayner Unwin to J.R.R. Tolkien
#1675
Rayner informs Tolkien that Forrest J. Ackerman with Zimmerman have been given a free option on the film rights to the Lord of the Rings, Zimmerman will...
8 April 1958
J.R.R. Tolkien to Rayner Unwin
#580
Carpenter #206
Tolkien describes in great detail his trip to Rotterdam.
8 April 1958
J.R.R. Tolkien to Rayner Unwin
#581
Carpenter #207
Tolkien expresses his intent to review the "Story-Line" provided by Zimmerman for the animated film adaptation of The Lord of the Rings. Tolki...
16 April 1958
Rayner Unwin to J.R.R. Tolkien
#1676
Rayner writes to Tolkien to inform him that Allen & Unwin's Hollywood agent has reported that Ackerman has agreed to pay $500 for an additional 6 m...
9 May 1958
Rayner Unwin to J.R.R. Tolkien
#1677
Rayner informs Tolkien that the head of the agency from Hollywood who is responsible for the negotiations with Ackerman/Zimmerman will visit the Allen &...
16 May 1958
J.R.R. Tolkien to Rayner Unwin
#1678
Writing to Rayner, Tolkien says that his face is healing, and he is feeling better, and able to read and write again. He has not been able to complete t...
22 May 1958
Rayner Unwin to J.R.R. Tolkien
#1679
Rayner replies to Tolkien with sympathy for his health troubles. He also agrees on Tolkien's proposed reply to Ackerman.
27 May 1958
J.R.R. Tolkien to Nancy Smith
#338
Due to demand from fans, Rayner Unwin hires editor and friend Nancy Smith to help Tolkien compile an index for The Lord of the Rings. See also #TCGLette...
27 May 1958
J.R.R. Tolkien to Rayner Unwin
#1683
Tolkien writes to Rayner Unwin, including a letter with a sheet of answers to be forwarded to Nancy Smith. He has been waylaid by many bothers and will ...
29 May 1958
Rayner Unwin to J.R.R. Tolkien
#1680
Writing to Tolkien, Rayner says that he will seriously consider adding the index into the Lord of the Rings. Possibly to coincide with the proposed publ...
30 May 1958
Rayner Unwin to Edgar Carter
#1682
Rayner Unwin sends Tolkien's unfinished letter intended for Forrest J. Ackerman to their Hollywood agent.
10 June 1958
Edgar Carter to Forrest J. Ackerman
#1684
Edgar Carter of Allen & Unwin's Hollywood agents sends Tolkien's two pages from his unfinished letter of April or May to Forrest J. Ackerman. ...
16 June 1958
J.R.R. Tolkien to Rayner Unwin
#1685
Tolkien writes to Rayner Unwin, including the Zimmerman story-line along with the cover note to Ackerman. Tolkien tells Rayner that he does not want &qu...
1959
14 February 1959
Rayner Unwin to J.R.R. Tolkien
#1686
Writing to Tolkien on the matter of the option for the Lord of the Rings film rights, he has heard from agents that Ackerman and Co. have decided to not...
24 February 1959
A.M. Hope to Rayner Unwin
#1688
Tolkien's secretary, Miss A.M. Hope writes to Rayner Unwin to inform him that Tolkien is in hospital and will be unable to attend the Playhour meet...
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...
9 December 1959
J.R.R. Tolkien to Rayner Unwin
#598
Carpenter #222
Tolkien writes to Rayner about his translations of Sir Gawain and the Green Knight and Pearl.
1960
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...
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 th...
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...
31 July 1960
J.R.R. Tolkien to Rayner Unwin
#599
Carpenter #223
Tolkien's publishing commitments are catching up with him. Chronology reproduced a slightly longer selection of the letter than what appears in Let...
10 December 1960
J.R.R. Tolkien to Rayner Unwin
#601
Carpenter #225
Puffin Books, via Margaret S. Clark, had requested the rights to publish a paperback edition of The Hobbit on 30 November. After hearing of this from Ra...
1961
23 May 1961
J.R.R. Tolkien to Rayner Unwin
#468
Tolkien discusses the artist Cor Blok's pictures and whether any artist could do justice to the noble and heroic in his works.
12 July 1961
Rayner Unwin to J.R.R. Tolkien
#778
Rayner Unwin writes to Tolkien with news that Miss Pamela Chandler wants to photograph him. He impresses upon Tolkien that they could use the photograph...
11 October 1961
J.R.R. Tolkien to Rayner Unwin
#1070
Tolkien suggests a book about Tom Bombadil as "an interim amusement" that wouldn't cost too much. He suggests Pauline Baynes as illustrator.
2 November 1961
Rayner Unwin to J.R.R. Tolkien
#1071
Rayner suggests that Tolkien include additional poems with 'Tom Bombadil' not just from The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings.
15 November 1961
J.R.R. Tolkien to Rayner Unwin
#608
Carpenter #233
Allen & Unwin agree to publish The Adventures of Tom Bombadil.
18 November 1961
J.R.R. Tolkien to Rayner Unwin
#1072
Tolkien sends an additional poem (Princess Mee) to Rayner Unwin for possible inclusion in the 'Tom Bombadil' poetry book.
18 November 1961
Rayner Unwin to J.R.R. Tolkien
#1073
Rayner tells Tolkien that he has sent the Tom Bombadil poems to Pauline Baynes to get her thoughts.
8 December 1961
J.R.R. Tolkien to Rayner Unwin
#1074
Tolkien has misgivings about the 'Tom Bombadil' poems being incompatible, particularly 'The Sea-Bell'.
30 December 1961
J.R.R. Tolkien to Rayner Unwin
#611
Carpenter #236
Tolkien has read the Puffin Hobbit and was not impressed with changes made to the book. Chronology contains additional quoted material beyond what appea...
1962
12 January 1962
Rayner Unwin to J.R.R. Tolkien
#1075
Rayner Unwin sends Tolkien a specimen page for The Adventures of Tom Bombadil, and estimates the book would be a total of 64 pages.
5 February 1962
J.R.R. Tolkien to Rayner Unwin
#1076
Tolkien submits additional poems for possible inclusion in the 'Tom Bombadil' book - 'Firiel', 'The Trees of Kortirion', &...
12 April 1962
J.R.R. Tolkien to Rayner Unwin
#612
Carpenter #237
Tolkien discusses progress with The Adventures of Tom Bombadil. Chronology contains additional material quoted beyond what appears in Letters. The origi...
9 May 1962
Joy Hill (GA&U) to J.R.R. Tolkien
#1230
Following Rayner Unwin's letter to Pauline Baynes, Joy Hill writes to Tolkien confirming their offer to Baynes to illustrate The Adventures of Tom ...
9 May 1962
Rayner Unwin (George Allen & Unwin) to Pauline Baynes
#1229
Rayner Unwin writes offering Pauline Baynes the job of illustrating The Adventures of Tom Bombadil and Other Verses from the Red Book. This will include...
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....
1 August 1962
Allen & Unwin to Pauline Baynes
#870
Ronald Eames of George Allen & Unwin writes to Pauline Baynes. They are delighted with the first instalment for The Adventures of Tom Bombadil and Other...
3 August 1962
J.R.R. Tolkien to Pauline Baynes
#492
Tolkien sends his reaction to the first pictures produced for the book:
3 August 1962
Rayner Unwin to J.R.R. Tolkien
#871
Rayner Unwin writes to Tolkien detailing Pauline Baynes schedule for completing illustrations. He asks Tolkien to dine with he and his father in London ...
9 August 1962
J.R.R. Tolkien to Rayner Unwin
#873
Tolkien writes to Rayner, agreeing on a visit to London on 22 August. He has written to Pauline, and today receives a reply from her that she is proceed...
27 August 1962
Rayner Unwin to J.R.R. Tolkien
#874
Rayner sends Tolkien full-page illustrations of The Adventures of Tom Bombadil, drawn by Pauline Baynes. He asks Tolkien to decide which one should be e...
29 August 1962
J.R.R. Tolkien to Rayner Unwin
#875
Tolkien sends his comments on the illustrations by Pauline Baynes to Rayner Unwin. Extracts are found in The J.R.R. Tolkien Companion and Guide: Chronol...
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...
9 November, 1962
J.R.R. Tolkien to Rayner Unwin
#1530
Tolkien thanks Rayner for sending him Sir Stanley Unwin's article in the Sunday Times. He will send a list of people who he wishes to receive a cop...
?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 congratula...
19 December 1962
J.R.R. Tolkien to Michael Tolkien
#618
Carpenter #243
Tolkien sends a Christmas message to Michael. He mentions sales figures for The Adventures of Tom Bombadil and was very pleased that a 'Festschrift...
1963
5 October 1963
J.R.R. Tolkien to Sir Stanley Unwin
#623
Carpenter #248
Allen & Unwin were to publish a paperback consisting of Tolkien's lecture 'On Fairy-stories' and his short story 'Leaf by Niggle&apo...
23 December 1963
J.R.R. Tolkien to Rayner Unwin
#628
Carpenter #253
It had been agreed that the new paperback (see no. 248) should be given the title Tree and Leaf. Rayner Unwin asked if Tolkien could suggest a suitable ...
1964
16 July 1964
J.R.R. Tolkien to Christopher Bretherton
#631
Carpenter #257
Tolkien wrote that he usually typed letters because of his handwriting (which can be very difficult to read at times). He talks about the invention of h...
30 July 1964
Rayner Unwin (George Allen & Unwin) to Pauline Baynes
#1250
Rayner Unwin says that the artwork for the Lord of the Rings have been safely collected, they look marvellous, Rayner will take to Tolkien as soon as ca...
2 August 1964
J.R.R. Tolkien to Rayner Unwin
#632
Carpenter #258
During 1964 an Aquastroll hydrofoil, which made a trial crossing from Calais to Dover, was given the name Shadowfax (the name of the horse ridden by Gan...
4 August 1964
Rayner Unwin to Pauline Baynes
#1251
Rayner Unwin of GA&U writing to Pauline Baynes, as "said in my scribbled postscript we all of us are entranced by your design for the box of The Lo...
1965
22 February 1965
Rayner Unwin to Ed Meskys
#782
Rayner Unwin replies to a letter from Ed Meskys saying the Silmarillion will not be published for many years but that Sir Gawain and Pearl could be publ...
20 May 1965
J.R.R. Tolkien to Rayner Unwin
#644
Carpenter #270
Tolkien had sent Unwin the typescript of his new story Smith of Wootton Major. It seemed to Unwin to need the companionship of other stories to make a s...
25 May 1965
J.R.R. Tolkien to Rayner Unwin
#645
Carpenter #271
Tolkien writes about revising The Lord of the Rings. Additional quotes from this letter concerning the revising of Sir Gawain are published in Chronolog...
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...
12 September 1965
J.R.R. Tolkien to Rayner Unwin
#651
Carpenter #277
In August 1965 Ballantine Books produced the first 'authorized' American paperback of The Hobbit, without incorporating Tolkien's revisio...
14 September 1965
Rayner Unwin to Nan C. Scott
#946
No details are currently known from this letter. It is held at the Wade.
9 October 1965*
Rayner Unwin to Chicago Daily News
#2462
Rayner contradicts Ace Books assertions about a publishing agreement between Ace and Tolkien or his publishers. *Note - this date reflects when the lett...
8 November 1965
J.R.R. Tolkien to Rayner Unwin
#1010
Carpenter #280
Tolkien is working on drafts of Sir Gawain and Pearl and finding interesting words and passages that he hopes to write up for academic journals. An expa...
15 December 1965
J.R.R. Tolkien to Rayner Unwin
#654
Carpenter #281
Tolkien writes about a new UK paperback edition of The Hobbit. He comments on replacing the note explaining Bilbo's changed story and the two Thrai...
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 a...
1966
25 April 1966
J.R.R. Tolkien to Rayner Unwin
#774
Tolkien writes concerning the designs for a new dust jacket for The Lord of the Rings and on plans for The Tolkien Reader. Tolkien would like to see the...
13 May 1966
J.R.R. Tolkien to Joy Hill
#786
Tolkien thanks Joy Hill for sending various packets including fan mail. He would like to attend a Donald Swann concert and asks for seats. He says, rega...
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...
11 August 1966
Joy Hill to Pamela Chandler
#850
Joy Hill writes to Pamela Chandler. She is delighted by the photos taken of Tolkien and could not take them all in given the amount. She mentions that t...
28 August 1966
Edith Tolkien to Pamela Chandler
#851
Edith Tolkien sends a short note to Pamela Chandler saying that they are anxious to see the photos before they go away at the end of the week. Reports a...
13 September 1966
Joy Hill to Pamela Chandler
#852
Joy Hill writes to Pamela Chandler saying that Tolkien is pleased with the photographs and that if the letter reaches her before she sees Tolkien again,...
1967
24 January 1967
Rayner Unwin to Austin Olney
#2254
Unwin will show the Maurice Sendak Hobbit artwork to Tolkien in early February, and will try to talk to him about making some embellishments for The Roa...
20 February 1967
Rayner Unwin to Austin Olney
#2255
Rayner had visited with Tolkien on 16 February, and shown him the Maurice Sendak Hobbit art piece proposed for a Houghton Mifflin deluxe illustrated edt...
14 March 1967
J.R.R. Tolkien to Rayner Unwin
#799
Writing to Rayner Unwin, Tolkien makes clear that he does not want to take part in another interview. He is unhappy with the list of proposed questions ...
23 May 1967
Rayner Unwin to Mr Hooton
#754
Rayner writes to Mr Hooton about The Silmarillion. He describes Tolkien as "a perfectionist" and does not expect publication for a few years. ...
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...
17 July 1967
Ronald Eames to Pauline Baynes
#1252
Ronald Eames of GA&U writes to Pauline Baynes. Her illustrations for Smith of Wootton Major are delightful. He is certain Tolkien will be pleased. he ag...
21 July 1967
J.R.R. Tolkien to Rayner Unwin
#669
Carpenter #296
Tolkien thanks Rayner for his friendship.
1968
26 June 1968
J.R.R. Tolkien to Rayner Unwin
#678
Carpenter #305
On 17 June, while preparing to move house, Tolkien fell downstairs and injured his leg. This letter was written from hospital in Oxford.
4 September 1968
J.R.R. Tolkien to Mary Fairburn
#690
A letter to Mary Fairburn about her illustrations for The Lord of the Rings - he has not yet shown her drawings to Rayner Unwin. He doesn't think a...
10 October 1968
J.R.R. Tolkien to Mary Fairburn
#691
Tolkien is distressed at Mary Fairburn's situation and offers to financially help her. Mary Fairburn had sent Tolkien some illustrations to view, w...
4 November 1968
J.R.R. Tolkien to Mary Fairburn
#692
Letter to Mary Fairburn declining acquiring all of her pictures as he does not have wall space to hang them, but he is interested in her Mirror of Galad...
1969
9 May 1969
Rayner Unwin to Pauline Baynes
#1253
Rayner Unwin of GA&U writes to Pauline Baynes. The poster of the map of Middle-earth in The Lord of the Rings has had enormous success. Allen & Unwin wo...
20 May 1969
J.R.R. Tolkien to Camilla Unwin
#683
Carpenter #310
Rayner Unwin's daughter Camilla was told, as part of a school 'project', to write and ask: 'What is the purpose of life?'
14 August 1969
J.R.R. Tolkien to [Rayner?] Unwin
#1032
Tolkien writes to Unwin (first name not noted) about his health. This letter was sold by Sotheby Parke Bernet in the Catalogue of Modern Literary Manusc...
17 November 1969
Joy Hill to Pauline Baynes
#1255
Joy Hill writes to Pauline Baynes, she says that one day last week she produced 44 letters for Tolkien. Rayner Unwin will see her poster A Map of Middle...
21 November 1969
Rayner Unwin to Pauline Baynes
#1256
Pauline's A Map of Middle-earth is a masterpiece writes Rayner Unwin, as he believes Tolkien himself has already told her. Rayner did not write dow...
1970
22 April 1970
J.R.R. Tolkien to Dorothy Wood
#441
Tolkien writes to his cousin Dorothy after he and Edith had dined at Hotel Miramar (possibly with Rayner Unwin) and had been told that Dorothy had inqui...
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...
31 July 1970
Joy Hill to John Boorman
#2085
Joy Hill writes to confirm scheduling just discussed in a phone call. Boorman will meet with Rayner Unwin on Monday 17th August, and Tolkien in Bournemo...
10 September 1970
Rayner Unwin to Pauline Baynes
#1257
Rayner Unwin to Pauline Baynes writes that A Map of Middle-earth is selling well, and they already plan a reprint. They are now thinking of a poster map...
4 November 1970
Rayner Unwin to Pauline Baynes
#1258
Rayner Unwin to Pauline Baynes says that GA&U are very happy to commission the Hobbit map, entitled There and Back Again] as soon as she can fit it in, ...
27 November 1970
Rayner Unwin to Pauline Baynes
#1259
Rayner Unwin comments that they are delighted that Baynes will do the Hobbit map entitled 'There and Back Again'. There is no urgency and a fe...
1971
24 July 1971
J.R.R. Tolkien to Rayner Unwin
#421
Carpenter #326
Tolkien writes to Rayner about his becoming Chairman of GA&U. A brief quote about Edith's health is reproduced in Chronology.
9 August 1971
Rayner Unwin to Pauline Baynes
#1260
Rayner Unwin has sent via Joy Hill blowups from the The Lord of the Rings of area the There and Back Again map would need to cover. It has much some det...
15 September 1971
Rayner Unwin to Pauline Baynes
#1261
Rayner Unwin notes that GA&U are delighted with There and Back Again map and that Tolkien is unqualified in his praise. 'He loved your visit . . . ...
7 October 1971
Rayner Unwin to Pauline Baynes
#1263
Rayner Unwin is quite happy with the different method of payment but is re-sending the cheque for £150 that she returned to him. He outlines new method...
1972
16 March 1972
J.R.R. Tolkien to Rayner Unwin
#427
Carpenter #333
Tolkien invites Rayner and his wife to visit him in his new flat at Merton.
30 March 1972
J.R.R. Tolkien to Rayner Unwin
#428
Carpenter #334
Tolkien thanks Rayner for organizing his trip to London to Buckingham Palace to be awarded the C.B.E., a party at the Garrick Club in his honour and sta...
9 July 1972
J.R.R. Tolkien to Christopher Tolkien
#1513
Carpenter #339a
Tolkien discusses the various meals that he has been treated to.
12 October 1972
J.R.R. Tolkien to Rayner Unwin
#834
A letter regarding the printed appearance of colours of certain pictures in the Ballantine Tolkien Calendar, the Moria Gate illustration, and not liking...
1974
1974
Christopher Tolkien to Rayner Unwin
#2292
Christopher writes to Rayner Unwin on the subject of publishing his father's translation of Sir Gawain. He cannot find any notes or material that w...
21 June 1974
Christopher Tolkien to J.C. Lobdell
#1020
Christopher agrees to produce a new version of Notes on Nomenclature and for Lobdell to publish them in his book A Tolkien Compass.
1978
20th October, 1978
Rayner Unwin to Bernie Zuber
#781
Rayner Unwin thanks Bernie Zuber and the membership of the World Science Fiction Convention for awarding J.R.R. Tolkien with the "Gandalf Award&quo...
1981
Some time in 1981
Christopher Tolkien to Rayner Unwin
#2129
In his preface to Beren and Luthien, Christopher Tolkien gave Rayner Unwin an update on the work he had been involved with. He told him about his curren...
1982
c. January 1982
Tony Davison to Rayner Unwin
#1666
Tony Davison writes to Rayner Unwin. He asks about various matters after reading the Letters of J.R.R. Tolkien and Biography, including on future public...
2 February 1982
Rayner Unwin to Tony Davison
#1663
In reply to a letter to Christopher Tolkien, Rayner Unwin gives some details of a possible publication of the Book of Lost Tales and says that the manus...
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