Letters 
Letter Tags
Stats
A two page letter sent from 1 Alfred Street, St. Giles, Oxford, 17 March 1920, to Miss Duncan, enclosing a "mixed bag" of 50 possible examinat...
Tolkien writes to Mr. Ashton about his son, who is a student at the University of Leeds. He may not be able to take the degree he was hoping for, and To...
Tolkien offers to write a testimonial for Ashton. He remarks that Oxford is very focused on the motor trade.
Letter of recommendation for his B.Litt. student A. F. Colborn.
Tolkien provides a letter of recommendation for his B.Litt student A.F. Colborn.
Gift Tag to Michael. With a drawing of a holly leaf in green and red. The tag has 1942 written in pencil on it, but Michael was not born until 11th Janu...
Tolkien sends his grandson, Michael George, a postcard from Whitby, Yorkshire.
Tolkien gives Roger Sharrock some job recommendations including Oxford, Southampton and Swansea. He mentions that C.S. Lewis's lectures on Charles ...
Tolkien sends a present and a big kiss to his grandson.
Tolkien writes to Jennifer with some advice on an Oxford College, and about errors in The Hobbit which he notes he will send on to GA&U.
A Christmas note to Michael George. Tolkien encloses some money and a small drawing showing three stars in blue and red.
Tolkien sends his grandson two books for Christmas. Hammond and Scull remark in Chronology thats "these are probably the two Friendly Farm books by...
Tolkien thanks his grandson for sending him a birthday card.
Tolkien writes to his grandson, and thanks him for sending him some pictures. He has drawn a map of the area and marked on water, roads, low land and wh...
Xristmas note to Michael George.
Tolkien remarks on the reception to The Fellowship of the Ring by his colleagues.
Tolkien sent a letter and a postal order to Michael for his birthday to buy some model trains.
Tolkien writes to John Roberts, apologising for the delay in publishing the third volume of The Lord of the Rings. He describes the third volume, regret...
Tolkien sends a note to congratulate Jennings on her book of poetry, A Way of Looking being published. He also makes a mention on Auden's new book,...
Tolkien sends a pound to his grandson for Christmas.
Elizabeth Jennings had sent Tolkien an inscribed copy of her book of poetry, A Way of Looking. Tolkien on the whole likes the book.
Tolkien sends a note on Michael's Confirmation.
Tolkien sends a postcard of The Book of Kells Folio 200r to his grandson at the Oratory School.
Tolkien sends a short note with his greetings, and a reminder that he would like to see Deirdre again and asks her to let him know of a gift as he would...
Tolkien sends his grandson a cheque for Christmas, which his son Michael will have to cash in on his behalf.
Tolkien sent his grandson some biscuits for his birthday.
Tolkien discusses various matters including academic news, Hebrew, work with The Jerusalem Bible on the Book of Jonah. Michael George had been reading T...
Tolkien sends a note of Congratulations to Michael George.
Tolkien sends a box of paints to his grandson for Christmas.
Tolkien sends a book-token to his grandson for Christmas.
Tolkien sends his grandson some money for Christmas.
A fascinating letter on the labours of producing his iconic work, concluding with a humorous aside on real-life namesakes of his famous characters.
Tolkien writes a long letter to Michael George who is very worried about which degree to study for at Oxford. History, which his father took, or English...
Tolkien sends birthday wishes to Michael George.
Tolkien books a room for Michael George at Shidley Priory, and mentions C.S. Lewis resigning his chair at Cambridge.
Tolkien describes his visit to the Hotel Miramar in Bournemouth. Chronology contains a few additional quotes from the letter that do not appear in Carpe...
Tolkien offers to buy a Cello for his grandson, and also mentions that he is giving too many "presents" and will be cutting back.
Tolkien sends Michael George a cheque for £45 and is pleased by the post he got for his birthday. He is also impressed that The Times announced his bir...
In this letter from Tolkien to his grandson, who was studying at St. Andrew's University, Tolkien apologizes that his translations of Sir Gawain an...
Tolkien writes to Michael George about the Ace Books controversy, "Pirates have got to work in the U.S.A."
Tolkien writes to his grandson Michael George, clarifying that he is interested in all aspects of Michael's "work and tastes". He says th...
Tolkien has been ill and apologises for taking longer than he should to reply to Michael George. He offers to buy him a woollen cloth jacket.
Tolkien discusses money worries. Other parts of the letter are detailed in The J.R.R. Tolkien Companion and Guide: Chronology.
Tolkien wishes Michael George a happy birthday and sends him a cheque for £15.
Tolkien invites Michael George to his and Edith's Golden Wedding at Merton College. Michael has also been provisionally accepted for a B.Litt. at M...
Michael George was unable to attend Tolkien's Golden Wedding celebrations.
Tolkien sends his grandson Best wishes and prayers.
Tolkien congratulates his grandson on passing his degree.
Tolkien discusses the etymology of Mirkwood. Brief quotes from this letter included in Chronology show that he also talked about the typewriters he uses...
Tolkien sends Michael George a brush to clean his typewriter.
Tolkien's grandson is studying at Oxford. Tolkien writes about his views on 'research' and reading Smith of Wootton Major the previous we...
Tolkien discusses being a great-grandfather and comments from Sir Stanley Unwin on attaining the 'dignified age' of 75.
Tolkien offers his grandson the use of a Phillips recorder, which he used to record for Caedmon vinyl records.
Tolkien is bemused by now having a Post Code/Zip Code. He is able to walk better and does not need his walking stick. He thinks Lakeside Road is very qu...
Tolkien is very pleased to hear the news about his great-granddaughter, Catherine Mary Tolkien.
Michael's Cello has been had the strings stolen, and Tolkien discusses the origin of the name Catharine.
Tolkien writes about his love of Ireland. Tolkien's Interview with Denys Gueroult was repeated on the radio and he had forgotten it being recorded ...
Tolkien writes to his grandson Michael George mentioning various problems such as health, his fans, and the press.
Tolkien tries to arrange to see Michael George, but is not sure if that will happen.
Letter Tags
Stats
Guide to Tolkien's Letters
British Library Archives
(59 letters match)1920
17 March 1920
J.R.R. Tolkien to Miss Duncan
#47
A two page letter sent from 1 Alfred Street, St. Giles, Oxford, 17 March 1920, to Miss Duncan, enclosing a "mixed bag" of 50 possible examinat...
1925
12 June 1925
J.R.R. Tolkien to Ronald Ashton
#50
Tolkien writes to Mr. Ashton about his son, who is a student at the University of Leeds. He may not be able to take the degree he was hoping for, and To...
1927
12 March 1927
J.R.R. Tolkien to Ronald Ashton
#66
Tolkien offers to write a testimonial for Ashton. He remarks that Oxford is very focused on the motor trade.
1932
27 May 1932
J.R.R. Tolkien to A.F. Colborn
#74
Letter of recommendation for his B.Litt. student A. F. Colborn.
1938
21 July 1938
J.R.R. Tolkien to A.F. Colborn
#108
Tolkien provides a letter of recommendation for his B.Litt student A.F. Colborn.
1943
25 December 1943
J.R.R. Tolkien to Michael George Tolkien
#2649
Gift Tag to Michael. With a drawing of a holly leaf in green and red. The tag has 1942 written in pencil on it, but Michael was not born until 11th Janu...
1945
11 September 1945
J.R.R. Tolkien to Michael George Tolkien
#2496
Tolkien sends his grandson, Michael George, a postcard from Whitby, Yorkshire.
17 November 1945
J.R.R. Tolkien to Roger Sharrock
#1068
Tolkien gives Roger Sharrock some job recommendations including Oxford, Southampton and Swansea. He mentions that C.S. Lewis's lectures on Charles ...
21 December 1945
J.R.R. Tolkien to Michael George Tolkien
#2650
Tolkien sends a present and a big kiss to his grandson.
1947
26 September 1947
J.R.R. Tolkien to Jennifer Paxman (Brookes-Smith)
#128
Tolkien writes to Jennifer with some advice on an Oxford College, and about errors in The Hobbit which he notes he will send on to GA&U.
1948
25 December 1948
J.R.R. Tolkien to Michael George Tolkien
#2651
A Christmas note to Michael George. Tolkien encloses some money and a small drawing showing three stars in blue and red.
1949
12 December 1949
J.R.R. Tolkien to Michael George Tolkien
#2652
Tolkien sends his grandson two books for Christmas. Hammond and Scull remark in Chronology thats "these are probably the two Friendly Farm books by...
1950
6 January 1950
J.R.R. Tolkien to Michael George Tolkien
#2653
Tolkien thanks his grandson for sending him a birthday card.
1952
24 September 1952
J.R.R. Tolkien to Michael George Tolkien
#2456
Tolkien writes to his grandson, and thanks him for sending him some pictures. He has drawn a map of the area and marked on water, roads, low land and wh...
1953
25 December 1953
J.R.R. Tolkien to Michael George Tolkien
#2654
Xristmas note to Michael George.
1954
6 November 1954
J.R.R. Tolkien to Robert Burchfield
#194
Tolkien remarks on the reception to The Fellowship of the Ring by his colleagues.
1955
12 January 1955
J.R.R. Tolkien to Michael George Tolkien
#2655
Tolkien sent a letter and a postal order to Michael for his birthday to buy some model trains.
22 August 1955
J.R.R. Tolkien to John Roberts
#208
Tolkien writes to John Roberts, apologising for the delay in publishing the third volume of The Lord of the Rings. He describes the third volume, regret...
3 December 1955
J.R.R. Tolkien to Elizabeth Jennings
#215
Tolkien sends a note to congratulate Jennings on her book of poetry, A Way of Looking being published. He also makes a mention on Auden's new book,...
20 December 1955
J.R.R. Tolkien to Michael George Tolkien
#2656
Tolkien sends a pound to his grandson for Christmas.
21 December 1955
J.R.R. Tolkien to Elizabeth Jennings
#2563
Elizabeth Jennings had sent Tolkien an inscribed copy of her book of poetry, A Way of Looking. Tolkien on the whole likes the book.
1956
1 June 1956
J.R.R. Tolkien to Michael George Tolkien
#2657
Tolkien sends a note on Michael's Confirmation.
13 July 1956
J.R.R. Tolkien to Michael George Tolkien
#2658
Tolkien sends a postcard of The Book of Kells Folio 200r to his grandson at the Oratory School.
20 December 1956
J.R.R. Tolkien to Deirdre Levinson
#283
Tolkien sends a short note with his greetings, and a reminder that he would like to see Deirdre again and asks her to let him know of a gift as he would...
20 December 1956
J.R.R. Tolkien to Michael George Tolkien
#2659
Tolkien sends his grandson a cheque for Christmas, which his son Michael will have to cash in on his behalf.
1957
10 January 1957
J.R.R. Tolkien to Michael George Tolkien
#2660
Tolkien sent his grandson some biscuits for his birthday.
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 on the Book of Jonah. Michael George had been reading T...
21 July 1957
J.R.R. Tolkien to Michael George Tolkien
#2661
Tolkien sends a note of Congratulations to Michael George.
25 December 1957
J.R.R. Tolkien to Michael George Tolkien
#2662
Tolkien sends a box of paints to his grandson for Christmas.
1958
22 December 1958
J.R.R. Tolkien to Michael George Tolkien
#2663
Tolkien sends a book-token to his grandson for Christmas.
1959
17 December 1959
J.R.R. Tolkien to Michael George Tolkien
#2664
Tolkien sends his grandson some money for Christmas.
1960
7 January 1960
J.R.R. Tolkien to Mr. K.F. Mawson
#452
A fascinating letter on the labours of producing his iconic work, concluding with a humorous aside on real-life namesakes of his famous characters.
27 June 1960
J.R.R. Tolkien to Michael George Tolkien
#2665
Tolkien writes a long letter to Michael George who is very worried about which degree to study for at Oxford. History, which his father took, or English...
1963
9 January 1963
J.R.R. Tolkien to Michael George Tolkien
#2667
Tolkien sends birthday wishes to Michael George.
18 August 1963
J.R.R. Tolkien to Michael George Tolkien
#2668
Tolkien books a room for Michael George at Shidley Priory, and mentions C.S. Lewis resigning his chair at Cambridge.
16 October 1963
J.R.R. Tolkien to Michael George Tolkien
#624
Carpenter #249
Tolkien describes his visit to the Hotel Miramar in Bournemouth. Chronology contains a few additional quotes from the letter that do not appear in Carpe...
26 November 1963
J.R.R. Tolkien to Michael George Tolkien
#2669
Tolkien offers to buy a Cello for his grandson, and also mentions that he is giving too many "presents" and will be cutting back.
1964
3 January 1964
J.R.R. Tolkien to Michael George Tolkien
#2670
Tolkien sends Michael George a cheque for £45 and is pleased by the post he got for his birthday. He is also impressed that The Times announced his bir...
1965
6 January 1965
J.R.R. Tolkien to Michael George Tolkien
#571
Carpenter #266
In this letter from Tolkien to his grandson, who was studying at St. Andrew's University, Tolkien apologizes that his translations of Sir Gawain an...
21 May 1965
J.R.R. Tolkien to Michael George Tolkien
#2671
Tolkien writes to Michael George about the Ace Books controversy, "Pirates have got to work in the U.S.A."
16 September 1965
J.R.R. Tolkien to Michael George Tolkien
#701
Tolkien writes to his grandson Michael George, clarifying that he is interested in all aspects of Michael's "work and tastes". He says th...
17 October 1965
J.R.R. Tolkien to Michael George Tolkien
#2672
Tolkien has been ill and apologises for taking longer than he should to reply to Michael George. He offers to buy him a woollen cloth jacket.
30 October 1965
J.R.R. Tolkien to Michael George Tolkien
#653
Carpenter #279
Tolkien discusses money worries. Other parts of the letter are detailed in The J.R.R. Tolkien Companion and Guide: Chronology.
1966
9 January 1966
J.R.R. Tolkien to Michael George Tolkien
#2673
Tolkien wishes Michael George a happy birthday and sends him a cheque for £15.
17 February 1966
J.R.R. Tolkien to Michael George Tolkien
#2674
Tolkien invites Michael George to his and Edith's Golden Wedding at Merton College. Michael has also been provisionally accepted for a B.Litt. at M...
19 March 1966
J.R.R. Tolkien to Michael George Tolkien
#2675
Michael George was unable to attend Tolkien's Golden Wedding celebrations.
25 May 1966
J.R.R. Tolkien to Michael George Tolkien
#2676
Tolkien sends his grandson Best wishes and prayers.
6 July 1966
J.R.R. Tolkien to Michael George Tolkien
#2677
Tolkien congratulates his grandson on passing his degree.
29 July 1966
J.R.R. Tolkien to Michael George Tolkien
#662
Carpenter #289
Tolkien discusses the etymology of Mirkwood. Brief quotes from this letter included in Chronology show that he also talked about the typewriters he uses...
12 September 1966
J.R.R. Tolkien to Michael George Tolkien
#2678
Tolkien sends Michael George a brush to clean his typewriter.
28 October 1966
J.R.R. Tolkien to Michael George Tolkien
#663
Carpenter #290
Tolkien's grandson is studying at Oxford. Tolkien writes about his views on 'research' and reading Smith of Wootton Major the previous we...
1967
10 January 1967
J.R.R. Tolkien to Michael George Tolkien
#2679
Tolkien discusses being a great-grandfather and comments from Sir Stanley Unwin on attaining the 'dignified age' of 75.
1968
6 March 1968
J.R.R. Tolkien to Michael George Tolkien
#2680
Tolkien offers his grandson the use of a Phillips recorder, which he used to record for Caedmon vinyl records.
1969
7 January 1969
J.R.R. Tolkien to Michael George Tolkien
#2681
Tolkien is bemused by now having a Post Code/Zip Code. He is able to walk better and does not need his walking stick. He thinks Lakeside Road is very qu...
23 April 1969
J.R.R. Tolkien to Michael George Tolkien
#2682
Tolkien is very pleased to hear the news about his great-granddaughter, Catherine Mary Tolkien.
1970
7 January 1970
J.R.R. Tolkien to Michael George Tolkien
#2685
Michael's Cello has been had the strings stolen, and Tolkien discusses the origin of the name Catharine.
1971
8 January 1971
J.R.R. Tolkien to Michael George Tolkien
#2683
Tolkien writes about his love of Ireland. Tolkien's Interview with Denys Gueroult was repeated on the radio and he had forgotten it being recorded ...
1972
30 January 1972
J.R.R. Tolkien to Michael George Tolkien
#828
Tolkien writes to his grandson Michael George mentioning various problems such as health, his fans, and the press.
25 July 1972
J.R.R. Tolkien to Michael George Tolkien
#2684
Tolkien tries to arrange to see Michael George, but is not sure if that will happen.
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