Letters 
Letter Tags
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C. A. Furth writes to Tolkien on the matter of the Clark-Hall edition of Beowulf. GA&U are keen for Tolkien to edit a new edition, or suggest a likely c...
Tolkien sends the completed typescipt for the Hobbit and one illustration, likely one of his maps. Allen and Unwin will receive them two days later on 5...
Stanley Unwin writes to Tolkien to acknowledge receipt of the typescripts for the Hobbit. He also asks Tolkien to see his translation of Pearl, which th...
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
Stanley Unwin sends to Tolkien the contract duplicate. This is noted by Hammond/Scull as the final step for accepting the Hobbit for publication and on ...
Further to her visit to see Tolkien, Susan Dagnall sends Tolkien a revised specimen page of The Hobbit and asks him to write a short blurb for GA&U to u...
Susan Dagnall, at George Allen & Unwin, gives Tolkien feedback from the production department about adjustments that will need to be made to the five pr...
C.A. Furth writes to Tolkien on matters of his illustrations for The Hobbit. His drawings are admirable and blocks for them are being produced. It is no...
Tolkien discusses the details of, and placement within the text, some of his illustrations in The Hobbit, as well as potential changes to his illustrati...
Susan Dagnall of GA&U writes to Tolkien asking if he can keep one day free, either 13 or 14 February, for her and C. A. Furth to visit Tolkien to discus...
C. A. Furth of GA&U writes to Tolkien to inform him that the 'fine lines' in The Trolls illustration have broken when reproduced, but that the...
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...
Replying to Tolkien's previous letter, Furth confirms that Tolkien will receive proofs of the corrected portions for The Hobbit. Tolkien is warned ...
Writing to C. A. Furth of GA&U, Tolkien hopes that the proofs for The Hobbit will arrive with him during his vacation. He also notes that he will attemp...
In reply to Tolkien's letter, C.A. Furth writes to say that the printers have decided to revise the whole of The Hobbit. Tolkien should receive som...
In two batches, Tolkien receives the proofs for The Hobbit. Exact dates are not known but does follow approximately to C. A. Furth's letter of 31 M...
Charles Furth writes to Tolkien. He makes mention that the margins around the Hobbit illustrations will be adjusted before the final printing and apolog...
Tolkien writes back to Furth in regard to the dust jacket design for The Hobbit. Furth wrote on April 15th that the pink hue that Tolkien put on the mou...
Furth writes to Tolkien to say that the red will have to be removed from The Hobbit jacket and the sun will have an outline to highlight it.
C. A. Furth informs Tolkien that a US publisher is interested in publishing The Hobbit and they would like to add four colour illustrations to the book....
This two-page handwritten letter contains some of Tolkien's thoughts on the potential publication of The Hobbit in the USA. Tolkien can make illust...
In reply to Tolkien's letter, 13th May, asking about the US publisher interested in The Hobbit, C. A. Furth gives details. It is the Houghton Miffl...
Tolkien, writing to GA&U approves the dust-jacket for The Hobbit but feels the sun would be better with a finer outline. He prefers the green binding an...
Noted in their letter to Tolkien of 1 June 1937, C. A. Furth says that they have written to Houghton Mifflin in regard of Tolkien's letter to them ...
Writing to Tolkien, C. A. Furth of GA&U asks him to return the approved binding for The Hobbit. He agrees that the 'wavy line' will be removed...
C. S. Lewis recieves an unbound copy of The Hobbit from GA&U.
Furth sends a new sample case of The Hobbit to Tolkien with changes to the lettering and decorations after Tolkien's feedback sent on 28 May.
C. A. writes, informing Tolkien that GA&U will send him a new binding for The Hobbit. It will have have different lettering without the lines under the ...
Tolkien writes to Furth of GA&U. He agrees that the revised binding would do. He had hoped that the 'wavy line' would be transformed into some...
GA&U send Russell Meiggs, editor of the Oxford Magazine, an unbound copy of The Hobbit per Tolkien's request. It is assumed that with any manuscrip...
Tolkien writes to GA&U and encloses the most recent photograph of himself as requested by Susan Dagnall. He asks them again about Houghton Mifflin'...
Stanley Unwin writes to Tolkien on the matter of his visit to London to meet with him and C. A. Furth on 28 July. He notes that if they have heard from ...
Tolkien replies to Stanley Unwin's letter. He will meet him at the GA&U office around 12.30pm on 28 July. He is unsure of the copyright status of t...
Tolkien had been in London a day after seeing Stanley Unwin and had been asked to dinner next time he had reason to be in London, but Tolkien felt it wa...
GA&U send C. L. Wrenn a copy of The Hobbit as requested by Tolkien. It is assumed that with any manuscript/proofs or copies of books sent that a cover l...
At Tolkien's request, GA&U sends Helen Buckhurst a copy of The Hobbit. It is assumed that with any manuscript/proofs or copies of books sent that a...
Robert Rattenbury is sent a copy of The Hobbit. It is not known specifically who sent it to him, be that Tolkien himself or through GA&U. No other detai...
A. H. Smith from the Early English Text Society is sent a copy of The Hobbit by GA&U as requested by Tolkien. It is assumed that with any manuscript/pro...
Russell Meiggs (editor of the Oxford Magazine) writes to Tolkien with thanks for a copy of The Hobbit. The letter was described by Meiggs himself as an ...
GA&U send a copy of The Hobbit to Elaine Griffiths. Elaine was a family friend, and recalls reading the story from a "beautifully typed copy"....
C. A. Furth writes to let Tolkien know that he is sending to him an advance copy of The Hobbit and asks if he would like more. He notes that Houghton Mi...
Writing to Stanley Unwin, Tolkien hopes that they can lunch together when he visits London next, most likely in November. He has not as yet had time to ...
Tolkien writes to C. A. Furth asking that copies of The Hobbit be sent to R. W. Chambers and George S. Gordon. He says that GA&U can use the colour illu...
As requested by Tolkien, C. A. Furth sends a copy of The Hobbit to R. W. Chambers. It is assumed that with any manuscript/proofs or copies of books sent...
George S. Gordon receives a copy of The Hobbit as requested by Tolkien. It is assumed that with any manuscript/proofs or copies of books sent that a cov...
Chambers writes to Tolkien thanking him for a copy of The Hobbit. It is this letter which is forwarded by Tolkien with a letter to GA&U. He updates Tolk...
Furth confirms that he has sent the copies of the Hobbit to the people Tolkien requested. He includes the drawing of a dragon that Tolkien had produced ...
Tolkien sends the last two colour drawings for the American edition of The Hobbit and asks GA&U to send it on to Houghton Mifflin. he also asks about a ...
In a letter to Tolkien, C. A. Furth notes that he has written to Houghton Mifflin asking that Tolkien's specimen drawings be returned and asks them...
Writing to C.A. Furth, and apologizes for his lengthy letter regarding the dustcover blurb. Tolkien believes he is still waiting on five copies of The H...
Stanley Unwin sends Tolkien an advance of £25 for The Hobbit.
C. A. Firth informs Tolkien that he is sending a complimentary copy of The Hobbit to W. R. Childe and that his remaining author copies will be sent to h...
Childe is sent a copy of The Hobbit which had been requested by Tolkien. Childe writes to thank Tolkien and offer his congratulations on the publication...
Tolkien writes to C.A. Furth of GA&U. He needs five outstanding author's copies and seven copies for giving to a few people who cannot buy a of The...
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...
GA&U sends a copy of The Hobbit to Tolkien's cousin, Marjorie Incledon at his request. It is assumed that with any manuscript/proofs or copies of b...
GA&U send Mary Incledon, Tolkien's cousin, a copy of The Hobbit as requested by him. It is assumed that with any manuscript/proofs or copies of boo...
C.A. Furth informs Tolkien that Houghton Mifflin Co. will pay him $100 for use of his illustrations for their edition of The Hobbit, due to be (and ulti...
Susan Dagnall writes to Tolkien asking if he would recommend anyone who could write a book, The Loom of Language. She encloses a synopsis of the book wi...
In reply to Susan Dagnall's letter, Tolkien writes asking for information on The Loom of Language.
Tolkien sends a copy of The Hobbit to the Jennings family. It is assumed that with any manuscript/proofs or copies of books sent that a cover letter or ...
A reader for GA&U writes a generally negative report on 'Beren and Lúthien' which is sent to GA&U with the manuscript. Charles Furth wrote at...
Susan Dagnall replies to Tolkien offering more information on the proposed book, The Loom of Language that has been proposed to GA&U. It had been mentio...
Allen & Unwin had sent copies of The Hobbit to various authors in order to solicit reviews. Hughes's response was used for publicity materials to a...
Tolkien writes back to Susan Dagnall on the proposed Loom of Language book. He describes the scheme as bad, and remarks that he had considered if it wer...
G.E.K. Braunholtz, a colleague from Oxford writes to Tolkien. He has read the positive review in The Times and quotes from it in his letter. This letter...
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....
Tolkien was pleased that The Hobbit was being well received, though he knows that the two glowing, unsigned reviews in The Times and the Times Literary ...
Stanley Unwin writes to Tolkien. he remarks that he has no doubt that Tolkien will do well from his first publication. He describes Tolkien as a genius ...
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...
Writing to Tolkien, Stanley Unwin suggests 17 November for their next meeting. Tolkien had written earlier that day suggesting other dates but writes an...
Writing to Stanley Unwin, Tolkien suggests that their next meeting should be in November, saying that the afternoon of the 10th is OK or that he is free...
Tolkien writes to Stanley Unwin. He had suggested they meet in November for their next meeting and gives various dates, but Stanley writes a letter whic...
Stanley Unwin writes to Tolkien having only received his first letter from 29 November. He offers to meet Tolkien on the 10th, 12th, or 15th of November.
Tolkien replies to Stanley Unwin's latest letter. He tells Stanley to choose between the 15 and 17 of November for their meeting.
Stanley Unwin writes to confirm 15 November for their meeting. He also remarks that he would like to see Lewis' Out of the Silent Planet. Wayne Ham...
Tolkien has received the proofs from Elliot & Fry of the photographs taken of him. Edith has chosen one to send to Stanley.
Stanley Unwin replies to Tolkien's letter with comments on his photoshoot with Elliot & Fry. He encloses a ticket for Tolkien to attend the Sunday ...
Stanley writes to Tolkien and includes his manuscript of Farmer Giles of Ham which GA&U had previously viewed. He tells Tolkien that if he has a similar...
Tolkien writes to Stanley Unwin, including a letter he received from a Mlle Tardivel who had written asking about a possible French translation of The H...
Stanley Unwin writes to Tolkien in reply to his letter on foreign translations of The Hobbit. He mentions that GA&U are working to arrange German, Scand...
Stanley Unwin returns the manuscript for The Lost Road to Tolkien and notes that he has organized a typescript of it for Tolkien which will be sent onto...
Stanley writes to Tolkien with news that the first edition of The Hobbit has sold and a new printing will be issued almost immediately. He notes that To...
Tolkien has received a letter from Arthur Ransome, who wonders about the use of the word "man" in The Hobbit, as well as a few other letters f...
Stanley Unwin writes to Tolkien in connection to a competition ran by W.G. Le Tall of Geoffrey Tyndale's Bookshop in Bath. They are offering prizes...
Following a letter the previous day from Stanley Unwin, Le Fall of Geoffrey Tyndale's Bookshop in Bath writes to Tolkien with details on the compet...
C.A. Furth writes to update Tolkien on their efforts to get the reprint of The Hobbit out for the Christmas rush. The demand for it is high, GA&U had to...
"I have written the first chapter of a new story about Hobbits – 'A long expected party'" remarks Tolkien in this letter to C.A. F...
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...
Stanley Unwin sends Tolkien a typescript of Tolkien's story, The Lost Road to him, as promised. He says that its possible publishing success is har...
Father Christmas writes to Christopher and Priscilla, "and other old friends at 20 Northmoor Road" for Christmas 1937. He remarks that is is 1...
Tolkien asks for four more copies of The Hobbit. While on vacation he has been unwell and spent most of the time "laid up".
Tolkien sends to his publisher, the first chapter of a new book, the sequel to The Hobbit. 'A Long-expected Party', the first chapter of this ...
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...
C.A. Furth writes to Tolkien, enclosing his manuscript of Mr. Bliss. He includes some instructions explaining how best to reproduce the illustrations an...
Tolkien replies to C.A. Furth regarding the return of Mr. Bliss. Tolkien expresses regret for any trouble caused and wishes someone could redraw the pic...
In this two page handwritten letter, Tolkien thanks Unwin's son Rayner for his positive feedback on the first chapter of the new book, "A Long...
Further to their letters on Mr. Bliss, C.A. Furth writes to Tolkien remarking that Mr. Bliss could be reproduced in the same manner as the Beatrix Potte...
Stanley Unwin sends Tolkien a reader's report on Lewis' Out of the Silent Planet.
Tolkien writes to Stanley Unwin about C.S. Lewis's Out of the Silent Planet and gives him an update on progress on The Lord of the Rings. He also m...
Stanley Unwin writes to Tolkien on the matter of Lewis' Out of the Silent Planet. He has now received three readers reports on the novel and is awa...
Stanley Unwin writes to Tolkien again on the matter of Out of the Silent Planet. Having now received five reports and only one is positive. He has decid...
Tolkien forwards the cablegram he received from Houghton Mifflin notifying him of The Hobbit's win as best Children's Book for Spring.
Tolkien had sent a Cablegram from Houghton Mifflin to him onto GA&U and Stanley Unwin replies that they will that for publicity purposes. He also asks T...
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 ...
Stanley Unwin writes that Houghton Mifflin (the American publisher) reports having sold approximately 3000 copies of The Hobbit, and will re-announce it...
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 ...
Stanley Unwin writes to Tolkien and notes his regret that Tolkien does not have much time to write. He will write directly to Elaine Griffiths on matter...
C.A. Furth writes to Tolkien informing him that Elaine Griffiths has asked to be released from her contract to deliver the revised edition of the Clark ...
Tolkien bemoans The Hobbit being published in 1937 over 1938. His work pressure has left him hard-pressed to get into actions on the sequel. Tolkien has...
Tolkien writes to C.A. Furth. He is struggling to suggest anyone who can fulfill the work for GA&U's Clark Hall Beowulf. He in fact now believes th...
Tolkien wrote to Stanley Unwin in response to a letter from a German publisher, Rütten & Loening Verlag. They wanted to publish a German translation of...
Stanley Unwin writes to Tolkien. he remarks that his letters of 25 July "have been a source of much merriment and satisfaction at this office"...
C.A. Furth replies to Tolkien remarking that he would be happy for Tolkien to work on the Clark Hall Beowulf volume. He suggests a fee payable to Tolkie...
C.A. Furth writes to Tolkien on matters of publishing. He says that the next book they will have to publish is Mr. Bliss, but they have missed the windo...
Writing to C.A. Furth, Tolkien says that he is required to visit London, to the Connaught Hospital in Walthamstow but had only a few hours notice but co...
Tolkien writes to Mr. Furth, expressing his current state of being oppressed and unwell due to recent troubles. He submits Farmer Giles for consideratio...
In reply to Tolkien's letter, Furth sends an update on the matter of translations of The Hobbit. GA&U have not progressed with translations into Fr...
In this letter to Stanley Unwin, J.R.R. Tolkien discusses his recent intense work on a sequel to The Hobbit, which has reached Chapter XI. He expresses ...
Stanley Unwin writes to Tolkien offering his sympathies for his current problems with health and various matters of work. He says that GA&U have written...
Replying to Wrenn's letter, C.A. Furth agrees to Wrenn having more time to sort and edit the Clark Hall Beowulf. He asks if it would be cheaper to ...
In reply to Furth's letter questioning whether Tolkien has made progress with the preface for the Clark Hall Beowulf, Wrenn says he will mention th...
Writing to Tolkien, C.A. Furth suggests to Tolkien that if he has not made progress on The Lord of the Rings that they should revisit the subject of Mr....
Writing to C.A. Furth, Tolkien offers an update with his work on The Lord of the Rings. He has not worked on since December but feels it is a better wor...
In reply to Tolkien's letter of 2 February, Furth tells Tolkien that the middle of June will be the latest date that GA&U can receive and have read...
Writing to C.A. Furth, Tolkien expresses gratitude for the enclosed cheque for royalities for 1938 and an advance of the royalties from Houghton Mifflin...
Furth informs Tolkien that he has told the German publisher that he (Tolkien) wishes to see a proof of the translation of The Hobbit before going to pri...
Furth writes to Tolkien again on the German publishers edition of The Hobbit. They will not publish until the autumn, and have agreed that they will pro...
Stanley Unwin writing to Tolkien, asks for an update on his progress with The Lord of the Rings.
Writing to Tolkien, Stanley Unwin says that he would like Tolkien to meet his eldest son, David, who works at Blackwell's Bookshop in Oxford.
After Stanley Unwin's letter mentioned that he would like Tolkien to meet his son, David, Stanley Unwin writes to Tolkien in the evening after spea...
Tolkien, writing to Stanley Unwin, expresses gratitude for the kind note and apologizes for his neglectful correspondence due to personal and health iss...
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. GA&U are still waiting for Tolkien's preface to the Clark Hall Beowulf and Stanley Unwin asks when it will be fini...
Tolkien apologizes for his previous behavior and explains that he misunderstood the nature of the requested contribution for the book Beowulf. He expres...
Stanley Unwin writes again to Tolkien on the matter of the Clark Hall Beowulf. They intend to include the whole of Tolkien's preface as they feel h...
Stanley Unwin writes again on the Clark Hall Beowulf. He says that Tolkien's preface will require 36 pages and if Tolkien agrees, GA&U will begin t...
Tolkien returns the telegram (provided by Stanley Unwin) confirming his agreement for his preface to the Clark Hall Beowulf to be used, and the renumera...
Writing to Stanley Unwin on the Clark Hall Beowulf, Tolkien returns the proofs, marked with corrections, noting many errors, most notably with the Old E...
Writing to Stanley Unwin, Tolkien asks for money due to him be made available as he is "in certain difficulties" at present.
Stanley Unwin writes to Tolkien remarking that the London bookseller, Foyles, will publish The Hobbit as part of its Children's Book Club. He notes...
Tolkien expresses gratitude for the note from Stanley Unwin and discusses the progress of the sequel to The Hobbit that he has been working on since 193...
Stanley Unwin replies to Tolkien's letter of 7 December remarking that he is looking to see what corrections have been included in the reprint of T...
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 ...
Stanley Unwin informs Tolkien that they have found a copy of the reprinted Hobbit and it has been sent to him.
An unknown member of the George Allen & Unwin staff writes to Tolkien. Two more copies of The Hobbit have been found.
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."
Stanley Unwin writes to Tolkien asking if it "Is it not time that we had a new book from you?" He remarks that while paper is still short in s...
Stanley Unwin having seen Leaf by Niggle in the Dublin Review writes to Tolkien to ask if he has other similar stories that GA&U could possibly publish....
Tolkien replies to #TCGLetter2487 He expresses deep concern about Rayner, who is off to war, and mentions that his son Christopher has become great frie...
Stanley Unwin replies to #Letter98. He asks Tolkien to send anything he feels might be suitable to make a volume with Leaf by Niggle. He remarks that th...
Stanley Unwin sends Tolkien a reminder to send his typescript of Farmer Giles of Ham to him.
C.A. Furth, of GA&U, writes to Tolkien seeking his advice whether he thinks reprinting Outlines of the History of the English Language by Ernest Classen...
Stanley Unwin informs Tolkien that The Hobbit is in the process of being reprinted. He says it will a run of 4,000 copies.
Following Furth's letter, #TCGLetter2508, he writes again reminding Tolkien that he is awaiting his reply from the earlier letter.
Tolkien writes to Sir Stanley Unwin, who had just been knighted. He asked about Farmer Giles of Ham. And remarks on his progress to The Hobbit sequel am...
Tolkien, writing to C.A. Furth apologizes for not replying to him earlier. He does not know the book Outlines of the History of the English Language by ...
GA&U receive the typescript of Farmer Giles of Ham, with a note attached in which Tolkien mentions poems and other texts he had considered for publicati...
C.A. Furth in reply to Tolkien's letter, #TCGLetter2518, remarks that the German translation of The Hobbit is not currently known. He notes that th...
Writing to Tolkien, he remarks that the reprint of The Hobbit is moving slowly. There are problems at the printers and binding houses currently. He encl...
Stanley Unwin informs Tolkien that GA&U are considering publishing Farmer Giles of Ham and asks if he has any illustrations of his own or if he has a su...
Tolkien expresses delight at the prospect of publishing "Farmer Giles of Ham" but cites academic commitments as a hindrance to providing more ...
Further to his other letter of this day, #Letter106, Tolkien writes a brief note to Stanley Unwin which accompanies some poems; 'The Hoard', &...
Philip Unwin writes to Tolkien. He acknowledges letters (and packets?) from 30 September to Stanley Unwin. Stanley Unwin is away, and Philip replies in ...
Stanley Unwin informs that Tolkien that he believes that Farmer Giles of Ham will be better published under its own title rather than a compilation of m...
Tolkien mentions receiving letters from Horus Engels regarding a German translation, and while Engels doesn't explicitly propose himself as a trans...
In reply to #Letter107, C.A. Furth says that Milein Cosman should contact GA&U with her portfolio. He remarks that the rights to the German translation ...
Stanley Unwin informs Tolkien that GA&U intend to publish Farmer Giles of Ham even though with illustrations, two in colour, the costs are high. He beli...
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 ...
Stanley Unwin returns to Tolkien his signed copy of the agreement for the Farmer Giles of Ham contract with a cheque in advance of royalties. He explain...
Tolkien writes to Stanley Unwin. He is sorry to have missed him at Merton but is rarely there on Sundays. He remarks he has had no time to write, includ...
Stanley Unwin writes to Tolkien to invite him to lunch on July 24.
A member of staff from GA&U writes to Tolkien, reminding him that he is still to provide a descriptive paragraph for use for Farmer Giles of Ham. This w...
Sir Stanley Unwin writes, inviting Tolkien to lunch on 9 July. Tolkien will reply later in the day, accepting his invite.
Tolkien replies to Stanley Unwin's Telegram, accepting his offer to lunch the following day on 9 July. The two men dine at the Reform Club, where t...
Sir Stanley Unwin writes to Tolkien about the delayed reprint of The Hobbit. They have been held up at the binders for over a year, but he hopes that th...
Writing to Tolkien, Sir Stanley Unwin sets out how he would like the two men to address each other. Suggesting 'Tolkien' and 'Unwin'...
Tolkien responded to Rayner Unwin's comments about The Fellowship of the Ring. He talks about allegory as well as other literary illusions. Tolkien...
Milein Cosman writes to Tolkien on the matter of Farmer Giles of Ham but Tolkien does not reply. He had forgotten to do so. Tolkien enclosed this letter...
Stanley Unwin sends Tolkien printed specimen pages from Farmer Giles of Ham. He also asks if they should remove Milein Cosman from the project, as she i...
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 #Letter111, Tolkien had asked Stanley Unwin if he felt a $1,500 fee for a trip to Boston, Massachusetts would leave him money left over. In the absen...
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 ...
GA&U writes to Tolkien to inform him that The Hobbit is finally back in print and a copy is being arranged for him.
Ronald Eames writes to ask Tolkien if he has as yet received any samples illustrations from Milein Cosman for the proposed publication of Farmer Giles o...
Kooperativa Förbundets Bokförlag, the publisher of The Hobbit in Sweden writes to GA&U. The details of this letter are not known but Stanley Unwin wou...
Stanley Unwin writes to Tolkien and encloses a letter (#TCGLetter2615) received at GA&U from the Swedish publisher, Kooperativa Förbundets Bokförlag, ...
Tolkien replies to #TCGLetter2611 noting that he has not heard from Milein Cosman on the matter of samples for Farmer Giles of Ham.
In reply to #TCGLetter2618, Ronald Eames suggests that GA&U may decide to revoke their commission to Milein Cosman to illustrate Farmer Giles of Ham.
Ronald Eames of GA&U writes to Tolkien. Milein Cosman appears to have finally supplied some illustrations for Farmer Giles of Ham and he confirms that t...
Ronald Eames writes to Tolkien again on the matter of Farmer Giles of Ham. Eames confirms that Milein Cosman will be in Oxford at the end of the week.
In Tolkien's absence on health grounds, Priscilla writes to Ronald Eames on the subject of Milein Cosman's visit to Oxford. Tolkien has said h...
Priscilla writes again to that her father has met Milein Cosman and is happy to let her continue if GA&U agree.
Milein Cosman has submitted more drawings to GA&U for Farmer Giles of Ham and Ronald Eames writes to Tolkien asking where they should be sent for him to...
Replying to #TCGLetter2641, Tolkien says that he will be between Oxford and Woodcote until 14 August and then until 14 September his address will be c/o...
Ronald Eames sends Milein Cosman's drawings to Tolkien. He makes mention of the two styles, preferring the "freer" one, likening it to th...
Tolkien returns the drawings to GA&U that were sent to him from Milein Cosman. GA&U had decided that Milein Cosman would illustrate Farmer Giles of Ham,...
In reply to Tolkien's letter of 5 August (see #TCGLetter268) Ronald Eames says that George Allen & Unwin have decided to not use the illustrations ...
Ronald Eames writes various artists, among them is Pauline Baynes, a young artist who will go on to illustrate many Tolkien books and become a life-long...
Ronald Eames writes to Tolkien on the matter of Farmer Giles of Ham. He has found five possible illustrators and would like, if possible, for Tolkien to...
After not hearing from Tolkien after writing a #TCGLetter2645, Ronald Eames writes again. The five artists have asked if a decision has been made yet. E...
Ronald Eames writes to Pauline Baynes. He remarks that Tolkien was very impressed with her illustrations.
After receiving it from Tolkien, Ronald Eames sends the uncorrected typescript of Farmer Giles of Ham to Pauline Baynes. Tolkien had remarked that it mi...
In #TCGLetter2687 Tolkien had asked Ronald Eames if he could send back his preface. It is assumed that Eames does so along with the corrected typescript...
Tolkien sends a new typescript of Farmer Giles of Ham to Ronald Eames at GA&U noting that it is corrected for press. If GA&U do not need it immediately,...
Ronald Eames sends the new typescript to Pauline Baynes which had been provided by Tolkien in #TCGLetter2691.
Ronald Eames writes to thank Tolkien for the typescript of Farmer Giles of Ham. Pauline Baynes want to illustrate the book. He remarks that the typescri...
Pauline Baynes had enjoyed Farmer Giles of Ham and Ronald Eames writes to Tolkien to inform him of this and give him a list of subjects that Baynes sugg...
In reply to Eames' letter, #TCGLetter2695, Tolkien replies, remarking that Baynes is on the right track with her choices of subjects for Farmer Gil...
Ronald Eames sends Tolkien the first batch of illustrations by Pauline Baynes. Pauline Baynes had noted that she intended to produce many pieces for Tol...
In reply to #TCGLetter2698, Tolkien says that he is delighted with Pauline Baynes artwork for Farmer Giles of Ham. He remarks that his "only diffic...
Ronald Eames thanks Tolkien for the return of Pauline Baynes' illustrations and remarks that they have asked her to proceed with work on the book. ...
After Tolkien had not replied to #TCGLetter2700, Ronald Eames writes to remind him that he is yet to reply. He says that if Tolkien can let them have hi...
Tolkien tells Ronald Eames at GA&U that he does not have the time to retype Farmer Giles of Ham, nor does he feel that it is required. He asks that they...
Ronald Eames writes to Tolkien in reply to #Letter119. He will ask Pauline Baynes to return the typescript of Farmer Giles of Ham and will send her the ...
Ronald Eames sends Tolkien forty-four illustrations for Farmer Giles of Ham, twelve more than Pauline Baynes was required to provide. He asks Tolkien to...
Tolkien writes to Ronald Eames to report that he is delighted with the illustrations for Farmer Giles of Ham.
Tolkien likely returns Pauline Bayne's artwork for Farmer Giles of Ham to GA&U and asks for her address.
Ronald Eames replies to #Letter120 with Pauline Baynes address. He is pleased by Tolkien's response to the artwork. He says that they can delay a d...
Ronald Eames sends two sets of galley proofs of Farmer Giles of Ham to Tolkien along with the typescript. He asks him to return the printers copy with c...
Ronald Eames sends a coloured illustration to Tolkien, the first of two intended for Farmer Giles of Ham. Pauline Baynes has said she can change the col...
Writing to Ronald Eames, Tolkien remarks on the timing of Farmer Giles of Ham "come to the boil" at his busiest time of the year for a profess...
In reply to #TCGLetter2718, Ronald Eames thanks Tolkien for the return on the galley-proofs of Farmer Giles of Ham. He will send Tolkien a paste-up of w...
Ronald Eames following up his letter from the 11th May, writes to Tolkien including the paste-ups he promised. He asks that Tolkien return them as soon ...
Ronald Eames sends Tolkien the original artwork, intended as the frontispiece for Farmer Giles of Ham. He asks for comment and its return as soon as pos...
Tolkien returns the paste-ups to GA&U and notes that he will return the illustration for the frontispiece under a separate cover. He believes that the i...
Ronald Eames writes to thank Tolkien for the return of the paste-ups and illustration for Farmer Giles of Ham.
Ronald Eames sends Tolkien the designs for the dust-jacket of Farmer Giles of Ham with some sketches that might serve in its place if he is not happy wi...
In reply to #TCGLetter2727, Tolkien says that he has not had time to review the sketches, but he does not feel that the dust-jacket can be improved upon...
Ronald Eames writes to Tolkien. He encloses two sets of page proofs of Farmer Giles of Ham with corrected galley proofs. Eames notes that if Tolkien can...
After returning from Ireland on 5 July, Tolkien looks over the page proofs and returns them to GA&U with apologies for his delay. He remarks that the Ki...
Ronald Eames thanks Tolkien for the return of the corrected proofs for Farmer Giles of Ham. He says it had occurred to GA&U that the passages in italics...
Tolkien discusses the progress of Farmer Giles of Ham and hints that the final draft of The Lord of the Rings was nearly finished. Once that is complete...
Stanley Unwin sends Tolkien an advance copy of Farmer Giles of Ham and a cheque for £25/0/0 which was due to him on publication of the book.
Tolkien writes to Stanley Unwin. He offers his approval of the design of Farmer Giles of Ham, praising Pauline Baynes. He also sends his best wishes to ...
Stanley Unwin writes to Tolkien, inquiring when the typescript of The Lord of the Rings will be finished.
Milton Waldman writes to Tolkien, remarking on his delight in reading The Lord of the Rings. He is, however, concerned by the length of it. He says he w...
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 burdening...
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...
After Tolkien wrote to Stanley Unwin, see #Letter125, Stanley Unwin replies. He tells Tolkien that he has presented GA&U a problem.
Stanley Unwin writes to his son Rayner on the matter of Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings. He does not know what to do about it.
In reply to a letter from his father, Rayner Unwin says that Tolkien's Lord of the Rings is a great work and deserves to be published. He felt no l...
Stanley Unwin replies to #Letter124. He says that publishing The Silmarillion and The Lord of the Rings together would be very difficult. He asks if the...
Tolkien compares his two great stories the War of the Ring and the War of the Jewels and remarks on the Farmer Giles sales figures.
Unwin wants to break up Tolkien's "monstrous Saga", and Tolkien hopes Unwin will let the project go, so Tolkien can publish The Lord of t...
Sir Stanley Unwin writes to Tolkien on the matter of how to publish the Lord of the Rings. He does not see a possibility for one volume and gives some f...
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 ...
After Tolkien's ultimatum, #Letter127, Stanley Unwin replies that as Tolkien demanded a yes or no, that his answer is sadly no. He would have liked...
W.N. Beard from George Allen & Unwin writes to Tolkien about the Houghton Mifflin edition of The Hobbit. They need to fulfil an order for the US publish...
In reply to #TCGLetter2778, Tolkien writes to inform W.N. Beard that he is away for a few days in Ireland and will deal with the proofs for The Hobbit u...
Tolkien was sent proofs for a new edition of The Hobbit and remarks on how The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit are interlinked. He was not expecting hi...
After Tolkien had written to W.N. Beard, remarking that he was surprised that the revised Hobbit had been put into print, see #Letter128, Stanley Unwin ...
Stanley Unwin writes to Tolkien concerning the US reprint of The Hobbit. He remarks that the stereo plates are taking a long time and asks if Tolkien mi...
Tolkien writes about the new revised edition of The Hobbit.
Stanley Unwin writes to Tolkien about the US edition of The Hobbit. It had been held up for some time and although Tolkien had agreed to let a reprint g...
Tolkien writes to Stanley Unwon, enclosing a new version of chapter five of the Hobbit. He has decided to accept both versions of the chapter and will w...
Stanley Unwin writes to Tolkien remarking that the prefatory note for The Hobbit has been sent to the printers. Tolkien will be sent a proof copy soon.
W.N. Beard of GA&U sends Tolkien the prefatory note for The Hobbit promised by Stanley Unwin two days previously.
Tolkien returns the proof of the prefatory note for the revised Hobbit to GA&U.
GA&U send Tolkien ten copies of the new US edition of Farmer Giles of Ham, published by Houghton Mifflin Company.
After hearing that Tolkien was having problems with Collins over their proposed publication of The Lord of the Rings, Stanley Unwin writes to Tolkien to...
'S', likely Susan Dagnall writes to Stanley Unwin after she had visited Elaine Griffiths in Oxford. She remarks about reading Tolkien's e...
Stanley Unwin writes to Tolkien to ask if he has made arrangements for the publication of his translation of Sir Gawain and the Green Knight. He would l...
Writing to Stanley Unwin, Tolkien opens with apologies for not replying to two previous letters, both kind according to Tolkien. He remarks that the Cha...
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...
Writing in reply to a letter from Beard (July 16th), Tolkien confirms he has received galleys that were wrongly delivered to his old address at 99 Holyw...
GA&U sent Arthur Ransome a copy of The Fellowship of the Ring asking him to review it. Included was a short note: "I am sending you a set of uncorr...
Tolkien arranges to visit Allen & Unwin in London with the manuscript for The Return of the King.
Tolkien writes to Stanley Unwin regarding Richard Hughes's opinion of The Lord of the Rings.
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 concerns about misprints in The Fellowship of the Ring. He highlights a disagreement over a botanical term, corrected by the printers....
Roger Lloyd writes to an unknown recipient about his thoughts on The Lord of the Rings and information that he had heard from his friend Philip Unwin ab...
Tolkien wrote to Christopher about the letter he had received from Sam Gamgee.
Tolkien expresses his strong concern about the translation of The Lord of the Rings. As a professional linguist and the author of the work, he emphasize...
Tolkien 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 arranges to collect his International Fantasy Award "Rocket" from Allen & Unwin.
Tolkien was sent a 'facsimile' which he is able to use for class-work.
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...
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's secretary, Elizabeth Lumsden, writes to Rayner Unwin at Tolkien's request to ask if he knows the editor of Time and Tide. Tolkien ha...
After #TCGLetter2603, Tolkien's secretary informs Tolkien of the letter to Rayner Unwin and remarks that she has typed half of the MS of "Moto...
Tolkien's secretary again writes to him on the matter of The Bovadium Fragments. Rayner knows the editor has said that Tolkien can use his name. El...
A series of letters found at the University of Reading GA&U archives. Consisting of 144 items. Not all of these letters are concerned with Tolkien but s...
A series of letters found at the University of Reading GA&U archives. Consisting of 172 items, not all of which concern Tolkien. Among the subjects disc...
A series of letters found at the University of Reading GA&U archives. Consisting of 28 items. Among the subjects of these letters concerns the export of...
An internal memo noting that they are considering once again the Lord of the Rings after having turned it down in 1955. Various translations are noted, ...
This internal letter forms the basis of the letter which will be sent to Stanley Unwin declining the invitation to translate and publish the Lord of the...
Writing to Stanley Unwin, Cin Calabi of the Italian publisher Arnoldo Mondadori Editore, gives Stanley Unwin the news that the publisher is declining th...
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 congratulate ...
The Adventures of Tom Bombadil was published on 22 November. Additional quotes and context appear in Chronology than what is in Letters.
Allen & Unwin were to publish a paperback consisting of Tolkien's lecture 'On Fairy-stories' and his short story 'Leaf by Niggle&apo...
Tolkien really does not like the design of HMCo's Tree and Leaf. He comments negatively on Carole Ward's proposal for a serialization of The L...
Tolkien is working on revisions to The Hobbit for the American publishers due to the Ace controversy, but also needs to make revisions for the Longmans ...
Stanley Unwin sends a copy of the limited edition book Sir Stanley Unwin - The Celebration of his 80th Birthday to journalist Penning-Rowsell, which con...
Rayner Unwin writes to Tolkien. He believes that Tolkien should submit The Bovadium Fragments to the Oxford Magazine for publication.
Rayner writes to Mr Hooton about The Silmarillion. He describes Tolkien as "a perfectionist" and does not expect publication for a few years. ...
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...
Writing to Rayner Unwin, Tolkien remarks that he has signed and has sent the letter to Swanson. He is not confident that United Artists will concede the...
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 writes to Rayner about his becoming Chairman of GA&U. A brief quote about Edith's health is reproduced in Chronology.
Tolkien writes about Runes in The Hobbit and some errors in the latest paperback issue, and is also sad to hear about the death of Leslie Berry.
Tolkien discusses the various meals that he has been treated to.
Letter Tags
Stats
Guide to Tolkien's Letters
George Allen and Unwin
(311 letters match)1936
30 March 1936
C.A. Furth (GA&U) to J.R.R. Tolkien
#1809
C. A. Furth writes to Tolkien on the matter of the Clark-Hall edition of Beowulf. GA&U are keen for Tolkien to edit a new edition, or suggest a likely c...
3 October 1936 (received 5 October)
J.R.R. Tolkien to Allen & Unwin
#1832
Tolkien sends the completed typescipt for the Hobbit and one illustration, likely one of his maps. Allen and Unwin will receive them two days later on 5...
5 October 1936
Stanley Unwin to J.R.R. Tolkien
#1833
Stanley Unwin writes to Tolkien to acknowledge receipt of the typescripts for the Hobbit. He also asks Tolkien to see his translation of Pearl, which th...
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
2 December 1936
Stanley Unwin to J.R.R. Tolkien
#1839
Stanley Unwin sends to Tolkien the contract duplicate. This is noted by Hammond/Scull as the final step for accepting the Hobbit for publication and on ...
4 December 1936
Susan Dagnall to J.R.R. Tolkien
#1840
Further to her visit to see Tolkien, Susan Dagnall sends Tolkien a revised specimen page of The Hobbit and asks him to write a short blurb for GA&U to u...
10 December 1936
Susan Dagnall to J.R.R. Tolkien
#2242
Susan Dagnall, at George Allen & Unwin, gives Tolkien feedback from the production department about adjustments that will need to be made to the five pr...
1937
7 January 1937
C.A. Furth to J.R.R. Tolkien
#1845
C.A. Furth writes to Tolkien on matters of his illustrations for The Hobbit. His drawings are admirable and blocks for them are being produced. It is no...
17 January 1937
J.R.R. Tolkien to C.A. Furth
#10
Carpenter #10
Tolkien discusses the details of, and placement within the text, some of his illustrations in The Hobbit, as well as potential changes to his illustrati...
23 January 1937
Susan Dagnall to J.R.R. Tolkien
#1846
Susan Dagnall of GA&U writes to Tolkien asking if he can keep one day free, either 13 or 14 February, for her and C. A. Furth to visit Tolkien to discus...
24 February 1937
C.A. Furth to J.R.R. Tolkien
#1851
C. A. Furth of GA&U writes to Tolkien to inform him that the 'fine lines' in The Trolls illustration have broken when reproduced, but that the...
?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...
23 March 1937
C.A. Furth (GA&U) to J.R.R. Tolkien
#1855
Replying to Tolkien's previous letter, Furth confirms that Tolkien will receive proofs of the corrected portions for The Hobbit. Tolkien is warned ...
30 March 1937
J.R.R. Tolkien to C.A. Furth
#1866
Writing to C. A. Furth of GA&U, Tolkien hopes that the proofs for The Hobbit will arrive with him during his vacation. He also notes that he will attemp...
31 March 1937
C.A. Furth (GA&U) to J.R.R. Tolkien
#1867
In reply to Tolkien's letter, C.A. Furth writes to say that the printers have decided to revise the whole of The Hobbit. Tolkien should receive som...
c. 3-4 and 7 April 1937
George Allen & Unwin to J.R.R. Tolkien
#1869
In two batches, Tolkien receives the proofs for The Hobbit. Exact dates are not known but does follow approximately to C. A. Furth's letter of 31 M...
15 April 1937
Charles Furth to J.R.R. Tolkien
#1870
Charles Furth writes to Tolkien. He makes mention that the margins around the Hobbit illustrations will be adjusted before the final printing and apolog...
25 April 1937
J.R.R. Tolkien to Charles Furth
#137
Tolkien writes back to Furth in regard to the dust jacket design for The Hobbit. Furth wrote on April 15th that the pink hue that Tolkien put on the mou...
28 April 1937
Charles Furth to J.R.R. Tolkien
#1871
Furth writes to Tolkien to say that the red will have to be removed from The Hobbit jacket and the sun will have an outline to highlight it.
11 May 1937
C.A. Furth to J.R.R. Tolkien
#1872
C. A. Furth informs Tolkien that a US publisher is interested in publishing The Hobbit and they would like to add four colour illustrations to the book....
13 May 1937
J.R.R. Tolkien to C.A. Furth
#13
Carpenter #13
This two-page handwritten letter contains some of Tolkien's thoughts on the potential publication of The Hobbit in the USA. Tolkien can make illust...
14 May 1937
C.A. Furth to J.R.R. Tolkien
#1873
In reply to Tolkien's letter, 13th May, asking about the US publisher interested in The Hobbit, C. A. Furth gives details. It is the Houghton Miffl...
28 May 1937
J.R.R. Tolkien to Allen & Unwin
#475
Tolkien, writing to GA&U approves the dust-jacket for The Hobbit but feels the sun would be better with a finer outline. He prefers the green binding an...
c. 1 June 1937
George Allen & Unwin to Houghton Mifflin Co.
#1920
Noted in their letter to Tolkien of 1 June 1937, C. A. Furth says that they have written to Houghton Mifflin in regard of Tolkien's letter to them ...
1 June 1937
C.A. Furth (GA&U) to J.R.R. Tolkien
#1919
Writing to Tolkien, C. A. Furth of GA&U asks him to return the approved binding for The Hobbit. He agrees that the 'wavy line' will be removed...
c. July 1937 - August 1937
George Allen & Unwin to C. S. Lewis
#1978
C. S. Lewis recieves an unbound copy of The Hobbit from GA&U.
3 July 1937
C.A. Furth to J.R.R. Tolkien
#2243
Furth sends a new sample case of The Hobbit to Tolkien with changes to the lettering and decorations after Tolkien's feedback sent on 28 May.
8 July 1937
C.A. Furth (GA&U) to J.R.R. Tolkien
#1944
C. A. writes, informing Tolkien that GA&U will send him a new binding for The Hobbit. It will have have different lettering without the lines under the ...
?9 July 1937
J.R.R. Tolkien to C.A. Furth
#1945
Tolkien writes to Furth of GA&U. He agrees that the revised binding would do. He had hoped that the 'wavy line' would be transformed into some...
14 July 1937
George Allen & Unwin to Russell Meiggs
#2015
GA&U send Russell Meiggs, editor of the Oxford Magazine, an unbound copy of The Hobbit per Tolkien's request. It is assumed that with any manuscrip...
?22 July 1937
J.R.R. Tolkien to George Allen & Unwin
#1946
Tolkien writes to GA&U and encloses the most recent photograph of himself as requested by Susan Dagnall. He asks them again about Houghton Mifflin'...
24 July 1937
Stanley Unwin to J.R.R. Tolkien
#1948
Stanley Unwin writes to Tolkien on the matter of his visit to London to meet with him and C. A. Furth on 28 July. He notes that if they have heard from ...
25 July 1937
J.R.R. Tolkien to Stanley Unwin
#1949
Tolkien replies to Stanley Unwin's letter. He will meet him at the GA&U office around 12.30pm on 28 July. He is unsure of the copyright status of t...
c. Early August 1937
J.R.R. Tolkien to Stanley Unwin
#1950
Tolkien had been in London a day after seeing Stanley Unwin and had been asked to dinner next time he had reason to be in London, but Tolkien felt it wa...
August 1937
George Allen & Unwin to C.L. Wrenn
#1996
GA&U send C. L. Wrenn a copy of The Hobbit as requested by Tolkien. It is assumed that with any manuscript/proofs or copies of books sent that a cover l...
August 1937
George Allen & Unwin to Helen Buckhurst
#1997
At Tolkien's request, GA&U sends Helen Buckhurst a copy of The Hobbit. It is assumed that with any manuscript/proofs or copies of books sent that a...
c. August 1937 - September 1937
?J.R.R. Tolkien ?George Allen & Unwin to Robert (Robert Mantle) Rattenbury
#2006
Robert Rattenbury is sent a copy of The Hobbit. It is not known specifically who sent it to him, be that Tolkien himself or through GA&U. No other detai...
August 1937
George Allen & Unwin to A. H. Smith
#2007
A. H. Smith from the Early English Text Society is sent a copy of The Hobbit by GA&U as requested by Tolkien. It is assumed that with any manuscript/pro...
August 1937
Russell Meiggs (for Oxford Magazine) to J.R.R. Tolkien
#2016
Russell Meiggs (editor of the Oxford Magazine) writes to Tolkien with thanks for a copy of The Hobbit. The letter was described by Meiggs himself as an ...
August 1937
George Allen & Unwin to Elaine Griffiths
#1979
GA&U send a copy of The Hobbit to Elaine Griffiths. Elaine was a family friend, and recalls reading the story from a "beautifully typed copy"....
10 August 1937
C.A. Furth (GA&U) to J.R.R. Tolkien
#1951
C. A. Furth writes to let Tolkien know that he is sending to him an advance copy of The Hobbit and asks if he would like more. He notes that Houghton Mi...
13 August 1937
J.R.R. Tolkien to Stanley Unwin
#1967
Writing to Stanley Unwin, Tolkien hopes that they can lunch together when he visits London next, most likely in November. He has not as yet had time to ...
13 August 1937
J.R.R. Tolkien to C.A. Furth
#1966
Tolkien writes to C. A. Furth asking that copies of The Hobbit be sent to R. W. Chambers and George S. Gordon. He says that GA&U can use the colour illu...
c. 14 August 1937
George Allen & Unwin to R.W. Chambers
#1984
As requested by Tolkien, C. A. Furth sends a copy of The Hobbit to R. W. Chambers. It is assumed that with any manuscript/proofs or copies of books sent...
c. 14 August 1937
George Allen & Unwin to George S. Gordon
#2017
George S. Gordon receives a copy of The Hobbit as requested by Tolkien. It is assumed that with any manuscript/proofs or copies of books sent that a cov...
c. 15-31 August 1937 (undated)
R.W. Chambers to J.R.R. Tolkien
#1985
Chambers writes to Tolkien thanking him for a copy of The Hobbit. It is this letter which is forwarded by Tolkien with a letter to GA&U. He updates Tolk...
16 August 1937
C.A. Furth (GA&U) to J.R.R. Tolkien
#1968
Furth confirms that he has sent the copies of the Hobbit to the people Tolkien requested. He includes the drawing of a dragon that Tolkien had produced ...
31 August 1937
J.R.R. Tolkien to C.A. Furth
#15
Carpenter #15
Tolkien sends the last two colour drawings for the American edition of The Hobbit and asks GA&U to send it on to Houghton Mifflin. he also asks about a ...
4 September 1937
C.A. Furth (GA&U) to J.R.R. Tolkien
#1973
In a letter to Tolkien, C. A. Furth notes that he has written to Houghton Mifflin asking that Tolkien's specimen drawings be returned and asks them...
5-7 September 1937
J.R.R. Tolkien to C.A. Furth
#81
Writing to C.A. Furth, and apologizes for his lengthy letter regarding the dustcover blurb. Tolkien believes he is still waiting on five copies of The H...
6 September 1937
Stanley Unwin to J.R.R. Tolkien
#1974
Stanley Unwin sends Tolkien an advance of £25 for The Hobbit.
8 September 1937
C.A. Furth (GA&U) to J.R.R. Tolkien
#1975
C. A. Firth informs Tolkien that he is sending a complimentary copy of The Hobbit to W. R. Childe and that his remaining author copies will be sent to h...
c. 8 - 26 September 1937*
George Allen & Unwin to W.R. Childe
#2032
Childe is sent a copy of The Hobbit which had been requested by Tolkien. Childe writes to thank Tolkien and offer his congratulations on the publication...
17 September 1937
J.R.R. Tolkien to C.A. Furth
#1333
Tolkien writes to C.A. Furth of GA&U. He needs five outstanding author's copies and seven copies for giving to a few people who cannot buy a of The...
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...
c. 21 September 1937
George Allen & Unwin to Marjorie Incledon
#1982
GA&U sends a copy of The Hobbit to Tolkien's cousin, Marjorie Incledon at his request. It is assumed that with any manuscript/proofs or copies of b...
c. 21 September 1937
George Allen & Unwin to Mary Incledon
#1983
GA&U send Mary Incledon, Tolkien's cousin, a copy of The Hobbit as requested by him. It is assumed that with any manuscript/proofs or copies of boo...
27 September 1937
C.A. Furth to J.R.R. Tolkien
#2090
C.A. Furth informs Tolkien that Houghton Mifflin Co. will pay him $100 for use of his illustrations for their edition of The Hobbit, due to be (and ulti...
30 September 1937
Susan Dagnall to J.R.R. Tolkien
#2091
Susan Dagnall writes to Tolkien asking if he would recommend anyone who could write a book, The Loom of Language. She encloses a synopsis of the book wi...
1 October 1937
J.R.R. Tolkien to Susan Dagnall
#2092
In reply to Susan Dagnall's letter, Tolkien writes asking for information on The Loom of Language.
October 1937
J.R.R. Tolkien to Henry, Mary and also Aileen and Elizabeth Jennings
#1992
Tolkien sends a copy of The Hobbit to the Jennings family. It is assumed that with any manuscript/proofs or copies of books sent that a cover letter or ...
c. Late 1937 before 15 December
Reader's Report to Stanley Unwin
#2754
A reader for GA&U writes a generally negative report on 'Beren and Lúthien' which is sent to GA&U with the manuscript. Charles Furth wrote at...
2 October 1937
Susan Dagnall to J.R.R. Tolkien
#2093
Susan Dagnall replies to Tolkien offering more information on the proposed book, The Loom of Language that has been proposed to GA&U. It had been mentio...
5 October 1937
Richard Hughes to Allen & Unwin
#1861
Allen & Unwin had sent copies of The Hobbit to various authors in order to solicit reviews. Hughes's response was used for publicity materials to a...
5 October 1937
Susan Dagnall to J.R.R. Tolkien
#2094
Tolkien writes back to Susan Dagnall on the proposed Loom of Language book. He describes the scheme as bad, and remarks that he had considered if it wer...
10 October 1937
G.E.K. Braunholtz to J.R.R. Tolkien
#2035
G.E.K. Braunholtz, a colleague from Oxford writes to Tolkien. He has read the positive review in The Times and quotes from it in his letter. This letter...
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....
15 October 1937
J.R.R. Tolkien to Stanley Unwin
#19
Carpenter #17
Tolkien was pleased that The Hobbit was being well received, though he knows that the two glowing, unsigned reviews in The Times and the Times Literary ...
19 October 1937
Stanley Unwin to J.R.R. Tolkien
#2087
Stanley Unwin writes to Tolkien. he remarks that he has no doubt that Tolkien will do well from his first publication. He describes Tolkien as a genius ...
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...
28 October 1937
Stanley Unwin to J.R.R. Tolkien
#2097
Writing to Tolkien, Stanley Unwin suggests 17 November for their next meeting. Tolkien had written earlier that day suggesting other dates but writes an...
29 October 1937 (first letter)
J.R.R. Tolkien to Stanley Unwin
#2096
Writing to Stanley Unwin, Tolkien suggests that their next meeting should be in November, saying that the afternoon of the 10th is OK or that he is free...
29 October 1937 (second letter)
J.R.R. Tolkien to Stanley Unwin
#2095
Tolkien writes to Stanley Unwin. He had suggested they meet in November for their next meeting and gives various dates, but Stanley writes a letter whic...
30 October 1937
Stanley Unwin to J.R.R. Tolkien
#2098
Stanley Unwin writes to Tolkien having only received his first letter from 29 November. He offers to meet Tolkien on the 10th, 12th, or 15th of November.
31 October 1937
J.R.R. Tolkien to Stanley Unwin
#2099
Tolkien replies to Stanley Unwin's latest letter. He tells Stanley to choose between the 15 and 17 of November for their meeting.
1 November 1937
Stanley Unwin to J.R.R. Tolkien
#2100
Stanley Unwin writes to confirm 15 November for their meeting. He also remarks that he would like to see Lewis' Out of the Silent Planet. Wayne Ham...
5 November 1937
J.R.R. Tolkien to Stanley Unwin
#2102
Tolkien has received the proofs from Elliot & Fry of the photographs taken of him. Edith has chosen one to send to Stanley.
10 November 1937
Stanley Unwin to J.R.R. Tolkien
#2103
Stanley Unwin replies to Tolkien's letter with comments on his photoshoot with Elliot & Fry. He encloses a ticket for Tolkien to attend the Sunday ...
16 November 1937
Stanley Unwin to J.R.R. Tolkien
#2104
Stanley writes to Tolkien and includes his manuscript of Farmer Giles of Ham which GA&U had previously viewed. He tells Tolkien that if he has a similar...
17 November 1937
J.R.R. Tolkien to Stanley Unwin
#1009
Tolkien writes to Stanley Unwin, including a letter he received from a Mlle Tardivel who had written asking about a possible French translation of The H...
20 November 1937
Stanley Unwin to J.R.R. Tolkien
#2109
Stanley Unwin writes to Tolkien in reply to his letter on foreign translations of The Hobbit. He mentions that GA&U are working to arrange German, Scand...
30 November 1937
Stanley Unwin to J.R.R. Tolkien
#2113
Stanley Unwin returns the manuscript for The Lost Road to Tolkien and notes that he has organized a typescript of it for Tolkien which will be sent onto...
15 December 1937
Stanley Unwin to J.R.R. Tolkien
#1109
Stanley writes to Tolkien with news that the first edition of The Hobbit has sold and a new printing will be issued almost immediately. He notes that To...
16 December 1937
J.R.R. Tolkien to Stanley Unwin
#22
Carpenter #19
Tolkien has received a letter from Arthur Ransome, who wonders about the use of the word "man" in The Hobbit, as well as a few other letters f...
16 December 1937
Stanley Unwin to J.R.R. Tolkien
#2020
Stanley Unwin writes to Tolkien in connection to a competition ran by W.G. Le Tall of Geoffrey Tyndale's Bookshop in Bath. They are offering prizes...
17 December 1937
W.G. Le Tall to J.R.R. Tolkien
#2021
Following a letter the previous day from Stanley Unwin, Le Fall of Geoffrey Tyndale's Bookshop in Bath writes to Tolkien with details on the compet...
17 December 1937
C.A. Furth to J.R.R. Tolkien
#2121
C.A. Furth writes to update Tolkien on their efforts to get the reprint of The Hobbit out for the Christmas rush. The demand for it is high, GA&U had to...
19 December 1937
J.R.R. Tolkien to C.A. Furth
#23
Carpenter #20
"I have written the first chapter of a new story about Hobbits – 'A long expected party'" remarks Tolkien in this letter to C.A. F...
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...
20 December 1937
Stanley Unwin to J.R.R. Tolkien
#2125
Stanley Unwin sends Tolkien a typescript of Tolkien's story, The Lost Road to him, as promised. He says that its possible publishing success is har...
Christmas 1937
Father Christmas to John, Michael, Christopher and Priscilla Tolkien
#1959
Father Christmas writes to Christopher and Priscilla, "and other old friends at 20 Northmoor Road" for Christmas 1937. He remarks that is is 1...
1938
1 February 1938
J.R.R. Tolkien to C.A. Furth (Allen & Unwin Ltd.)
#24
Carpenter #21
Tolkien asks for four more copies of The Hobbit. While on vacation he has been unwell and spent most of the time "laid up".
4 February 1938
J.R.R. Tolkien to C.A. Furth
#25
Carpenter #22
Tolkien sends to his publisher, the first chapter of a new book, the sequel to The Hobbit. 'A Long-expected Party', the first chapter of this ...
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...
15 February 1938
C.A. Furth to J.R.R. Tolkien
#2134
C.A. Furth writes to Tolkien, enclosing his manuscript of Mr. Bliss. He includes some instructions explaining how best to reproduce the illustrations an...
17 February 1938
J.R.R. Tolkien to C.A. Furth
#26
Carpenter #23
Tolkien replies to C.A. Furth regarding the return of Mr. Bliss. Tolkien expresses regret for any trouble caused and wishes someone could redraw the pic...
18 February 1938
J.R.R. Tolkien to Stanley Unwin
#27
Carpenter #24
In this two page handwritten letter, Tolkien thanks Unwin's son Rayner for his positive feedback on the first chapter of the new book, "A Long...
19 February 1938
C.A. Furth to J.R.R. Tolkien
#2135
Further to their letters on Mr. Bliss, C.A. Furth writes to Tolkien remarking that Mr. Bliss could be reproduced in the same manner as the Beatrix Potte...
2 March 1938
Stanley Unwin to J.R.R. Tolkien
#2137
Stanley Unwin sends Tolkien a reader's report on Lewis' Out of the Silent Planet.
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 on The Lord of the Rings. He also m...
16 March 1938
Stanley Unwin to J.R.R. Tolkien
#2145
Stanley Unwin writes to Tolkien on the matter of Lewis' Out of the Silent Planet. He has now received three readers reports on the novel and is awa...
1 April 1938
Stanley Unwin to J.R.R. Tolkien
#2146
Stanley Unwin writes to Tolkien again on the matter of Out of the Silent Planet. Having now received five reports and only one is positive. He has decid...
?26 April 1938
J.R.R. Tolkien to Stanley Unwin
#2147
Tolkien forwards the cablegram he received from Houghton Mifflin notifying him of The Hobbit's win as best Children's Book for Spring.
29 April 1938
Stanley Unwin to J.R.R. Tolkien
#2148
Tolkien had sent a Cablegram from Houghton Mifflin to him onto GA&U and Stanley Unwin replies that they will that for publicity purposes. He also asks T...
3 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 ...
1 June 1938
Stanley Unwin to J.R.R. Tolkien
#1991
Stanley Unwin writes that Houghton Mifflin (the American publisher) reports having sold approximately 3000 copies of The Hobbit, and will re-announce it...
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 ...
10 June 1938
Stanley Unwin to J.R.R. Tolkien
#2153
Stanley Unwin writes to Tolkien and notes his regret that Tolkien does not have much time to write. He will write directly to Elaine Griffiths on matter...
29 June 1938
C.A. Furth (GA&U) to J.R.R. Tolkien
#2154
C.A. Furth writes to Tolkien informing him that Elaine Griffiths has asked to be released from her contract to deliver the revised edition of the Clark ...
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...
24 July 1938
J.R.R. Tolkien to C.A. Furth
#2155
Tolkien writes to C.A. Furth. He is struggling to suggest anyone who can fulfill the work for GA&U's Clark Hall Beowulf. He in fact now believes th...
25 July 1938
J.R.R. Tolkien to Stanley Unwin
#33
Carpenter #29
Tolkien wrote to Stanley Unwin in response to a letter from a German publisher, Rütten & Loening Verlag. They wanted to publish a German translation of...
28 July 1938
Stanley Unwin to J.R.R. Tolkien
#2156
Stanley Unwin writes to Tolkien. he remarks that his letters of 25 July "have been a source of much merriment and satisfaction at this office"...
3 August 1938
C.A. Furth to J.R.R. Tolkien
#2157
C.A. Furth replies to Tolkien remarking that he would be happy for Tolkien to work on the Clark Hall Beowulf volume. He suggests a fee payable to Tolkie...
8 August 1938
C.A. Furth to J.R.R. Tolkien
#2158
C.A. Furth writes to Tolkien on matters of publishing. He says that the next book they will have to publish is Mr. Bliss, but they have missed the windo...
9 August 1938
J.R.R. Tolkien to C.A. Furth
#2159
Writing to C.A. Furth, Tolkien says that he is required to visit London, to the Connaught Hospital in Walthamstow but had only a few hours notice but co...
31 August 1938
J.R.R. Tolkien to C.A. Furth
#37
Carpenter #33
Tolkien writes to Mr. Furth, expressing his current state of being oppressed and unwell due to recent troubles. He submits Farmer Giles for consideratio...
3 September 1938
C.A. Furth to J.R.R. Tolkien
#2162
In reply to Tolkien's letter, Furth sends an update on the matter of translations of The Hobbit. GA&U have not progressed with translations into Fr...
13 October 1938
J.R.R. Tolkien to Stanley Unwin
#38
Carpenter #34
In this letter to Stanley Unwin, J.R.R. Tolkien discusses his recent intense work on a sequel to The Hobbit, which has reached Chapter XI. He expresses ...
18 October 1938
Stanley Unwin to J.R.R. Tolkien
#2167
Stanley Unwin writes to Tolkien offering his sympathies for his current problems with health and various matters of work. He says that GA&U have written...
1939
6 January 1939
C.A. Furth to C.L. Wrenn
#2170
Replying to Wrenn's letter, C.A. Furth agrees to Wrenn having more time to sort and edit the Clark Hall Beowulf. He asks if it would be cheaper to ...
7 January 1939
C.L. Wrenn to C.A. Furth
#2171
In reply to Furth's letter questioning whether Tolkien has made progress with the preface for the Clark Hall Beowulf, Wrenn says he will mention th...
24 January 1939
C.A. Furth to J.R.R. Tolkien
#2174
Writing to Tolkien, C.A. Furth suggests to Tolkien that if he has not made progress on The Lord of the Rings that they should revisit the subject of Mr....
2 February 1939
J.R.R. Tolkien to C.A. Furth
#39
Carpenter #35
Writing to C.A. Furth, Tolkien offers an update with his work on The Lord of the Rings. He has not worked on since December but feels it is a better wor...
8 February 1939
C.A. Furth to J.R.R. Tolkien
#2175
In reply to Tolkien's letter of 2 February, Furth tells Tolkien that the middle of June will be the latest date that GA&U can receive and have read...
10 February 1939
J.R.R. Tolkien to C.A. Furth
#51
Carpenter #36
Writing to C.A. Furth, Tolkien expresses gratitude for the enclosed cheque for royalities for 1938 and an advance of the royalties from Houghton Mifflin...
11 February 1939
C.A. Furth to J.R.R. Tolkien
#2176
Furth informs Tolkien that he has told the German publisher that he (Tolkien) wishes to see a proof of the translation of The Hobbit before going to pri...
18 February 1939
C.A. Furth to J.R.R. Tolkien
#2177
Furth writes to Tolkien again on the German publishers edition of The Hobbit. They will not publish until the autumn, and have agreed that they will pro...
21 June 1939
Stanley Unwin to J.R.R. Tolkien
#2178
Stanley Unwin writing to Tolkien, asks for an update on his progress with The Lord of the Rings.
21 November 1939
Stanley Unwin to J.R.R. Tolkien
#2188
Writing to Tolkien, Stanley Unwin says that he would like Tolkien to meet his eldest son, David, who works at Blackwell's Bookshop in Oxford.
18 December 1939
Stanley Unwin to J.R.R. Tolkien
#2190
After Stanley Unwin's letter mentioned that he would like Tolkien to meet his son, David, Stanley Unwin writes to Tolkien in the evening after spea...
19 December 1939
J.R.R. Tolkien to Stanley Unwin
#52
Carpenter #37
Tolkien, writing to Stanley Unwin, expresses gratitude for the kind note and apologizes for his neglectful correspondence due to personal and health iss...
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...
1940
27 March 1940
Stanley Unwin to J.R.R. Tolkien
#2195
Stanley Unwin writes to Tolkien. GA&U are still waiting for Tolkien's preface to the Clark Hall Beowulf and Stanley Unwin asks when it will be fini...
30 March 1940
J.R.R. Tolkien to Stanley Unwin
#53
Carpenter #38
Tolkien apologizes for his previous behavior and explains that he misunderstood the nature of the requested contribution for the book Beowulf. He expres...
2 April 1940
Stanley Unwin to J.R.R. Tolkien
#2196
Stanley Unwin writes again to Tolkien on the matter of the Clark Hall Beowulf. They intend to include the whole of Tolkien's preface as they feel h...
5 April 1940
Stanley Unwin to J.R.R. Tolkien
#2197
Stanley Unwin writes again on the Clark Hall Beowulf. He says that Tolkien's preface will require 36 pages and if Tolkien agrees, GA&U will begin t...
6 April 1940
J.R.R. Tolkien to George Allen & Unwin
#2198
Tolkien returns the telegram (provided by Stanley Unwin) confirming his agreement for his preface to the Clark Hall Beowulf to be used, and the renumera...
24 April 1940
J.R.R. Tolkien to Stanley Unwin
#2202
Writing to Stanley Unwin on the Clark Hall Beowulf, Tolkien returns the proofs, marked with corrections, noting many errors, most notably with the Old E...
15 May 1940
J.R.R. Tolkien to Stanley Unwin
#2205
Writing to Stanley Unwin, Tolkien asks for money due to him be made available as he is "in certain difficulties" at present.
1942
4 December 1942
Stanley Unwin to J.R.R. Tolkien
#2364
Stanley Unwin writes to Tolkien remarking that the London bookseller, Foyles, will publish The Hobbit as part of its Children's Book Club. He notes...
7 December 1942
J.R.R. Tolkien to Stanley Unwin
#62
Carpenter #47
Tolkien expresses gratitude for the note from Stanley Unwin and discusses the progress of the sequel to The Hobbit that he has been working on since 193...
16 December 1942
Stanley Unwin to J.R.R. Tolkien
#2365
Stanley Unwin replies to Tolkien's letter of 7 December remarking that he is looking to see what corrections have been included in the reprint of T...
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 ...
10 July 1944
Stanley Unwin to J.R.R. Tolkien
#2406
Stanley Unwin informs Tolkien that they have found a copy of the reprinted Hobbit and it has been sent to him.
1 August 1944
George Allen & Unwin to J.R.R. Tolkien
#2411
An unknown member of the George Allen & Unwin staff writes to Tolkien. Two more copies of The Hobbit have been found.
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."
1945
24 February 1945
Stanley Unwin to J.R.R. Tolkien
#2486
Stanley Unwin writes to Tolkien asking if it "Is it not time that we had a new book from you?" He remarks that while paper is still short in s...
15 March 1945
Stanley Unwin to J.R.R. Tolkien
#2487
Stanley Unwin having seen Leaf by Niggle in the Dublin Review writes to Tolkien to ask if he has other similar stories that GA&U could possibly publish....
Undated (circa 18 March 1945)
J.R.R. Tolkien to Stanley Unwin
#223
Carpenter #98
Tolkien replies to #TCGLetter2487 He expresses deep concern about Rayner, who is off to war, and mentions that his son Christopher has become great frie...
22 March 1945
Stanley Unwin to J.R.R. Tolkien
#2489
Stanley Unwin replies to #Letter98. He asks Tolkien to send anything he feels might be suitable to make a volume with Leaf by Niggle. He remarks that th...
4 April 1945
Stanley Unwin to J.R.R. Tolkien
#2491
Stanley Unwin sends Tolkien a reminder to send his typescript of Farmer Giles of Ham to him.
1946
18 March 1946
C.A. Furth to J.R.R. Tolkien
#2508
C.A. Furth, of GA&U, writes to Tolkien seeking his advice whether he thinks reprinting Outlines of the History of the English Language by Ernest Classen...
25 March 1946
Stanley Unwin to J.R.R. Tolkien
#2510
Stanley Unwin informs Tolkien that The Hobbit is in the process of being reprinted. He says it will a run of 4,000 copies.
2 April 1946
C.A. Furth to J.R.R. Tolkien
#2512
Following Furth's letter, #TCGLetter2508, he writes again reminding Tolkien that he is awaiting his reply from the earlier letter.
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 of Ham. And remarks on his progress to The Hobbit sequel am...
21 July 1946
J.R.R. Tolkien to C.A. Furth
#2518
Tolkien, writing to C.A. Furth apologizes for not replying to him earlier. He does not know the book Outlines of the History of the English Language by ...
23 July 1946 (received)
J.R.R. Tolkien to George Allen & Unwin
#2519
GA&U receive the typescript of Farmer Giles of Ham, with a note attached in which Tolkien mentions poems and other texts he had considered for publicati...
24 July 1946
C.A. Furth to J.R.R. Tolkien
#2520
C.A. Furth in reply to Tolkien's letter, #TCGLetter2518, remarks that the German translation of The Hobbit is not currently known. He notes that th...
24 July 1946
Stanley Unwin to J.R.R. Tolkien
#2521
Writing to Tolkien, he remarks that the reprint of The Hobbit is moving slowly. There are problems at the printers and binding houses currently. He encl...
19 September 1946
Stanley Unwin to J.R.R. Tolkien
#2523
Stanley Unwin informs Tolkien that GA&U are considering publishing Farmer Giles of Ham and asks if he has any illustrations of his own or if he has a su...
30 September 1946
J.R.R. Tolkien to Stanley Unwin
#252
Carpenter #106
Tolkien expresses delight at the prospect of publishing "Farmer Giles of Ham" but cites academic commitments as a hindrance to providing more ...
30 September 1946
J.R.R. Tolkien to Stanley Unwin
#2524
Further to his other letter of this day, #Letter106, Tolkien writes a brief note to Stanley Unwin which accompanies some poems; 'The Hoard', &...
11 October 1946
Philip Unwin to J.R.R. Tolkien
#2525
Philip Unwin writes to Tolkien. He acknowledges letters (and packets?) from 30 September to Stanley Unwin. Stanley Unwin is away, and Philip replies in ...
11 November 1946
Stanley Unwin to J.R.R. Tolkien
#2526
Stanley Unwin informs that Tolkien that he believes that Farmer Giles of Ham will be better published under its own title rather than a compilation of m...
7 December 1946
J.R.R. Tolkien to Stanley Unwin
#253
Carpenter #107
Tolkien mentions receiving letters from Horus Engels regarding a German translation, and while Engels doesn't explicitly propose himself as a trans...
11 December 1946
C.A. Furth to J.R.R. Tolkien
#2532
In reply to #Letter107, C.A. Furth says that Milein Cosman should contact GA&U with her portfolio. He remarks that the rights to the German translation ...
1947
30 April 1947
Stanley Unwin to J.R.R. Tolkien
#2537
Stanley Unwin informs Tolkien that GA&U intend to publish Farmer Giles of Ham even though with illustrations, two in colour, the costs are high. He beli...
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 ...
8 May 1947
Stanley Unwin to J.R.R. Tolkien
#2538
Stanley Unwin returns to Tolkien his signed copy of the agreement for the Farmer Giles of Ham contract with a cheque in advance of royalties. He explain...
28 May 1947
J.R.R. Tolkien to Stanley Unwin
#2541
Tolkien writes to Stanley Unwin. He is sorry to have missed him at Merton but is rarely there on Sundays. He remarks he has had no time to write, includ...
2 June 1947
Stanley Unwin to J.R.R. Tolkien
#2542
Stanley Unwin writes to Tolkien to invite him to lunch on July 24.
30 June 1947
George Allen & Unwin to J.R.R. Tolkien
#2544
A member of staff from GA&U writes to Tolkien, reminding him that he is still to provide a descriptive paragraph for use for Farmer Giles of Ham. This w...
8 July 1947
Stanley Unwin to J.R.R. Tolkien
#2552
Sir Stanley Unwin writes, inviting Tolkien to lunch on 9 July. Tolkien will reply later in the day, accepting his invite.
8 July 1947
J.R.R. Tolkien to Stanley Unwin
#2553
Tolkien replies to Stanley Unwin's Telegram, accepting his offer to lunch the following day on 9 July. The two men dine at the Reform Club, where t...
11 July 1947
Stanley Unwin to J.R.R. Tolkien
#2555
Sir Stanley Unwin writes to Tolkien about the delayed reprint of The Hobbit. They have been held up at the binders for over a year, but he hopes that th...
28 July 1947
Stanley Unwin to J.R.R. Tolkien
#2558
Writing to Tolkien, Sir Stanley Unwin sets out how he would like the two men to address each other. Suggesting 'Tolkien' and 'Unwin'...
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...
c. Beginning of August
Milein Cosman to J.R.R. Tolkien
#2559
Milein Cosman writes to Tolkien on the matter of Farmer Giles of Ham but Tolkien does not reply. He had forgotten to do so. Tolkien enclosed this letter...
18 September 1947
Stanley Unwin to J.R.R. Tolkien
#2600
Stanley Unwin sends Tolkien printed specimen pages from Farmer Giles of Ham. He also asks if they should remove Milein Cosman from the project, as she i...
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...
23 September 1947
George Allen & Unwin to J.R.R. Tolkien
#2602
in #Letter111, Tolkien had asked Stanley Unwin if he felt a $1,500 fee for a trip to Boston, Massachusetts would leave him money left over. In the absen...
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 ...
5 November 1947
George Allen & Unwin to J.R.R. Tolkien
#2610
GA&U writes to Tolkien to inform him that The Hobbit is finally back in print and a copy is being arranged for him.
19 November 1947
Ronald Eames to J.R.R. Tolkien
#2611
Ronald Eames writes to ask Tolkien if he has as yet received any samples illustrations from Milein Cosman for the proposed publication of Farmer Giles o...
c. Early December 1947
Kooperativa Förbundets Bokförlag to George Allen & Unwin
#2615
Kooperativa Förbundets Bokförlag, the publisher of The Hobbit in Sweden writes to GA&U. The details of this letter are not known but Stanley Unwin wou...
13 December 1947
Stanley Unwin to J.R.R. Tolkien
#2616
Stanley Unwin writes to Tolkien and encloses a letter (#TCGLetter2615) received at GA&U from the Swedish publisher, Kooperativa Förbundets Bokförlag, ...
23 December 1947
J.R.R. Tolkien to Ronald Eames
#2618
Tolkien replies to #TCGLetter2611 noting that he has not heard from Milein Cosman on the matter of samples for Farmer Giles of Ham.
30 December 1947
Ronald Eames to J.R.R. Tolkien
#2620
In reply to #TCGLetter2618, Ronald Eames suggests that GA&U may decide to revoke their commission to Milein Cosman to illustrate Farmer Giles of Ham.
1948
16 January 1948
Ronald Eames to J.R.R. Tolkien
#2623
Ronald Eames of GA&U writes to Tolkien. Milein Cosman appears to have finally supplied some illustrations for Farmer Giles of Ham and he confirms that t...
31 January 1948
Ronald Eames to J.R.R. Tolkien
#2624
Ronald Eames writes to Tolkien again on the matter of Farmer Giles of Ham. Eames confirms that Milein Cosman will be in Oxford at the end of the week.
5 February 1948
Priscilla Tolkien to Ronald Eames
#2633
In Tolkien's absence on health grounds, Priscilla writes to Ronald Eames on the subject of Milein Cosman's visit to Oxford. Tolkien has said h...
8 February 1948
Priscilla Tolkien to Ronald Eames
#2634
Priscilla writes again to that her father has met Milein Cosman and is happy to let her continue if GA&U agree.
22 July 1948
Ronald Eames to J.R.R. Tolkien
#2641
Milein Cosman has submitted more drawings to GA&U for Farmer Giles of Ham and Ronald Eames writes to Tolkien asking where they should be sent for him to...
24 July 1948
J.R.R. Tolkien to Ronald Eames
#2642
Replying to #TCGLetter2641, Tolkien says that he will be between Oxford and Woodcote until 14 August and then until 14 September his address will be c/o...
27 July 1948
Ronald Eames to J.R.R. Tolkien
#2643
Ronald Eames sends Milein Cosman's drawings to Tolkien. He makes mention of the two styles, preferring the "freer" one, likening it to th...
5 August 1948
J.R.R. Tolkien to Ronald Eames
#268
Carpenter #116
Tolkien returns the drawings to GA&U that were sent to him from Milein Cosman. GA&U had decided that Milein Cosman would illustrate Farmer Giles of Ham,...
10 August 1948
Ronald Eames to J.R.R. Tolkien
#1236
In reply to Tolkien's letter of 5 August (see #TCGLetter268) Ronald Eames says that George Allen & Unwin have decided to not use the illustrations ...
10 August 1948
Ronald Eames to Pauline Baynes
#1237
Ronald Eames writes various artists, among them is Pauline Baynes, a young artist who will go on to illustrate many Tolkien books and become a life-long...
21 August 1948 (resent 30 August 1948)
Ronald Eames to J.R.R. Tolkien
#2645
Ronald Eames writes to Tolkien on the matter of Farmer Giles of Ham. He has found five possible illustrators and would like, if possible, for Tolkien to...
28 September 1948
Ronald Eames to J.R.R. Tolkien
#2647
After not hearing from Tolkien after writing a #TCGLetter2645, Ronald Eames writes again. The five artists have asked if a decision has been made yet. E...
7 October 1948
Ronald Eames to Pauline Baynes
#2688
Ronald Eames writes to Pauline Baynes. He remarks that Tolkien was very impressed with her illustrations.
12 October 1948
Ronald Eames to Pauline Baynes
#2689
After receiving it from Tolkien, Ronald Eames sends the uncorrected typescript of Farmer Giles of Ham to Pauline Baynes. Tolkien had remarked that it mi...
13 October 1948
Ronald Eames to J.R.R. Tolkien
#2690
In #TCGLetter2687 Tolkien had asked Ronald Eames if he could send back his preface. It is assumed that Eames does so along with the corrected typescript...
1 November 1948
J.R.R. Tolkien to Ronald Eames
#2691
Tolkien sends a new typescript of Farmer Giles of Ham to Ronald Eames at GA&U noting that it is corrected for press. If GA&U do not need it immediately,...
3 November 1948
Ronald Eames to Pauline Baynes
#2692
Ronald Eames sends the new typescript to Pauline Baynes which had been provided by Tolkien in #TCGLetter2691.
3 November 1948
Ronald Eames to J.R.R. Tolkien
#2693
Ronald Eames writes to thank Tolkien for the typescript of Farmer Giles of Ham. Pauline Baynes want to illustrate the book. He remarks that the typescri...
20 November 1948
Ronald Eames to J.R.R. Tolkien
#2695
Pauline Baynes had enjoyed Farmer Giles of Ham and Ronald Eames writes to Tolkien to inform him of this and give him a list of subjects that Baynes sugg...
21 November 1948
J.R.R. Tolkien to Ronald Eames
#2696
In reply to Eames' letter, #TCGLetter2695, Tolkien replies, remarking that Baynes is on the right track with her choices of subjects for Farmer Gil...
6 December 1948
Ronald Eames to J.R.R. Tolkien
#2698
Ronald Eames sends Tolkien the first batch of illustrations by Pauline Baynes. Pauline Baynes had noted that she intended to produce many pieces for Tol...
10 December 1948
J.R.R. Tolkien to Ronald Eames
#2699
In reply to #TCGLetter2698, Tolkien says that he is delighted with Pauline Baynes artwork for Farmer Giles of Ham. He remarks that his "only diffic...
15 December 1948
Ronald Eames to J.R.R. Tolkien
#2700
Ronald Eames thanks Tolkien for the return of Pauline Baynes' illustrations and remarks that they have asked her to proceed with work on the book. ...
1949
18 February 1949
Ronald Eames to J.R.R. Tolkien
#2706
After Tolkien had not replied to #TCGLetter2700, Ronald Eames writes to remind him that he is yet to reply. He says that if Tolkien can let them have hi...
28 February 1949
J.R.R. Tolkien to Ronald Eames
#271
Carpenter #119
Tolkien tells Ronald Eames at GA&U that he does not have the time to retype Farmer Giles of Ham, nor does he feel that it is required. He asks that they...
1 March 1949
Ronald Eames to J.R.R. Tolkien
#2708
Ronald Eames writes to Tolkien in reply to #Letter119. He will ask Pauline Baynes to return the typescript of Farmer Giles of Ham and will send her the ...
11 March 1949
Ronald Eames to J.R.R. Tolkien
#2709
Ronald Eames sends Tolkien forty-four illustrations for Farmer Giles of Ham, twelve more than Pauline Baynes was required to provide. He asks Tolkien to...
16 March 1949
J.R.R. Tolkien to Ronald Eames
#272
Carpenter #120
Tolkien writes to Ronald Eames to report that he is delighted with the illustrations for Farmer Giles of Ham.
?17 March 1949*
J.R.R. Tolkien to Ronald Eames
#2710
Tolkien likely returns Pauline Bayne's artwork for Farmer Giles of Ham to GA&U and asks for her address.
21 March 1949
Ronald Eames to J.R.R. Tolkien
#2711
Ronald Eames replies to #Letter120 with Pauline Baynes address. He is pleased by Tolkien's response to the artwork. He says that they can delay a d...
8 April 1949
Ronald Eames to J.R.R. Tolkien
#2712
Ronald Eames sends two sets of galley proofs of Farmer Giles of Ham to Tolkien along with the typescript. He asks him to return the printers copy with c...
25 April 1949
Ronald Eames to J.R.R. Tolkien
#2714
Ronald Eames sends a coloured illustration to Tolkien, the first of two intended for Farmer Giles of Ham. Pauline Baynes has said she can change the col...
4 May 1949
J.R.R. Tolkien to Ronald Eames
#2718
Writing to Ronald Eames, Tolkien remarks on the timing of Farmer Giles of Ham "come to the boil" at his busiest time of the year for a profess...
11 May 1949
Ronald Eames to J.R.R. Tolkien
#2719
In reply to #TCGLetter2718, Ronald Eames thanks Tolkien for the return on the galley-proofs of Farmer Giles of Ham. He will send Tolkien a paste-up of w...
19 May 1949
Ronald Eames to J.R.R. Tolkien
#2723
Ronald Eames following up his letter from the 11th May, writes to Tolkien including the paste-ups he promised. He asks that Tolkien return them as soon ...
27 May 1949
Ronald Eames to J.R.R. Tolkien
#2724
Ronald Eames sends Tolkien the original artwork, intended as the frontispiece for Farmer Giles of Ham. He asks for comment and its return as soon as pos...
1 June 1949
J.R.R. Tolkien to Ronald Eames
#2725
Tolkien returns the paste-ups to GA&U and notes that he will return the illustration for the frontispiece under a separate cover. He believes that the i...
2 June 1949
Ronald Eames to J.R.R. Tolkien
#2726
Ronald Eames writes to thank Tolkien for the return of the paste-ups and illustration for Farmer Giles of Ham.
16 June 1949
Ronald Eames to J.R.R. Tolkien
#2727
Ronald Eames sends Tolkien the designs for the dust-jacket of Farmer Giles of Ham with some sketches that might serve in its place if he is not happy wi...
18 June 1949
J.R.R. Tolkien to Ronald Eames
#2728
In reply to #TCGLetter2727, Tolkien says that he has not had time to review the sketches, but he does not feel that the dust-jacket can be improved upon...
27 June 1949
Ronald Eames to J.R.R. Tolkien
#2729
Ronald Eames writes to Tolkien. He encloses two sets of page proofs of Farmer Giles of Ham with corrected galley proofs. Eames notes that if Tolkien can...
9 July 1949
J.R.R. Tolkien to Ronald Eames
#2730
After returning from Ireland on 5 July, Tolkien looks over the page proofs and returns them to GA&U with apologies for his delay. He remarks that the Ki...
12 July 1949
Ronald Eames to J.R.R. Tolkien
#2731
Ronald Eames thanks Tolkien for the return of the corrected proofs for Farmer Giles of Ham. He says it had occurred to GA&U that the passages in italics...
13 July 1949
J.R.R. Tolkien to Allen & Unwin Ltd.
#273
Carpenter #121
Tolkien discusses the progress of Farmer Giles of Ham and hints that the final draft of The Lord of the Rings was nearly finished. Once that is complete...
13 September 1949
Stanley Unwin to J.R.R. Tolkien
#2735
Stanley Unwin sends Tolkien an advance copy of Farmer Giles of Ham and a cheque for £25/0/0 which was due to him on publication of the book.
Early December 1949
J.R.R. Tolkien to Stanley Unwin
#2739
Tolkien writes to Stanley Unwin. He offers his approval of the design of Farmer Giles of Ham, praising Pauline Baynes. He also sends his best wishes to ...
19 December 1949
Stanley Unwin to J.R.R. Tolkien
#2741
Stanley Unwin writes to Tolkien, inquiring when the typescript of The Lord of the Rings will be finished.
1950
4 January 1950
Milton Waldman to J.R.R. Tolkien
#2745
Milton Waldman writes to Tolkien, remarking on his delight in reading The Lord of the Rings. He is, however, concerned by the length of it. He says he w...
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 burdening...
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...
c. late February 1950
Stanley Unwin to J.R.R. Tolkien
#2762
After Tolkien wrote to Stanley Unwin, see #Letter125, Stanley Unwin replies. He tells Tolkien that he has presented GA&U a problem.
c. end of February - early March 1950
Stanley Unwin to Rayner Unwin
#2763
Stanley Unwin writes to his son Rayner on the matter of Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings. He does not know what to do about it.
c. early March 1950
Rayner Unwin to Stanley Unwin
#2764
In reply to a letter from his father, Rayner Unwin says that Tolkien's Lord of the Rings is a great work and deserves to be published. He felt no l...
6 March 1950
Stanley Unwin to J.R.R. Tolkien
#2748
Stanley Unwin replies to #Letter124. He says that publishing The Silmarillion and The Lord of the Rings together would be very difficult. He asks if the...
10 March 1950
J.R.R. Tolkien to Stanley Unwin
#277
Carpenter #125
Tolkien compares his two great stories the War of the Ring and the War of the Jewels and remarks on the Farmer Giles sales figures.
10 March 1950
J.R.R. Tolkien to Milton Waldman
#293
Carpenter #126
Unwin wants to break up Tolkien's "monstrous Saga", and Tolkien hopes Unwin will let the project go, so Tolkien can publish The Lord of t...
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 for one volume and gives some f...
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 ...
17 April 1950
Stanley Unwin to J.R.R. Tolkien
#2765
After Tolkien's ultimatum, #Letter127, Stanley Unwin replies that as Tolkien demanded a yes or no, that his answer is sadly no. He would have liked...
26 July 1950
W.N. Beard to J.R.R. Tolkien
#2778
W.N. Beard from George Allen & Unwin writes to Tolkien about the Houghton Mifflin edition of The Hobbit. They need to fulfil an order for the US publish...
28 July 1950
J.R.R. Tolkien to W.N. Beard
#2779
In reply to #TCGLetter2778, Tolkien writes to inform W.N. Beard that he is away for a few days in Ireland and will deal with the proofs for The Hobbit u...
1 August 1950
J.R.R. Tolkien to Allen & Unwin Ltd.
#295
Carpenter #128
Tolkien was sent proofs for a new edition of The Hobbit and remarks on how The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit are interlinked. He was not expecting hi...
9 August 1950
Stanley Unwin to J.R.R. Tolkien
#2781
After Tolkien had written to W.N. Beard, remarking that he was surprised that the revised Hobbit had been put into print, see #Letter128, Stanley Unwin ...
9 September 1950
Stanley Unwin to J.R.R. Tolkien
#2791
Stanley Unwin writes to Tolkien concerning the US reprint of The Hobbit. He remarks that the stereo plates are taking a long time and asks if Tolkien mi...
10 September 1950
J.R.R. Tolkien to Stanley Unwin
#296
Carpenter #129
Tolkien writes about the new revised edition of The Hobbit.
13 September 1950
Stanley Unwin to J.R.R. Tolkien
#2796
Stanley Unwin writes to Tolkien about the US edition of The Hobbit. It had been held up for some time and although Tolkien had agreed to let a reprint g...
14 September 1950
J.R.R. Tolkien to Stanley Unwin
#297
Carpenter #130
Tolkien writes to Stanley Unwon, enclosing a new version of chapter five of the Hobbit. He has decided to accept both versions of the chapter and will w...
19 September 1950
Stanley Unwin to J.R.R. Tolkien
#2803
Stanley Unwin writes to Tolkien remarking that the prefatory note for The Hobbit has been sent to the printers. Tolkien will be sent a proof copy soon.
21 September 1950
W.N. Beard to J.R.R. Tolkien
#2804
W.N. Beard of GA&U sends Tolkien the prefatory note for The Hobbit promised by Stanley Unwin two days previously.
22 September 1950
J.R.R. Tolkien to W.N. Beard
#2805
Tolkien returns the proof of the prefatory note for the revised Hobbit to GA&U.
19 October 1950
George Allen & Unwin to J.R.R. Tolkien
#2808
GA&U send Tolkien ten copies of the new US edition of Farmer Giles of Ham, published by Houghton Mifflin Company.
23 October 1950
Stanley Unwin to J.R.R. Tolkien
#2809
After hearing that Tolkien was having problems with Collins over their proposed publication of The Lord of the Rings, Stanley Unwin writes to Tolkien to...
1 November 1950
Susan Dagnall to Stanley Unwin
#2812
'S', likely Susan Dagnall writes to Stanley Unwin after she had visited Elaine Griffiths in Oxford. She remarks about reading Tolkien's e...
6 November 1950
Stanley Unwin to J.R.R. Tolkien
#2814
Stanley Unwin writes to Tolkien to ask if he has made arrangements for the publication of his translation of Sir Gawain and the Green Knight. He would l...
13 November 1950
J.R.R. Tolkien to Stanley Unwin
#2821
Writing to Stanley Unwin, Tolkien opens with apologies for not replying to two previous letters, both kind according to Tolkien. He remarks that the Cha...
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...
1953
22 July 1953
J.R.R. Tolkien to W.N. Beard
#163
Writing in reply to a letter from Beard (July 16th), Tolkien confirms he has received galleys that were wrongly delivered to his old address at 99 Holyw...
14 December 1953
George Allen & Unwin Publishers Ltd to Arthur Ransome
#868
GA&U sent Arthur Ransome a copy of The Fellowship of the Ring asking him to review it. Included was a short note: "I am sending you a set of uncorr...
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
30 April 1954
J.R.R. Tolkien to Stanley Unwin
#187
Tolkien writes to Stanley Unwin regarding Richard Hughes's opinion of The Lord of the Rings.
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...
7 August 1954
J.R.R. Tolkien to Katharine Farrer
#393
Carpenter #148
Tolkien expresses concerns about misprints in The Fellowship of the Ring. He highlights a disagreement over a botanical term, corrected by the printers....
1955
c. 1 - 31 December 1955
Roger Lloyd to An unknown recipient
#2201
Roger Lloyd writes to an unknown recipient about his thoughts on The Lord of the Rings and information that he had heard from his friend Philip Unwin ab...
1956
19 March 1956
J.R.R. Tolkien to Christopher Tolkien
#534
Carpenter #185
Tolkien wrote to Christopher about the letter he had received from Sam Gamgee.
3 April 1956
J.R.R. Tolkien to Allen & Unwin Ltd.
#536
Carpenter #188
Tolkien expresses his strong concern about the translation of The Lord of the Rings. As a professional linguist and the author of the work, he emphasize...
1957
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. ...
10 October 1957
J.R.R. Tolkien to Leslie Smith (Allen & Unwin)
#2422
Tolkien arranges to collect his International Fantasy Award "Rocket" from Allen & Unwin.
27 October 1957
J.R.R. Tolkien to Leslie Smith (Allen & Unwin)
#2423
Tolkien was sent a 'facsimile' which he is able to use for class-work.
1960
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...
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...
25 October 1960
Elizabeth Lumsden to Rayner Unwin
#2603
Tolkien's secretary, Elizabeth Lumsden, writes to Rayner Unwin at Tolkien's request to ask if he knows the editor of Time and Tide. Tolkien ha...
25 October 1960
Elizabeth Lumsden to J.R.R. Tolkien
#2604
After #TCGLetter2603, Tolkien's secretary informs Tolkien of the letter to Rayner Unwin and remarks that she has typed half of the MS of "Moto...
28 October 1960
Elizabeth Lumsden to J.R.R. Tolkien
#2605
Tolkien's secretary again writes to him on the matter of The Bovadium Fragments. Rayner knows the editor has said that Tolkien can use his name. El...
1961
1961
George Allen & Unwin to Houghton Mifflin Co.
#1719
A series of letters found at the University of Reading GA&U archives. Consisting of 144 items. Not all of these letters are concerned with Tolkien but s...
1961
George Allen & Unwin to Penguin Books
#1720
A series of letters found at the University of Reading GA&U archives. Consisting of 172 items, not all of which concern Tolkien. Among the subjects disc...
1961
George Allen & Unwin to Thomas Nelson & Sons Publishers
#1728
A series of letters found at the University of Reading GA&U archives. Consisting of 28 items. Among the subjects of these letters concerns the export of...
1962
28 September 1962
Arnoldo Mondadori Editors (internal memo) to Arnoldo Mondadori Editors
#1764
An internal memo noting that they are considering once again the Lord of the Rings after having turned it down in 1955. Various translations are noted, ...
28 September 1962
Mario Mattolini (Arnoldo Mondadori Editore) to Arnoldo Mondadori Editore (internal memo)
#1784
This internal letter forms the basis of the letter which will be sent to Stanley Unwin declining the invitation to translate and publish the Lord of the...
11 October 1962
Cin Calabi (Arnoldo Mondadori Editore) to Stanley Unwin
#1783
Writing to Stanley Unwin, Cin Calabi of the Italian publisher Arnoldo Mondadori Editore, gives Stanley Unwin the news that the publisher is declining th...
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 congratulate ...
28 November 1962
J.R.R. Tolkien to Sir Stanley Unwin
#617
Carpenter #242
The Adventures of Tom Bombadil was published on 22 November. Additional quotes and context appear in Chronology than what is in Letters.
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...
1964
11 September 1964
J.R.R. Tolkien to Joy Hill
#638
Carpenter #264
Tolkien really does not like the design of HMCo's Tree and Leaf. He comments negatively on Carole Ward's proposal for a serialization of The L...
1965
23 June 1965
J.R.R. Tolkien to C.A. Furth
#2250
Tolkien is working on revisions to The Hobbit for the American publishers due to the Ace controversy, but also needs to make revisions for the Longmans ...
20th August 1965
Stanley Unwin to Penning Rowsell
#1865
Stanley Unwin sends a copy of the limited edition book Sir Stanley Unwin - The Celebration of his 80th Birthday to journalist Penning-Rowsell, which con...
1966
25 August 1966
Rayner Unwin to J.R.R. Tolkien
#2606
Rayner Unwin writes to Tolkien. He believes that Tolkien should submit The Bovadium Fragments to the Oxford Magazine for publication.
1967
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. ...
1968
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...
2 December 1968
J.R.R. Tolkien to Rayner Unwin
#2607
Writing to Rayner Unwin, Tolkien remarks that he has signed and has sent the letter to Swanson. He is not confident that United Artists will concede the...
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...
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.
1972
9 May 1972
J.R.R. Tolkien to Martin Berry
#2419
Tolkien writes about Runes in The Hobbit and some errors in the latest paperback issue, and is also sad to hear about the death of Leslie Berry.
9 July 1972
J.R.R. Tolkien to Christopher Tolkien
#1513
Carpenter #339a
Tolkien discusses the various meals that he has been treated to.
18