Letters 
Letter Tags
Stats
Tolkien details work he has recently completed on maps for The Hobbit, as well as other suggestions.
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 writes to Tolkien, correcting a misstatement in her previous letter. Thror's Map will have to be used as an endpaper due to costs, bu...
Tolkien replies to Susan Dagnall of GA&U on matters of the reproductions of some of his illustrations in The Hobbit. He is happy to let the "Produc...
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....
In this three-page handwritten letter, Tolkien writes to his publisher about the release date for The Hobbit, going on at length about how it would be b...
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...
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...
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...
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'...
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...
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 ...
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...
Writing to Tolkien, Stanley Unwin suggests 17 November for their next meeting. Tolkien had written earlier that day suggesting other dates but writes an...
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 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...
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...
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...
Stanley writes a short cover letter to Tolkien explaining that Rayner has had little time (going to boarding school on this day), but has scribbled down...
Rayner "scribbles" a book report on the first three chapters of the Hobbit sequel. His father Stanley sends this review to Tolkien along with ...
Tolkien 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...
Rütten & Loening Verlag, the German publisher enquired about publishing a German translation of The Hobbit. As part of their conditions they wanted to ...
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"...
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...
Tolkien updates Phillip Unwin on the current situation at universities given the news of war with Germany. He says there will be a reduced demand, but s...
Tolkien, writing to Stanley Unwin, expresses gratitude for the kind note and apologizes for his neglectful correspondence due to personal and health iss...
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 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...
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 ...
Tolkien expresses delight at the prospect of publishing "Farmer Giles of Ham" but cites academic commitments as a hindrance to providing more ...
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 ...
In reply to a letter about the Swedish translation of The Hobbit, Tolkien says that he does not have any objection if illustrations are replaced, but pr...
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...
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...
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...
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...
Tolkien sends his spare copy of Farmer Giles of Ham, which is uncorrected, to Ronald Eames. This copy is to be sent on to the illustrator Pauline Baynes...
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...
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...
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 writes to Stanley Unwin asking for a decision about The Silmarillion and The Lord of the Rings. He remarks that he will be busy with examination...
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 ...
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...
Tolkien returns the postcard, sent by Stanley Unwin. Tolkien agrees that they can go ahead without the revised stereo plates. See #TCGLetter2791 In a no...
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...
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...
Tolkien writes, reminding Rayner that he will be in London the following day, he hopes Rayner will have time to lunch with him. He will arrive at Museum...
Tolkien apologizes for his delay in providing comments on the drawings. He does not think them satisfactory. He says that he should have been more caref...
Tolkien feels that his life may be in danger if The Return of the King is not published soon. This letter is held at the 'Tolkien–George Allen & ...
Tolkien writes to Allen & Unwin, stressing that they must publish The Return of the King on the 20th October 1955. The letter is held at the 'Tolki...
Tolkien expresses his agreement with critics' negative views on the radio adaptation of The Lord of the Rings. Tolkien anticipates negative respons...
Tolkien writes about Victorian Warwickshire as an inspiration for the Shire.
In regards to the Dutch translation of The Lord of the Rings, Tolkien says he has not the time or energy to be overly critical of it, and in any case ha...
Tolkien says that work is still getting in the way of him spending any time on The Silmarillion. He is having trouble with Professor Wrenn in America, a...
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 dissatisfaction with the current script for the proposed film version of The Lord of the Rings. Tolkien describes the ending as "...
Rayner has found a lady who can index The Lord of the Rings for him, and notes that he has said it is to be in "two parts". One of proper name...
Tolkien describes in great detail his trip to Rotterdam.
Tolkien expresses his intent to review the "Story-Line" provided by Zimmerman for the animated film adaptation of The Lord of the Rings. Tolki...
Tolkien writes to Rayner Unwin, including a letter with a sheet of answers to be forwarded to Nancy Smith. He has been waylaid by many bothers and will ...
Tolkien writes about the Polish translation of The Lord of the Rings. A slightly different quotation from the letter is given in Chronology from that re...
Tolkien informs Rayner that by way of looking at the "Scunthorpe lists". He has also continued work on The Silmarillion, and can say that it i...
Tolkien tells Rayner that he is getting to his work on the translations of Sir Gawain and Pearl, in addition to The Silmarillion, however the arrival of...
Tolkien's publishing commitments are catching up with him. Chronology reproduced a slightly longer selection of the letter than what appears in Let...
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...
Tolkien writes about including the Appendices of The Lord of the Rings in translations.
Tolkien has read the Puffin Hobbit and was not impressed with changes made to the book.
Tolkien submits additional poems for possible inclusion in the 'Tom Bombadil' book - 'Firiel' ('The Last Ship'), 'The...
Tolkien discusses progress with The Adventures of Tom Bombadil.
Following Tolkien's letter of 11 May, he sends Joy Hill a corrected introduction to The Adventures of Tom Bombadil along with corrections for some ...
Writing to Alina Dadlez, Tolkien explains his displeasure at the Spanish translation of 'Hobbit' and remarks back to the "private fancies...
Tolkien informs Rayner Unwin that he is now "in residence" until 2 October and will return on 10 October as he is once again involved in term....
Tolkien writes explaining that "I prefer hobitos since it preserves to the eye more relationship to the original word. I do not much mind the h bei...
Tolkien says that, as Rayner knows, The Adventures of Tom Bombadil began, with his Aunt Jane. He asks that a complimentary copy be sent to her and charg...
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.
Tolkien writes to his secretary about the American deluxe Hobbit proposal, which had sent him a specimen of artwork from Virgil Finlay. He has some issu...
It had been agreed that the new paperback (see no. 248) should be given the title Tree and Leaf. Rayner Unwin asked if Tolkien could suggest a suitable ...
Tolkien 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 writes about revising The Lord of the Rings.
Tolkien discusses revising The Lord of the Rings and the maps. Additional quotes can be found in the Chronology entry for this letter. The original is i...
Tolkien apologizes once again for being late in getting work to Rayner, this time revisions on the 3rd edition of The Hobbit. He says that many revision...
Tolkien is working on drafts of Sir Gawain and Pearl and finding interesting words and passages that he hopes to write up for academic journals. An expa...
Tolkien writes about a new UK paperback edition of The Hobbit. He comments on replacing the note explaining Bilbo's changed story and the two Thrai...
Tolkien shoots down any idea of a "Tolkien Award" by Ace Books, and suspects that this is just a way for them to make themselves feel better a...
Tolkien writes concerning the designs for a new dust jacket for The Lord of the Rings and on plans for The Tolkien Reader. Tolkien would like to see the...
Tolkien reiterates that he will not be photographed. He remarks that he has written a "polite" letter to Jeanette Wagner, Senior Editor of the...
Tolkien responds to Mrs. de Grummond's request for manuscript material. He declines. A brief quote from this letter is reproduced in Chronology. Th...
Letter Tags
Stats
Guide to Tolkien's Letters
Tolkien-George Allen & Unwin archive, HarperCollins
(101 letters match)1937
4 January 1937
J.R.R. Tolkien to Susan Dagnall
#9
Carpenter #9
Tolkien details work he has recently completed on maps for The Hobbit, as well as other suggestions.
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...
1 February 1937
Susan Dagnall to J.R.R. Tolkien
#1848
Susan Dagnall writes to Tolkien, correcting a misstatement in her previous letter. Thror's Map will have to be used as an endpaper due to costs, bu...
5 February 1937
J.R.R. Tolkien to Susan Dagnall
#11
Carpenter #11
Tolkien replies to Susan Dagnall of GA&U on matters of the reproductions of some of his illustrations in The Hobbit. He is happy to let the "Produc...
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....
28 May 1937
J.R.R. Tolkien to Allen & Unwin Ltd.
#14
Carpenter #14
In this three-page handwritten letter, Tolkien writes to his publisher about the release date for The Hobbit, going on at length about how it would be b...
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...
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...
?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...
?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'...
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...
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 ...
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...
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 (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...
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...
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...
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...
1938
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 ...
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...
25 July 1938
J.R.R. Tolkien to Rütten & Loening Verlag
#34
Carpenter #30
Rütten & Loening Verlag, the German publisher enquired about publishing a German translation of The Hobbit. As part of their conditions they wanted to ...
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"...
1939
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...
15 September 1939
J.R.R. Tolkien to Philip Unwin
#1376
Carpenter #36b
Tolkien updates Phillip Unwin on the current situation at universities given the news of war with Germany. He says there will be a reduced demand, but s...
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...
1940
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.
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...
1946
21 July 1946
J.R.R. Tolkien to Stanley Unwin
#251
Carpenter #105
Tolkien writes to Sir Stanley Unwin, who had just been knighted. He asked about Farmer Giles 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 ...
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 ...
1947
5 May 1947
J.R.R. Tolkien to Stanley Unwin
#1412
Carpenter #107a
Tolkien notes to Stanley Unwin that he has received the agreement for Farmer Giles of Ham, he would also send revised manuscripts for it in July and he ...
c. 17 May - June 1947
J.R.R. Tolkien to George Allen & Unwin [translation dept.]
#2540
In reply to a letter about the Swedish translation of The Hobbit, Tolkien says that he does not have any objection if illustrations are replaced, but pr...
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...
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...
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...
1948
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...
7 October 1948
J.R.R. Tolkien to Ronald Eames
#2687
Tolkien sends his spare copy of Farmer Giles of Ham, which is uncorrected, to Ronald Eames. This copy is to be sent on to the illustrator Pauline Baynes...
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...
1949
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...
1950
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...
2 April 1950
J.R.R. Tolkien to Stanley Unwin
#2750
Tolkien writes to Stanley Unwin asking for a decision about The Silmarillion and The Lord of the Rings. He remarks that he will be busy with examination...
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 ...
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...
11 September 1950
J.R.R. Tolkien to Stanley Unwin
#2792
Tolkien returns the postcard, sent by Stanley Unwin. Tolkien agrees that they can go ahead without the revised stereo plates. See #TCGLetter2791 In a no...
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...
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...
1953
31 August 1953
J.R.R. Tolkien to Rayner Unwin
#1428
Carpenter #140a
Tolkien writes, reminding Rayner that he will be in London the following day, he hopes Rayner will have time to lunch with him. He will arrive at Museum...
23 September 1953
J.R.R. Tolkien to W.N. Beard
#1430
Carpenter #140c
Tolkien apologizes for his delay in providing comments on the drawings. He does not think them satisfactory. He says that he should have been more caref...
1955
30 September 1955
J.R.R. Tolkien to Philip Unwin (Allen & Unwin Ltd.)
#483
Carpenter #170
Tolkien feels that his life may be in danger if The Return of the King is not published soon. This letter is held at the 'Tolkien–George Allen & ...
12 October 1955
J.R.R. Tolkien to Philip Unwin
#518
Carpenter #172
Tolkien writes to Allen & Unwin, stressing that they must publish The Return of the King on the 20th October 1955. The letter is held at the 'Tolki...
8 December 1955
J.R.R. Tolkien to Rayner Unwin
#526
Carpenter #177
Tolkien expresses his agreement with critics' negative views on the radio adaptation of The Lord of the Rings. Tolkien anticipates negative respons...
12 December 1955
J.R.R. Tolkien to Allen & Unwin Ltd.
#527
Carpenter #178
Tolkien writes about Victorian Warwickshire as an inspiration for the Shire.
1956
24 November 1956
J.R.R. Tolkien to Rayner Unwin
#1456
Carpenter #194b
In regards to the Dutch translation of The Lord of the Rings, Tolkien says he has not the time or energy to be overly critical of it, and in any case ha...
1957
3 February 1957
J.R.R. Tolkien to Rayner Unwin
#1457
Carpenter #195a
Tolkien says that work is still getting in the way of him spending any time on The Silmarillion. He is having trouble with Professor Wrenn in America, a...
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 ...
7 September 1957
J.R.R. Tolkien to Rayner Unwin
#576
Carpenter #201
Tolkien expresses dissatisfaction with the current script for the proposed film version of The Lord of the Rings. Tolkien describes the ending as "...
1958
14 January 1958
Rayner Unwin to J.R.R. Tolkien
#1674
Rayner has found a lady who can index The Lord of the Rings for him, and notes that he has said it is to be in "two parts". One of proper name...
8 April 1958
J.R.R. Tolkien to Rayner Unwin
#580
Carpenter #206
Tolkien describes in great detail his trip to Rotterdam.
8 April 1958
J.R.R. Tolkien to Rayner Unwin
#581
Carpenter #207
Tolkien expresses his intent to review the "Story-Line" provided by Zimmerman for the animated film adaptation of The Lord of the Rings. Tolki...
27 May 1958
J.R.R. Tolkien to Rayner Unwin
#1683
Tolkien writes to Rayner Unwin, including a letter with a sheet of answers to be forwarded to Nancy Smith. He has been waylaid by many bothers and will ...
1959
11 September 1959
J.R.R. Tolkien to Allen & Unwin
#592
Carpenter #217
Tolkien writes about the Polish translation of The Lord of the Rings. A slightly different quotation from the letter is given in Chronology from that re...
1960
9 February 1960
J.R.R. Tolkien to Rayner Unwin
#1470
Carpenter #222a
Tolkien informs Rayner that by way of looking at the "Scunthorpe lists". He has also continued work on The Silmarillion, and can say that it i...
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...
31 July 1960
J.R.R. Tolkien to Rayner Unwin
#599
Carpenter #223
Tolkien's publishing commitments are catching up with him. Chronology reproduced a slightly longer selection of the letter than what appears in Let...
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...
1961
24 January 1961
J.R.R. Tolkien to Allen & Unwin
#603
Carpenter #228
Tolkien writes about including the Appendices of The Lord of the Rings in translations.
30 December 1961
J.R.R. Tolkien to Rayner Unwin
#611
Carpenter #236
Tolkien has read the Puffin Hobbit and was not impressed with changes made to the book.
1962
5 February 1962
J.R.R. Tolkien to Rayner Unwin
#1076
Tolkien submits additional poems for possible inclusion in the 'Tom Bombadil' book - 'Firiel' ('The Last Ship'), 'The...
12 April 1962
J.R.R. Tolkien to Rayner Unwin
#612
Carpenter #237
Tolkien discusses progress with The Adventures of Tom Bombadil.
14 May 1962
J.R.R. Tolkien to Joy Hill
#1232
Following Tolkien's letter of 11 May, he sends Joy Hill a corrected introduction to The Adventures of Tom Bombadil along with corrections for some ...
20 July 1962
J.R.R. Tolkien to Alina Dadlez
#614
Carpenter #239
Writing to Alina Dadlez, Tolkien explains his displeasure at the Spanish translation of 'Hobbit' and remarks back to the "private fancies...
21 July 1962
J.R.R. Tolkien to Rayner Unwin
#1477
Carpenter #239a
Tolkien informs Rayner Unwin that he is now "in residence" until 2 October and will return on 10 October as he is once again involved in term....
19 September 1962
J.R.R. Tolkien to Alina Dadlez
#498
Tolkien writes explaining that "I prefer hobitos since it preserves to the eye more relationship to the original word. I do not much mind the h bei...
2 November 1962
J.R.R. Tolkien to Rayner Unwin
#1478
Carpenter #241a
Tolkien says that, as Rayner knows, The Adventures of Tom Bombadil began, with his Aunt Jane. He asks that a complimentary copy be sent to her and charg...
?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
11 October 1963
J.R.R. Tolkien to Joy Hill
#1862
Tolkien writes to his secretary about the American deluxe Hobbit proposal, which had sent him a specimen of artwork from Virgil Finlay. He has some issu...
23 December 1963
J.R.R. Tolkien to Rayner Unwin
#628
Carpenter #253
It had been agreed that the new paperback (see no. 248) should be given the title Tree and Leaf. Rayner Unwin asked if Tolkien could suggest a suitable ...
1964
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
25 May 1965
J.R.R. Tolkien to Rayner Unwin
#645
Carpenter #271
Tolkien writes about revising The Lord of the Rings.
28 July 1965
J.R.R. Tolkien to Austin Olney
#648
Carpenter #274
Tolkien discusses revising The Lord of the Rings and the maps. Additional quotes can be found in the Chronology entry for this letter. The original is i...
24 August 1965
J.R.R. Tolkien to Rayner Unwin
#1484
Carpenter #275a
Tolkien apologizes once again for being late in getting work to Rayner, this time revisions on the 3rd edition of The Hobbit. He says that many revision...
8 November 1965
J.R.R. Tolkien to Rayner Unwin
#1010
Carpenter #280
Tolkien is working on drafts of Sir Gawain and Pearl and finding interesting words and passages that he hopes to write up for academic journals. An expa...
15 December 1965
J.R.R. Tolkien to Rayner Unwin
#654
Carpenter #281
Tolkien writes about a new UK paperback edition of The Hobbit. He comments on replacing the note explaining Bilbo's changed story and the two Thrai...
29 December 1965
J.R.R. Tolkien to Rayner Unwin
#1486
Carpenter #282a
Tolkien shoots down any idea of a "Tolkien Award" by Ace Books, and suspects that this is just a way for them to make themselves feel better a...
1966
25 April 1966
J.R.R. Tolkien to Rayner Unwin
#774
Tolkien writes concerning the designs for a new dust jacket for The Lord of the Rings and on plans for The Tolkien Reader. Tolkien would like to see the...
29 April 1966
J.R.R. Tolkien to Joy Hill
#2425
Tolkien reiterates that he will not be photographed. He remarks that he has written a "polite" letter to Jeanette Wagner, Senior Editor of the...
15 August 1966
J.R.R. Tolkien to Lena de Grummond
#1916
Tolkien responds to Mrs. de Grummond's request for manuscript material. He declines. A brief quote from this letter is reproduced in Chronology. Th...
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