Letters 
Letter Tags
Stats
Mabel writes to her two son's grandmother on the Tolkien side (mother of her late husband) enclosing drawings by the boys. They have worked on them...
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 ...
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...
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...
Tolkien notes that he can keep either 13 or 14 February free. He includes the original drawing of Thror's Map and returns proofs of Mirkwood and Wi...
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...
GA&U sends to Tolkien the remaining proofs of The Hobbit and ask that he restricts any corrections to those unavoidable. They further ask that he try to...
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...
Tolkien returns to GA&U the remaining proofs, end-papers, and suggestions for them of The Hobbit.
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...
Charles Furth writes to Tolkien. He makes mention that the margins around the Hobbit illustrations will be adjusted before the final printing and apolog...
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...
GA&U send to Tolkien (for his approval) proof copies of The Hobbit dust-jacket.
GA&U send to Tolkien (for his approval) sample bindings for The Hobbit.
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...
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...
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 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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
Tolkien informs his publisher that Houghton Mifflin are yet to return to him the five orginal watercolour paintings for The Hobbit.
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...
Houghton Mifflin Co. send the five colour illustrations to GA&U discussed late in 1937.
GA&U send the five colour illustrations (sent from Houghton Mifflin Co.) to Tolkien. In their Companion and Guide, Chronology, p. 223, Wayne Hammond and...
Wayne Hammond and Christina Scull note on their 'Addenda and Corrigenda to The J.R.R. Tolkien Companion and Guide Revised and Enlarged Edition (201...
Tolkien expresses reluctance to create drawings of hobbits and suggests leaving such tasks to someone with artistic skills. He provides a description of...
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...
Gift Tag to Michael. With a drawing of a holly leaf in green and red. The tag has 1942 written in pencil on it, but Michael was not born until 11th Janu...
Tolkien sends a present and a big kiss to his grandson.
Horus Engels wanted to produce a German translation of The Hobbit and sent letters to Tolkien on the matter. In this response to something Tolkien had s...
Tolkien mentions receiving letters from Horus Engels regarding a German translation, and while Engels doesn't explicitly propose himself as a trans...
Writing to Milein Cosman, Ronald Eames of GA&U asks her to provide a specimen illustration for Farmer Giles of Ham for approval. He remarks that this wo...
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...
A staff member from GA&U's translations department write to Tolkien. The Swedish publisher who has agreed to publish The Hobbit have asked if Tolki...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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 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...
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. ...
A Christmas note to Michael George. Tolkien encloses some money and a small drawing showing three stars in blue and red.
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.
Tolkien replies stating he is very pleased at the illustrations for Farmer Giles of Ham. He says that after seeing the images, his friends, "very j...
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 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...
Ronald Eames thanks Tolkien for approval of the dust-jacket for Farmer Giles of Ham. GA&U agree with the suggested change to biographical details, see #...
Tolkien thanks his grandson for sending him a birthday card.
Xristmas note to Michael George.
Tolkien, writing to Allen & Unwin, encloses possible jacket designs, one for The Fellowship of the Ring, and another for The Two Towers. Describing them...
Tolkien likes the illustrations that he has been sent, and discusses his own drawing skills. He has sent the drawings to Allen & Unwin, but has little h...
Tolkien wrote to his publisher saying that he was being "honoured/or pestered by would-be illustrators".
Tolkien apologizes for making Doris Sykes "anxious", explaining that had been very busy. He says that the publisher does not intend to make an...
Tolkien writes to a former student, Sarah Harvey, about an exchange they had involving some drawings.
Tolkien discusses the artist Cor Blok's pictures and whether any artist could do justice to the noble and heroic in his works.
Tolkien suggests a book about Tom Bombadil as "an interim amusement" that wouldn't cost too much. He suggests Pauline Baynes as illustrator.
Rayner tells Tolkien that he has sent the Tom Bombadil poems to Pauline Baynes to get her thoughts.
Tolkien notes the evolution of the The Adventures of Tom Bombadil.
Tolkien writes to Pauline Baynes about Farmer Giles of Ham translations.
Tolkien writes to Cor Blok about Blok's Exhibition of his paintings and offers to buy two of them, "The Battle of the Hornburg" and "...
Tolkien notes his admiration of Baynes working practices and laments his own. He again asks for Baynes to work on the book and hopes for a visit. He con...
Ronald Eames of George Allen & Unwin writes to Pauline Baynes. They are delighted with the first instalment for The Adventures of Tom Bombadil and Other...
Pauline Baynes, who was illustrating The Adventures of Tom Bombadil, pointed out that the typescript of the title poem described Tom as wearing a peacoc...
Tolkien sends his reaction to the first pictures produced for the book to Mrs Gasch (Pauline Baynes).
Allen & Unwin write to Pauline Baynes regarding a mock-up for the new book.
Tolkien writes to Rayner, agreeing on a visit to London on 22 August. He has written to Pauline Baynes, and today receives a reply from her that she is ...
Tolkien sends his comments on the illustrations by Pauline Baynes to Rayner Unwin. Extracts are found in The J.R.R. Tolkien Companion and Guide: Chronol...
Mr. Elliot-Howard had written to Tolkien telling him of his adventures travelling around the world with his copy of The Lord of the Rings.
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...
In this letter to Alina Dadlez at George Allen & Unwin, Tolkien writes that he thinks the covers for the Polish translation of The Return of the King ar...
Tolkien sends Roberts's letter about serializing The Hobbit in Princess magazine to his publisher. He is in principle ok with the idea as the fee s...
Tolkien writes a short note to Mr. Hepworth, the father of Jonathan who had sent Tolkien a drawing of Mordor. He thanks Mr. Hepworth for his letter and ...
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 ...
Olney from Tolkien's American publisher Houghton Mifflin writes to Tolkien saying that they have decided not to commission Virgil Finlay to illustr...
Rayner Unwin says that the artwork for the Lord of the Rings have been safely collected, they look marvellous, Rayner will take to Tolkien as soon as ca...
Rayner Unwin of GA&U writing to Pauline Baynes, as "said in my scribbled postscript we all of us are entranced by your design for the box of The Lo...
Tolkien is not happy with the design of HMCo's Tree and Leaf.
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...
Joy has sent Tolkien a copy of The Children's Treasury of Literature, which includes a chapter from The Hobbit. Tolkien thinks the illustrations by...
Tolkien says he has not been informed as to the status of a German translation of The Lord of the Rings. He notes that a "proposed translator was t...
Ronald Eames of GA&U writes to Pauline Baynes. Her illustrations for Smith of Wootton Major are delightful. He is certain Tolkien will be pleased. he ag...
Mary Fairburn has sent some of her illustrations for The Lord of the Rings. Tolkien really likes them and thinks they could be in an illustrated version...
A letter to Mary Fairburn about her illustrations for The Lord of the Rings - he has not yet shown her drawings to Rayner Unwin. He doesn't think a...
Tolkien is distressed at Mary Fairburn's situation and offers to financially help her. Mary Fairburn had sent Tolkien some illustrations to view, w...
Letter to Mary Fairburn declining acquiring all of her pictures as he does not have wall space to hang them, but he is interested in her Mirror of Galad...
Tolkien writes with remarks about Pauline Baynes' Middle-earth poster, mentioning that he thinks the only error on the printed map is Enedwaith for...
Bengt Söderhäll of Sweden writes to Pauline Baynes praising her illustrations in books by Tolkien. Since it is impossible to write a personal letter t...
Joy Hill writes to Pauline Baynes, she says that one day last week she produced 44 letters for Tolkien. Rayner Unwin will see her poster A Map of Middle...
Pauline's A Map of Middle-earth is a masterpiece writes Rayner Unwin, as he believes Tolkien himself has already told her. Rayner did not write dow...
Ernest Shepard was asked to illustrate The Lord of the Rings, but declines, as he has not read the book. He recommends a fellow illustrator in his place...
Rayner Unwin to Pauline Baynes writes that A Map of Middle-earth is selling well, and they already plan a reprint. They are now thinking of a poster map...
Margrethe, Princess of Denmark, wrote to Tolkien about how much she enjoyed his works and sent some copies of illustrations that she had developed as Ch...
Rayner Unwin writes to Pauline Baynes stating that GA&U are very happy to commission the Hobbit map, entitled There and Back Again as soon as she can fi...
Rayner Unwin comments that they are delighted that Baynes will do the Hobbit map entitled 'There and Back Again'. There is no urgency and a fe...
Rayner Unwin has sent via Joy Hill blow-ups from the The Lord of the Rings of the area the There and Back Again map would need to cover. It has some det...
Rayner Unwin notes that GA&U are delighted with There and Back Again map and that Tolkien is unqualified in his praise. 'He loved your visit . . . ...
Rayner Unwin is quite happy with the different method of payment but is re-sending the cheque for £150 that Pauline Baynes returned to him. He outlines...
Letter Tags
Stats
Guide to Tolkien's Letters
Illustrations
(144 letters match)1903
Christmas 1903
Mabel Tolkien to Mary Jane Tolkien (Stowe)
#989
Mabel writes to her two son's grandmother on the Tolkien side (mother of her late husband) enclosing drawings by the boys. They have worked on them...
1936
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 ...
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...
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...
23 January 1937
J.R.R. Tolkien to Susan Dagnall
#1847
Tolkien notes that he can keep either 13 or 14 February free. He includes the original drawing of Thror's Map and returns proofs of Mirkwood and Wi...
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...
24 February 1937
George Allen & Unwin to J.R.R. Tolkien
#1852
GA&U sends to Tolkien the remaining proofs of The Hobbit and ask that he restricts any corrections to those unavoidable. They further ask that he try to...
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...
?10 March 1937
J.R.R. Tolkien to George Allen & Unwin
#1854
Tolkien returns to GA&U the remaining proofs, end-papers, and suggestions for them of The Hobbit.
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...
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...
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...
22 May 1937
George Allen & Unwin to J.R.R. Tolkien
#1874
GA&U send to Tolkien (for his approval) proof copies of The Hobbit dust-jacket.
26 May 1937
George Allen & Unwin to J.R.R. Tolkien
#1875
GA&U send to Tolkien (for his approval) sample bindings for The Hobbit.
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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
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...
17 February 1938
J.R.R. Tolkien to Allen & Unwin
#589
Tolkien informs his publisher that Houghton Mifflin are yet to return to him the five orginal watercolour paintings for The Hobbit.
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...
Late February - early March, no later than 5 March
Houghton Mifflin Co. to George Allen & Unwin
#2138
Houghton Mifflin Co. send the five colour illustrations to GA&U discussed late in 1937.
5 March 1938
George Allen & Unwin to J.R.R. Tolkien
#2139
GA&U send the five colour illustrations (sent from Houghton Mifflin Co.) to Tolkien. In their Companion and Guide, Chronology, p. 223, Wayne Hammond and...
5 March 1938
J.R.R. Tolkien to Ferris Greenslet
#2144
Wayne Hammond and Christina Scull note on their 'Addenda and Corrigenda to The J.R.R. Tolkien Companion and Guide Revised and Enlarged Edition (201...
12 March 1938
J.R.R. Tolkien to Houghton Mifflin Co.
#31
Carpenter #27
Tolkien expresses reluctance to create drawings of hobbits and suggests leaving such tasks to someone with artistic skills. He provides a description of...
1939
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...
1943
25 December 1943
J.R.R. Tolkien to Michael George Tolkien
#2649
Gift Tag to Michael. With a drawing of a holly leaf in green and red. The tag has 1942 written in pencil on it, but Michael was not born until 11th Janu...
1945
21 December 1945
J.R.R. Tolkien to Michael George Tolkien
#2650
Tolkien sends a present and a big kiss to his grandson.
1946
1 November 1946
Horus Engels to J.R.R. Tolkien
#1863
Horus Engels wanted to produce a German translation of The Hobbit and sent letters to Tolkien on the matter. In this response to something Tolkien had s...
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...
1947
3 April 1947
Ronald Eames to Milein Cosman
#2536
Writing to Milein Cosman, Ronald Eames of GA&U asks her to provide a specimen illustration for Farmer Giles of Ham for approval. He remarks that this wo...
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...
16 May 1947
George Allen & Unwin [translation dept.] to J.R.R. Tolkien
#2539
A staff member from GA&U's translations department write to Tolkien. The Swedish publisher who has agreed to publish The Hobbit have asked if Tolki...
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...
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...
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...
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
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...
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...
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. ...
25 December 1948
J.R.R. Tolkien to Michael George Tolkien
#2651
A Christmas note to Michael George. Tolkien encloses some money and a small drawing showing three stars in blue and red.
1949
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.
4 June 1949
J.R.R. Tolkien to Pauline Baynes
#134
Tolkien replies stating he is very pleased at the illustrations for Farmer Giles of Ham. He says that after seeing the images, his friends, "very j...
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...
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...
16 July 1949
Ronald Eames to J.R.R. Tolkien
#2732
Ronald Eames thanks Tolkien for approval of the dust-jacket for Farmer Giles of Ham. GA&U agree with the suggested change to biographical details, see #...
1950
6 January 1950
J.R.R. Tolkien to Michael George Tolkien
#2653
Tolkien thanks his grandson for sending him a birthday card.
1953
25 December 1953
J.R.R. Tolkien to Michael George Tolkien
#2654
Xristmas note to Michael George.
1954
23 March 1954
J.R.R. Tolkien to Allen & Unwin
#1437
Carpenter #143b
Tolkien, writing to Allen & Unwin, encloses possible jacket designs, one for The Fellowship of the Ring, and another for The Two Towers. Describing them...
1956
28 January 1956
J.R.R. Tolkien to Doris Elizabeth Sykes
#1054
Tolkien likes the illustrations that he has been sent, and discusses his own drawing skills. He has sent the drawings to Allen & Unwin, but has little h...
29 April 1956
J.R.R. Tolkien to George Allen & Unwin
#885
Tolkien wrote to his publisher saying that he was being "honoured/or pestered by would-be illustrators".
?Early July 1956
J.R.R. Tolkien to Doris Elizabeth Sykes
#237
Tolkien apologizes for making Doris Sykes "anxious", explaining that had been very busy. He says that the publisher does not intend to make an...
1960
18 February 1960
J.R.R. Tolkien to Sarah Harvey
#2262
Tolkien writes to a former student, Sarah Harvey, about an exchange they had involving some drawings.
1961
23 May 1961
J.R.R. Tolkien to Rayner Unwin
#468
Tolkien discusses the artist Cor Blok's pictures and whether any artist could do justice to the noble and heroic in his works.
11 October 1961
J.R.R. Tolkien to Rayner Unwin
#1070
Tolkien suggests a book about Tom Bombadil as "an interim amusement" that wouldn't cost too much. He suggests Pauline Baynes as illustrator.
18 November 1961
Rayner Unwin to J.R.R. Tolkien
#1073
Rayner tells Tolkien that he has sent the Tom Bombadil poems to Pauline Baynes to get her thoughts.
23 November 1961
J.R.R. Tolkien to Pauline Baynes
#489
Tolkien notes the evolution of the The Adventures of Tom Bombadil.
28 December 1961
J.R.R. Tolkien to Pauline Baynes
#490
Tolkien writes to Pauline Baynes about Farmer Giles of Ham translations.
1962
1 February 1962
J.R.R. Tolkien to Cor Blok
#469
Tolkien writes to Cor Blok about Blok's Exhibition of his paintings and offers to buy two of them, "The Battle of the Hornburg" and "...
?25 June 1962
J.R.R. Tolkien to Pauline Baynes
#496
Tolkien notes his admiration of Baynes working practices and laments his own. He again asks for Baynes to work on the book and hopes for a visit. He con...
1 August 1962
Allen & Unwin to Pauline Baynes
#870
Ronald Eames of George Allen & Unwin writes to Pauline Baynes. They are delighted with the first instalment for The Adventures of Tom Bombadil and Other...
1 August 1962
J.R.R. Tolkien to Pauline Baynes
#615
Carpenter #240
Pauline Baynes, who was illustrating The Adventures of Tom Bombadil, pointed out that the typescript of the title poem described Tom as wearing a peacoc...
3 August 1962
J.R.R. Tolkien to Pauline Baynes
#492
Tolkien sends his reaction to the first pictures produced for the book to Mrs Gasch (Pauline Baynes).
7 August 1962
Allen & Unwin to Pauline Baynes
#872
Allen & Unwin write to Pauline Baynes regarding a mock-up for the new book.
9 August 1962
J.R.R. Tolkien to Rayner Unwin
#873
Tolkien writes to Rayner, agreeing on a visit to London on 22 August. He has written to Pauline Baynes, and today receives a reply from her that she is ...
29 August 1962
J.R.R. Tolkien to Rayner Unwin
#875
Tolkien sends his comments on the illustrations by Pauline Baynes to Rayner Unwin. Extracts are found in The J.R.R. Tolkien Companion and Guide: Chronol...
1963
12 February 1963
J.R.R. Tolkien to Mr. Elliot-Howard
#501
Mr. Elliot-Howard had written to Tolkien telling him of his adventures travelling around the world with his copy of The Lord of the Rings.
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...
1 November 1963
J.R.R. Tolkien to Alina Dadlez
#2888
In this letter to Alina Dadlez at George Allen & Unwin, Tolkien writes that he thinks the covers for the Polish translation of The Return of the King ar...
12 December 1963
J.R.R. Tolkien to Allen & Unwin
#1857
Tolkien sends Roberts's letter about serializing The Hobbit in Princess magazine to his publisher. He is in principle ok with the idea as the fee s...
18 December 1963
J.R.R. Tolkien to Mr. Hepworth
#520
Tolkien writes a short note to Mr. Hepworth, the father of Jonathan who had sent Tolkien a drawing of Mordor. He thanks Mr. Hepworth for his letter and ...
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
20 February 1964
Austin Olney to J.R.R. Tolkien
#2252
Olney from Tolkien's American publisher Houghton Mifflin writes to Tolkien saying that they have decided not to commission Virgil Finlay to illustr...
30 July 1964
Rayner Unwin (George Allen & Unwin) to Pauline Baynes
#1250
Rayner Unwin says that the artwork for the Lord of the Rings have been safely collected, they look marvellous, Rayner will take to Tolkien as soon as ca...
4 August 1964
Rayner Unwin to Pauline Baynes
#1251
Rayner Unwin of GA&U writing to Pauline Baynes, as "said in my scribbled postscript we all of us are entranced by your design for the box of The Lo...
10 September 1964
J.R.R. Tolkien to Houghton Mifflin
#637
Carpenter #263
Tolkien is not happy with the design of HMCo's Tree and Leaf.
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...
1967
5 January 1967
J.R.R. Tolkien to Joy Hill
#740
Joy has sent Tolkien a copy of The Children's Treasury of Literature, which includes a chapter from The Hobbit. Tolkien thinks the illustrations by...
16 March 1967
J.R.R. Tolkien to Hans-Jörg Modlmayr
#798
Tolkien says he has not been informed as to the status of a German translation of The Lord of the Rings. He notes that a "proposed translator was t...
17 July 1967
Ronald Eames to Pauline Baynes
#1252
Ronald Eames of GA&U writes to Pauline Baynes. Her illustrations for Smith of Wootton Major are delightful. He is certain Tolkien will be pleased. he ag...
1968
24 May 1968
J.R.R. Tolkien to Mary Fairburn
#689
Mary Fairburn has sent some of her illustrations for The Lord of the Rings. Tolkien really likes them and thinks they could be in an illustrated version...
4 September 1968
J.R.R. Tolkien to Mary Fairburn
#690
A letter to Mary Fairburn about her illustrations for The Lord of the Rings - he has not yet shown her drawings to Rayner Unwin. He doesn't think a...
10 October 1968
J.R.R. Tolkien to Mary Fairburn
#691
Tolkien is distressed at Mary Fairburn's situation and offers to financially help her. Mary Fairburn had sent Tolkien some illustrations to view, w...
4 November 1968
J.R.R. Tolkien to Mary Fairburn
#692
Letter to Mary Fairburn declining acquiring all of her pictures as he does not have wall space to hang them, but he is interested in her Mirror of Galad...
1969
28 August 1969
J.R.R. Tolkien to Pauline Baynes
#918
Tolkien writes with remarks about Pauline Baynes' Middle-earth poster, mentioning that he thinks the only error on the printed map is Enedwaith for...
30 August 1969
Bengt Söderhäll to Pauline Baynes
#1254
Bengt Söderhäll of Sweden writes to Pauline Baynes praising her illustrations in books by Tolkien. Since it is impossible to write a personal letter t...
17 November 1969
Joy Hill to Pauline Baynes
#1255
Joy Hill writes to Pauline Baynes, she says that one day last week she produced 44 letters for Tolkien. Rayner Unwin will see her poster A Map of Middle...
21 November 1969
Rayner Unwin to Pauline Baynes
#1256
Pauline's A Map of Middle-earth is a masterpiece writes Rayner Unwin, as he believes Tolkien himself has already told her. Rayner did not write dow...
1970
19 January 1970
Ernest Shepard to Mr. Haack
#821
Ernest Shepard was asked to illustrate The Lord of the Rings, but declines, as he has not read the book. He recommends a fellow illustrator in his place...
10 September 1970
Rayner Unwin to Pauline Baynes
#1257
Rayner Unwin to Pauline Baynes writes that A Map of Middle-earth is selling well, and they already plan a reprint. They are now thinking of a poster map...
24 October 1970
Margrethe, Princess of Denmark to J.R.R. Tolkien
#2562
Margrethe, Princess of Denmark, wrote to Tolkien about how much she enjoyed his works and sent some copies of illustrations that she had developed as Ch...
4 November 1970
Rayner Unwin to Pauline Baynes
#1258
Rayner Unwin writes to Pauline Baynes stating that GA&U are very happy to commission the Hobbit map, entitled There and Back Again as soon as she can fi...
27 November 1970
Rayner Unwin to Pauline Baynes
#1259
Rayner Unwin comments that they are delighted that Baynes will do the Hobbit map entitled 'There and Back Again'. There is no urgency and a fe...
1971
9 August 1971
Rayner Unwin to Pauline Baynes
#1260
Rayner Unwin has sent via Joy Hill blow-ups from the The Lord of the Rings of the area the There and Back Again map would need to cover. It has some det...
15 September 1971
Rayner Unwin to Pauline Baynes
#1261
Rayner Unwin notes that GA&U are delighted with There and Back Again map and that Tolkien is unqualified in his praise. 'He loved your visit . . . ...
7 October 1971
Rayner Unwin to Pauline Baynes
#1263
Rayner Unwin is quite happy with the different method of payment but is re-sending the cheque for £150 that Pauline Baynes returned to him. He outlines...
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