Letters 
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G.B. Smith writes to Tolkien at Brocton Camp, thanking him for the letter he wrote to him. Wayne Hammond and Christina Scull note that "Tolkien pro...
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...
Tolkien details work he has recently completed on maps for The Hobbit, as well as other suggestions.
Tolkien returns a slip to GA&U, likely the publicity piece for The Hobbit.
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...
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...
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...
GA&U send to Tolkien a set of proofs for the Hobbit.
Tolkien writes to GA&U noting that he has corrected the first proofs for The Hobbit but says that he wants to keep hold of them until the complete set h...
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.
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...
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.
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...
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'...
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...
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"....
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 ...
Please note that we do not believe any letter exists for this entry but rather that Tolkien hand-delivered a copy of The Hobbit for family friends, the ...
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...
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...
Chambers writes again offering thanks for a copy of The Hobbit, and presumably, criticism on it. He gives Tolkien an update on his recovery after a bout...
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, writing to Stanley Unwin, apologizes for sounding ungrateful to him. Unwin had sent Tolkien a much welcomed cheque. He hopes that the Hobbit ea...
A short note enclosed with a copy of The Hobbit which was published on the same day. It was sent to Simonne d'Ardenne as a gift. This letter is hel...
Tolkien sends a copy of his newly published book, The Hobbit, to his friend E. V. Gordon.
Tolkien sends a copy of The Hobbit to Tolkien family friend and former student, Katherine Kilbride, with a dedication and a four-line original inscripti...
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...
Tolkien sent a copy of The Hobbit to his Aunt Mabel, but it is not known if it arrived before her death. John D. Rateliff notes in his History of The Ho...
Edith's cousin, Jennie Grove is sent a copy of The Hobbit. It is assumed that with any manuscript/proofs or copies of books sent that a cover lette...
On or around publication day of The Hobbit, Tolkien sends an inscribed copy to his former student and friend Stella Mills. It is assumed that with any m...
Tolkien sends a copy of The Hobbit to his brother, Hilary. It is assumed that with any manuscript/proofs or copies of books sent that a cover letter or ...
Tolkien sends family friends, Charles and Dorothy Moore a copy of his newly published book, The Hobbit. Their copy of the book was put up for auction on...
Tolkien wrote to his Aunt, Jane Neave enclosing a signed copy of The Hobbit. This letter and the book were described with some short quotes and an image...
Kilbride writes to Tolkien from Bradford offering praise for The Hobbit. This letter is held among the Tolkien Papers at the Bodleian Library.
E. V. Gordon replies to Tolkien to thank him for a copy of The Hobbit and offers comments on the story. The letter is held at the Bodleian Library archive.
Helen Buckhurst writes to Tolkien to thank him for arranging for a copy of The Hobbit to be sent to her. She says the book is delightful, though she wis...
Jennie Grove writes to Tolkien thanking him for the copy of The Hobbit she has recieved. She is "delighted" by it and hopes that it is a huge ...
Hilary writes to Tolkien thanking him for sending a copy of The Hobbit. He will read it soon and then will read it with Gabriel, his eldest son. He also...
Tolkien had arranged that a copy of The Hobbit be sent to Childe, and Childe writes to congratulate Tolkien on its publication and offers thanks for his...
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...
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 ...
Tolkien's Aunt Jane (Neave) writes to Tolkien demanding to know more about his new book, The Hobbit. Tolkien had written to her, and signed a copy ...
In reply to Susan Dagnall's letter, Tolkien writes asking for information on The Loom of Language.
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...
Dorothy Moore writes to Tolkien. Christopher Tolkien had spent some time with them on holiday and she makes mention of this and remarks on The Hobbit. T...
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...
Tolkien had written to his aunt, Jane Neave on 22 September and signed a copy of The Hobbit. It turned out that he had mislaid the letter and book and t...
Aunt Jane writes again to Tolkien now that she has recieved a copy of The Hobbit. She is delighted with it and says that "the origin of golf" ...
Following his previous letter offering Tolkien thanks and congratulations on The Hobbit, Childe sends a postcard with congratulations on the positive re...
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....
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 ...
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...
Writing to his friend and colleague E.V. Gordon, Tolkien says of Gordon that he has been treated badly. He says that he cannot help enough on the Pearl ...
Tolkien sends a copy of The Hobbit to his Aunt Florence who had emigrated to British Columbia, Canada, possibly with a letter or note (not seen).
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 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...
K.M. Kilbride writes to Tolkien asking if he would sign a second printing of The Hobbit for her if she sent one to him. She had lent the book to a child...
G.B. Smith's mother, Ruth Smith, writes to Tolkien with thanks for the copy of The Hobbit he sent her. She also touches on Christopher Wiseman.
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...
Tolkien's Aunt Florence (Hadley) writes to thank him the copy of The Hobbit which he sent to her in British Columbia, Canada. She notes that had he...
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 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.
Stanley Unwin sends Tolkien a reader's report on Lewis' Out of the Silent Planet.
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...
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...
Houghton Mifflin, the American publisher of The Hobbit, notified Tolkien that he has won a $250 award for the best children's book published that S...
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...
Houghton Mifflin Co. send Tolkien a cheque for $250 for being awarded first prize in the New York Herald Tribune book awards. The Hobbit had won first p...
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 ...
A German publisher is interested in The Hobbit but needs Tolkien to confirm his Aryan descent before proceeding.
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...
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...
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....
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...
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...
Writing to Tolkien on the matter of the Clark Hall Beowulf, Philip Unwin asks Tolkien's opinion on the likely demand for the volume in current time...
W.N. Beard from GA&U's production department writes to Tolkien informing him that C.L. Wrenn has completed his revisions of the Clark Hall Beowulf....
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...
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...
George Allen & Unwin send Tolkien a cheque for his preface for the Clark Hall Beowulf. They remark that he will receive proofs once they are sent from t...
W.N. Beard sends the proofs for the Clark Hall Beowulf for his approval and asks that Tolkien returns them as soon as he can.
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...
W. N. Beard of GA&U writes to Tolkien assuring him that any corrections to the Clark Hall Beowulf will be handled carefully.
W.N. Beard writes to Wrenn. Tolkien has suggested that 'Finnsburg', be changed to 'Finnesburg' in the title of the book, Beowulf and...
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...
George Allen & Unwin send Tolkien a royalty statement for 1942 and remark that binding issues have delayed the latest printing of The Hobbit.
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...
T.S. Gregory of the Dublin Review writes to Tolkien asking if he has any writings he would like to submit. On 12 October Tolkien will submit his short s...
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....
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.
Margaret Douglas writes to Tolkien, returning On Fairy Stories which he had typed up for him in 1943. She had found it among the papers of Charles Willi...
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, 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...
Further to his other letter of this day, #Letter106, Tolkien writes a brief note to Stanley Unwin which accompanies some poems; 'The Hoard', &...
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...
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 ...
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...
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...
Tolkien sends Ida Gordon, widow of his friend and colleague, E.V. Gordon a letter and revised introduction to Pearl which was unfinished at the time of ...
In reply to Tolkien's letter, #TCGLetter2556, Ida Gordon thanks him for his letter and revised introduction. She is relieved that he has been able ...
Writing to Tolkien, Sir Stanley Unwin sets out how he would like the two men to address each other. Suggesting 'Tolkien' and 'Unwin'...
Tolkien sends various linguistic material to Ida Gordon in relation to her husbands' edition of Pearl. The exact date in unknown, but Hammond and S...
Ida Gordon replies to Tolkien's letter, #TCGLetter2560. She thanks him for the material he sent and asks if he would give general comments and sugg...
Philip Unwin writes to Tolkien on the matter of his riddles from The Hobbit. Houghton Mifflin wants to use a poem and the riddles in an anthology but ar...
Tolkien provides information about the origin and authorship of the riddles included in The Hobbit. He clarifies that most of the riddles are his origin...
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...
GA&U writes to Tolkien to inform him that The Hobbit is finally back in print and a copy is being arranged for him.
Tolkien writes a two page letter to Rosemary, telling her about him, being busy and unwell, hence the delay in reply. Wishes her the best for 1948 and m...
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...
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...
Dan Davin, Assistant Secretary and Academic Publisher at OUP, writes to Kenneth Sisam on the subject of E.V. Gordon's Pearl. Tolkien has not yet su...
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...
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 #...
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.
Katharine Farrer writes to Tolkien. She and her husband are both delighted, and excited, to hear that Tolkien will publish The Silmarillion. She asks ab...
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 ...
Tolkien writes to Milton Waldman, to discuss the publication of The Lord of the Rings.
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...
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...
Tolkien works on further revisions to E.V. Gordon's edition of Pearl which he returns to Ida Gordon.
Ida Gordon replies to Tolkien's letter, see #TCGLetter2772. She asks for further help on the Pearl edition, namely on two points to which she canno...
Tolkien replies to Ida Gordon on the matters she raised on Pearl. See #TCGLetter2774.
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...
Likely on the same day as #TCGLetter2778, W.N. Beard from GA&U sends Tolkien proofs of the revised Hobbit.
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...
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 ...
Ida Gordon sends the completed manuscripts of Pearl to Oxford University Press. She remarks on the work undertaken and notes Tolkien's contribution...
Ida Gordon sends Tolkien some queries about Pearl. *Hammond and Scull remark in Chronology, p. 387, that Tolkien replies to Gordon's queries. We do...
In reply to #TCGLetter2785, Tolkien replies to Ida Gordon about Pearl. *As with the letter to Tolkien, a firm date is not known. We have assigned it fro...
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 returns the postcard, sent by Stanley Unwin. Tolkien agrees that they can go ahead without the revised stereo plates. See #TCGLetter2791 In a no...
Ida Gordon writes to Tolkien again on the subject of Pearl. She remains concerned about the introduction and what she considers unnecessary detail in ot...
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 Ida Gordon, enclosing additional notes for Pearl.
Jean Poindexter Colby, children's books editor at Houghton Mifflin Company, writes to Tolkien. She has included twelve copies of the US edition of ...
Ida Gordon sends her thanks to Tolkien for his notes on Pearl while noting various aspects which still concern her. She asks him to send her the materia...
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.
P.J. Spicer of the Clarendon Press writes to Tolkien remarking that Penguin Books want to reprint a part of the Tolkien and E.V. Gordon edition of Sir G...
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...
Tolkien replies to Rayner's letter and mentions his pleasure at the news of Allen & Unwin's decision to publish The Lord of the Rings.
C.S. Lewis writes to Tolkien, congratulating him on his good news. This is in response to Tolkien Lord of the Rings being accepted by GA&U for publicati...
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...
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...
C.S. Lewis is reading volume one of The Lord of the Rings. He says that he is trying to take his time but like a "boy with a bit of toffee", a...
In reply to a 24th March 1954 letter, Tolkien says that p. 33 passes, p. 59 is improved. He has discovered "2 or 3" errors in the runic decora...
Tolkien is pleased with positive early opinions about his work. He notes his dissatisfaction with the Houghton Mifflin effort, and gives some suggestion...
Tolkien does not approve of the proofs for the jacket of The Lord of the Rings, which he finds very ugly. He suggests some changes to the design of the ...
Tolkien expresses his delight in receiving an advance copy of The Fellowship of the Ring, he finds the jacket much improved and striking, particularly l...
Tolkien shares thoughts on the fascination of The Lord of the Rings. The author hopes to include an upcoming note on translation. The letter ends with t...
George Allen & Unwin offer a review copy of The Fellowship of the Ring for possible translation into Italian by Arnolda Monadori Editors. They mention t...
Arnoldo Mondadori Editore ask for a copy of The Fellowship of the Ring and The Two Towers to decide if they wish to print an Italian translation.
Writing to the Italian publisher, Arnoldo Mondadori Editore, the Foreign Rights Department of GA&U note their pleasure at the publishers consideration t...
Arnoldo Mondadori Editore (Milan) writes thanking George Allen & Unwin for copies of the Fellowship of the Ring and the Two Towers. They have been sent ...
This internal readers report offers various points on The Lord of the Rings while it is being considered for piblication in Italian. In conclusion, the ...
An internal 'Readers report' on the Two Towers from Anoldo Mondadori Editore reading committee giving the book a glowing report.
Arnoldo Mondadori Editore turn down publishing The Lord of the Rings as they don't think "that a work of this kind could appeal to a great num...
Rayner Unwin sends Tolkien a folder with reviews from the USA, forwarded from Houghton Mifflin.
Tolkien is still not happy with the appendices going in The Return of the King, but says that they will have to do. He remarks on the ability of the pri...
Tolkien dismisses the idea that his story is an allegory of atomic power. Tolkien mentions the significance of humility and equality as spiritual princi...
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...
As with Tolkien's draft of this letter, this letter opens with Tolkien's ackowledgment of Minchin's suggestions and his note that he is n...
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 was not inclined to offer any biographical details, as he doubted their relevance. Though he does go on to give some biographical facts. This le...
Tolkien discusses a letter from Halsbury expressing admiration for the Silmarillion material and anticipation for its publication. Tolkien mentions a le...
Tolkien wrote a series of twelve letters to his cousin Dorothy Wood.
Tolkien asks Rayner's thoughts on publishing small or minor bits having to do with the Ring Cycle. He says that he is being asked for these, and th...
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...
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...
Puffin Books, via Margaret S. Clark, had requested the rights to publish a paperback edition of The Hobbit on 30 November. After hearing of this from Ra...
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...
Tolkien's commentary on Åke Ohlmarks' introduction to the Swedish translation of The Lord of the Rings.
Tolkien writes to his Aunt Jane about publishing Tom Bombadil.
Tolkien has read the Puffin Hobbit and was not impressed with changes made to the book.
Tolkien discusses progress with The Adventures of Tom Bombadil.
Following Rayner Unwin's letter to Pauline Baynes, Joy Hill writes to Tolkien confirming their offer to Baynes to illustrate The Adventures of Tom ...
GA&U write to the Italian publisher Arnoldo Mondadori Editore on the subject of publishing the Italian translation of The Lord of the Rings. Given are d...
Tolkien replies to Joy Hill and includes the signed contract sent on 9 May. He says he will deal with the other matters over the weekend.
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 ...
Mondadori write to Alina Dedlez at GA&U thanking her for the copies sent of the Lord of the Rings and asks for details of what option they intend to gra...
In reply to a letter to GA&U, they reply that holding onto the books is fine. They ask that a decision be made within two months but that if more time i...
Rayner Unwin writes to Tolkien detailing Pauline Baynes schedule for completing illustrations. He asks Tolkien to dine with he and his father in London ...
Cin Calabi of Arnoldo Mondadori writes to George Allen & Unwin asking if they could have more time to consider The Lord of the Rings as holidays, etc ha...
In reply to a request for more time to consider the Lord of the Rings, Alina Dadlez replies that the end of September will be fine and asks if they may ...
Rayner sends Tolkien full-page illustrations of The Adventures of Tom Bombadil, drawn by Pauline Baynes. He asks Tolkien to decide which one should be e...
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...
An internal note about the possibility of publishing the Lord of the Rings. Details various mentions from other letters about the success of the book, t...
Mario Mattolini sends this internal letter making the decision to not move forward with the Lord of the Rings.
Writing to Stanley Unwin, Cin Calabi of the Italian publisher Arnoldo Mondadori Editore, gives Stanley Unwin the news that the publisher is declining th...
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 replies to a Mrs. L.F. who had written to remark on her enjoyment of the Lord of the Rings. He is pleased to receive her letter and remarks that...
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...
During 1964 an Aquastroll hydrofoil, which made a trial crossing from Calais to Dover, was given the name Shadowfax (the name of the horse ridden by Gan...
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...
Tolkien replies to questions about how the manuscripts of The Lord of the Rings and Mr. Bliss were sold to Marquette University. Quotes are found in SEV...
Tolkien had sent Unwin the typescript of his new story Smith of Wootton Major, but could not find any other suitable stories to make a sufficiently larg...
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 ...
Mrs Scott was a leading campaigner in the battle to keep the pirate edition of The Lord of the Rings out of the American bookshops. A copy of this lette...
Tolkien writes to Austin Olney, at Houghton Mifflin, with corrections and additions to The Two Towers.
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...
Tolkien writes about The Silmarillion, the Númenórean legends, and his friendship with C.S. Lewis. He discusses the formation of the Tolkien Society o...
In August 1965 Ballantine Books produced the first 'authorized' American paperback of The Hobbit, without incorporating Tolkien's revisio...
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...
Roger Verhulst writes to Tolkien on behalf of the publisher, W,. B. Eerdmans who have the rights to the US paperback publication of Essays Presented to ...
Tolkien writes to his friend George Sayer regarding his preferred version of The Lord of the Rings should Tolkien have one sent to him.
Tolkien replies to Roger Verhulst's 2nd March letter about the US paperback rights to Essays Presented to Charles Williams, and he reiterates his o...
Rayner Unwin writes to Tolkien. He believes that Tolkien should submit The Bovadium Fragments to the Oxford Magazine for publication.
Tolkien replies to Donald Swann to wish him well for his and Flanders' tour of the U.S. and give shim an update on his and Edith's health. He ...
Swann reports to Tolkien that he has been "deluged" by fans after opening night in Boston.
Tolkien writes to Mr Marsh about his collaboration with Donald Swann for the book The Road goes ever on and on.
Tolkien was asked to be interviewed for The Scotsman.
Ubaldini Editore s.r.l have decided to publish The Lord of the Rings in Italian and inquire about the terms.
Writing to Alina Dadlez (GA&U), Mario Ubaldini (Casa Editrice Astrolabio) encloses the signed copy of the contract for the Lord of the Rings. He asks fo...
Donald Swann writes to Tolkien, they talked about Elvish, songs, scripts for their book, and Tolkien mentions that is trying to complete his translation...
Tolkien writes to Donald Swann including more material for his project. He thanks Swann for not cursing him. He has had long delays and while trying to ...
Tolkien sends background material for The Road Goes Ever On. He includes Galadriel's Lament and Chant written out "in a fair Elvish book-hand,...
Tolkien writes to Donald Swann offering transcripts of the Lament and Chant in Elvish script.
Alina Dadlez (GA&U) sends Mario Ubaldini (Casa Editrice Astrolabio) a countersigned copy of the contract for the Italian translation of the Lord of the ...
Alina Dadlez(GA&U) writes to Mario Ubaldini(Casa Editrice Astrolabio) to inform him that she has sent the illustrations by Pauline Baynes in a packet, s...
Writing to Donald Swann on the matter of their book, The Road Goes Ever On, Tolkien provides much on the contents of the book, noting that the commentar...
Tolkien thanks Swann for the book cover and compares the "T" rendered there to various occurrences from genuine manuscripts.
Press release from GA&U about Smith of Wootton Major, The Road Goes Ever On and the vinyl record The Poems and Songs of Middle-earth.
Tolkien does not like the calligraphy being made by Samuel Hanks Bryant as filler for blank pages in The Road Goes Ever On. Tolkien objects to Swann usi...
This letter from the publisher, Casa Editrice Astrolabio, to their bank instructing them to transfer the advance payment (£225) for their contract with...
Alina Dadlez writes to Mario Ubaldini in reply to his request for another copy of The Lord of the Rings. It is also mentioned that if they wish to use P...
Casa Editrice Astrolabio sends flyers to Caro Venturini asking that they be distributed among their booksellers. He notes that it is upto them to make t...
A short note giving details of a radio slot to publicise the Lord of the Rings which included an attachment with the review as read on radio. This revie...
J.R. Kennard writes to GA&U asking for information on the publication of Tolkien's The Silmarillion.
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...
Joy Hill thanks Austin Olney for presents sent to Tolkien by Houghton Mifflin.
Colin sends Tolkien one of his publications and regrets that their idea could not get off the ground. He hopes their acquaintance will be renewed.
Tolkien writes to Dorothy Wood about family matters and his diminishing pension. He says that he has more work now than before retiring, and that he has...
Tolkien writes to Mr Hodgson, who has asked for a hand-written version of the poem "The Road Goes Ever On and On". Tolkien apologizes for a de...
Joy Hill writes to Mrs. L.F. about The Silmarillion remarking that it is a long way from publication. She says that Tolkien is now an old man and has no...
Tolkien confirms that Basil Blackwell was his first publisher.
Christopher writes to Rayner Unwin on the subject of publishing his father's translation of Sir Gawain. He cannot find any notes or material that w...
Christopher agrees to produce a new version of Notes on Nomenclature and for Lobdell to publish them in his book A Tolkien Compass.
Colin Robb sends some booksellers a dummy Silmarillion to assist with pre-orders.
In his preface to Beren and Luthien, Christopher Tolkien gave Rayner Unwin an update on the work he had been involved with. He told him about his curren...
This open letter from Rayner Unwin was sent to various booksellers and members of the press, outlining the planned marketing blitz that would be coming ...
Rayner Unwin writes to Jorges Quiñónez stating he too was surprised to read of a new letters volume from Unwin Hyman. Jorges had investigated the rumo...
Letter Tags
Stats
Guide to Tolkien's Letters
Publishing
(346 letters match)1916
February 3, 1916
Geoffrey B. Smith to J.R.R. Tolkien
#1112
G.B. Smith writes to Tolkien at Brocton Camp, thanking him for the letter he wrote to him. Wayne Hammond and Christina Scull note that "Tolkien pro...
1936
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
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
J.R.R. Tolkien to George Allen & Unwin
#1844
Tolkien returns a slip to GA&U, likely the publicity piece for The Hobbit.
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...
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...
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...
20 February 1937
George Allen & Unwin to J.R.R. Tolkien
#1849
GA&U send to Tolkien a set of proofs for the Hobbit.
21 February 1937
J.R.R. Tolkien to George Allen & Unwin
#1850
Tolkien writes to GA&U noting that he has corrected the first proofs for The Hobbit but says that he wants to keep hold of them until the complete set h...
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.
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...
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 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...
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'...
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...
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"....
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 ...
circa 7 August 1937
J.R.R. Tolkien to Mr. and Mrs. Livesey
#2031
Please note that we do not believe any letter exists for this entry but rather that Tolkien hand-delivered a copy of The Hobbit for family friends, the ...
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 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...
7 September 1937 (postmarked)
R.W. Chambers to J.R.R. Tolkien
#1986
Chambers writes again offering thanks for a copy of The Hobbit, and presumably, criticism on it. He gives Tolkien an update on his recovery after a bout...
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 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...
21 September 1937
J.R.R. Tolkien to Simonne d'Ardenne
#82
A short note enclosed with a copy of The Hobbit which was published on the same day. It was sent to Simonne d'Ardenne as a gift. This letter is hel...
c. 21 September 1937
J.R.R. Tolkien to E.V. Gordon
#1976
Tolkien sends a copy of his newly published book, The Hobbit, to his friend E. V. Gordon.
c. 21 September 1937
J.R.R. Tolkien to K. M. (Katherine Mary) Kilbride
#1980
Tolkien sends a copy of The Hobbit to Tolkien family friend and former student, Katherine Kilbride, with a dedication and a four-line original inscripti...
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...
c. 21 September 1937 - end of 1937
J.R.R. Tolkien to Mabel Tolkien (Mitton)
#1993
Tolkien sent a copy of The Hobbit to his Aunt Mabel, but it is not known if it arrived before her death. John D. Rateliff notes in his History of The Ho...
c. 21 September 1937
J.R.R. Tolkien to Jennie Grove
#2008
Edith's cousin, Jennie Grove is sent a copy of The Hobbit. It is assumed that with any manuscript/proofs or copies of books sent that a cover lette...
c. 21 September 1937
J.R.R. Tolkien to Stella Mills
#2011
On or around publication day of The Hobbit, Tolkien sends an inscribed copy to his former student and friend Stella Mills. It is assumed that with any m...
c. 21 September 1937
J.R.R. Tolkien to Hilary Tolkien
#2033
Tolkien sends a copy of The Hobbit to his brother, Hilary. It is assumed that with any manuscript/proofs or copies of books sent that a cover letter or ...
c. 21 September 1937
J.R.R. Tolkien to Charles and Dorothy Moore
#2029
Tolkien sends family friends, Charles and Dorothy Moore a copy of his newly published book, The Hobbit. Their copy of the book was put up for auction on...
22 September 1937
J.R.R. Tolkien to Jane Neave
#112
Tolkien wrote to his Aunt, Jane Neave enclosing a signed copy of The Hobbit. This letter and the book were described with some short quotes and an image...
22 September 1937
K. M. (Katherine Mary) Kilbride to J.R.R. Tolkien
#2019
Kilbride writes to Tolkien from Bradford offering praise for The Hobbit. This letter is held among the Tolkien Papers at the Bodleian Library.
23 September 1937
E. V. Gordon to J.R.R. Tolkien
#1977
E. V. Gordon replies to Tolkien to thank him for a copy of The Hobbit and offers comments on the story. The letter is held at the Bodleian Library archive.
23 September 1937
Helen Buckhurst to J.R.R. Tolkien
#1998
Helen Buckhurst writes to Tolkien to thank him for arranging for a copy of The Hobbit to be sent to her. She says the book is delightful, though she wis...
23 September 1937
Jennie Grove to J.R.R. Tolkien
#2009
Jennie Grove writes to Tolkien thanking him for the copy of The Hobbit she has recieved. She is "delighted" by it and hopes that it is a huge ...
24 September 1937
Hilary Tolkien to J.R.R. Tolkien
#2018
Hilary writes to Tolkien thanking him for sending a copy of The Hobbit. He will read it soon and then will read it with Gabriel, his eldest son. He also...
27 September 1937
W.R. Childe to J.R.R. Tolkien
#2012
Tolkien had arranged that a copy of The Hobbit be sent to Childe, and Childe writes to congratulate Tolkien on its publication and offers thanks for his...
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...
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 ...
1 October 1937
Jane Neave to J.R.R. Tolkien
#2002
Tolkien's Aunt Jane (Neave) writes to Tolkien demanding to know more about his new book, The Hobbit. Tolkien had written to her, and signed a copy ...
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.
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...
3 October 1937
Dorothy Moore to J.R.R. Tolkien
#2030
Dorothy Moore writes to Tolkien. Christopher Tolkien had spent some time with them on holiday and she makes mention of this and remarks on The Hobbit. T...
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...
6 October 1937
J.R.R. Tolkien to Jane Neave
#2003
Tolkien had written to his aunt, Jane Neave on 22 September and signed a copy of The Hobbit. It turned out that he had mislaid the letter and book and t...
9 October 1937
Jane Neave to J.R.R. Tolkien
#2004
Aunt Jane writes again to Tolkien now that she has recieved a copy of The Hobbit. She is delighted with it and says that "the origin of golf" ...
9 October 1937
W.R. Childe to J.R.R. Tolkien
#2013
Following his previous letter offering Tolkien thanks and congratulations on The Hobbit, Childe sends a postcard with congratulations on the positive re...
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....
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 ...
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...
22 November 1937
J.R.R. Tolkien to E.V. Gordon
#1374
Carpenter #18a
Writing to his friend and colleague E.V. Gordon, Tolkien says of Gordon that he has been treated badly. He says that he cannot help enough on the Pearl ...
c. end of 1937 - early 1938
J.R.R. Tolkien to Florence Hadley
#1994
Tolkien sends a copy of The Hobbit to his Aunt Florence who had emigrated to British Columbia, Canada, possibly with a letter or note (not seen).
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...
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...
22 December 1937
K. M. (Katherine Mary) Kilbride to J.R.R. Tolkien
#2126
K.M. Kilbride writes to Tolkien asking if he would sign a second printing of The Hobbit for her if she sent one to him. She had lent the book to a child...
27 December 1937
R.A. [Ruth] Smith to J.R.R. Tolkien
#2040
G.B. Smith's mother, Ruth Smith, writes to Tolkien with thanks for the copy of The Hobbit he sent her. She also touches on Christopher Wiseman.
1938
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...
13 February 1938
Florence Hadley to J.R.R. Tolkien
#2001
Tolkien's Aunt Florence (Hadley) writes to thank him the copy of The Hobbit which he sent to her in British Columbia, Canada. She notes that had he...
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 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.
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.
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...
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...
25 April 1938
Houghton Mifflin to J.R.R. Tolkien
#1860
Houghton Mifflin, the American publisher of The Hobbit, notified Tolkien that he has won a $250 award for the best children's book published that S...
?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...
17 May 1938
Houghton Mifflin Co. to J.R.R. Tolkien
#2152
Houghton Mifflin Co. send Tolkien a cheque for $250 for being awarded first prize in the New York Herald Tribune book awards. The Hobbit had won first p...
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 ...
22 July 1938
Rütten & Loening Verlag, Potsdam to J.R.R. Tolkien
#1981
A German publisher is interested in The Hobbit but needs Tolkien to confirm his Aryan descent before proceeding.
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...
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...
1939
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....
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...
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...
8 September 1939
Philip Unwin to J.R.R. Tolkien
#2181
Writing to Tolkien on the matter of the Clark Hall Beowulf, Philip Unwin asks Tolkien's opinion on the likely demand for the volume in current time...
6 October 1939
W.N. Beard to J.R.R. Tolkien
#2183
W.N. Beard from GA&U's production department writes to Tolkien informing him that C.L. Wrenn has completed his revisions of the Clark Hall Beowulf....
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...
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...
8 April 1940
George Allen & Unwin to J.R.R. Tolkien
#2199
George Allen & Unwin send Tolkien a cheque for his preface for the Clark Hall Beowulf. They remark that he will receive proofs once they are sent from t...
19 April 1940
W.N. Beard to J.R.R. Tolkien
#2200
W.N. Beard sends the proofs for the Clark Hall Beowulf for his approval and asks that Tolkien returns them as soon as he can.
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...
25 April 1940
W.N. Beard to J.R.R. Tolkien
#2203
W. N. Beard of GA&U writes to Tolkien assuring him that any corrections to the Clark Hall Beowulf will be handled carefully.
25 April 1940
W.N. Beard to C.L. Wrenn
#2204
W.N. Beard writes to Wrenn. Tolkien has suggested that 'Finnsburg', be changed to 'Finnesburg' in the title of the book, Beowulf and...
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...
1943
13 May 1943
George Allen & Unwin to J.R.R. Tolkien
#2392
George Allen & Unwin send Tolkien a royalty statement for 1942 and remark that binding issues have delayed the latest printing of The Hobbit.
1944
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...
6 September 1944
T.S. Gregory to J.R.R. Tolkien
#2431
T.S. Gregory of the Dublin Review writes to Tolkien asking if he has any writings he would like to submit. On 12 October Tolkien will submit his short s...
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....
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.
26 May 1945
Margaret Douglas to J.R.R. Tolkien
#2493
Margaret Douglas writes to Tolkien, returning On Fairy Stories which he had typed up for him in 1943. She had found it among the papers of Charles Willi...
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 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
#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 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...
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
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...
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...
c. 22 July 1947
J.R.R. Tolkien to Ida Gordon
#2556
Tolkien sends Ida Gordon, widow of his friend and colleague, E.V. Gordon a letter and revised introduction to Pearl which was unfinished at the time of ...
25 July 1947
Ida Gordon to J.R.R. Tolkien
#2557
In reply to Tolkien's letter, #TCGLetter2556, Ida Gordon thanks him for his letter and revised introduction. She is relieved that he has been able ...
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'...
c. ?Early August 1947
J.R.R. Tolkien to Ida Gordon
#2560
Tolkien sends various linguistic material to Ida Gordon in relation to her husbands' edition of Pearl. The exact date in unknown, but Hammond and S...
8 August 1947
Ida Gordon to J.R.R. Tolkien
#2561
Ida Gordon replies to Tolkien's letter, #TCGLetter2560. She thanks him for the material he sent and asks if he would give general comments and sugg...
2 September 1947
Philip Unwin to J.R.R. Tolkien
#2599
Philip Unwin writes to Tolkien on the matter of his riddles from The Hobbit. Houghton Mifflin wants to use a poem and the riddles in an anthology but ar...
20 September 1947
J.R.R. Tolkien to Philip Unwin
#256
Carpenter #110
Tolkien provides information about the origin and authorship of the riddles included in The Hobbit. He clarifies that most of the riddles are his origin...
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...
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.
1948
18 January 1948
J.R.R. Tolkien to Rosemary
#149
Tolkien writes a two page letter to Rosemary, telling her about him, being busy and unwell, hence the delay in reply. Wishes her the best for 1948 and m...
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...
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...
27 April 1949
Dan Davin to Kenneth Sisam
#2717
Dan Davin, Assistant Secretary and Academic Publisher at OUP, writes to Kenneth Sisam on the subject of E.V. Gordon's Pearl. Tolkien has not yet su...
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...
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 #...
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.
c. Autumn 1949 - early 1950*
Katharine Farrer to J.R.R. Tolkien
#2738
Katharine Farrer writes to Tolkien. She and her husband are both delighted, and excited, to hear that Tolkien will publish The Silmarillion. She asks ab...
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 ...
13 December 1949
J.R.R. Tolkien to Milton Waldman
#2740
Tolkien writes to Milton Waldman, to discuss the publication of The Lord of the Rings.
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...
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...
?June 1950
J.R.R. Tolkien to Ida Gordon
#2772
Tolkien works on further revisions to E.V. Gordon's edition of Pearl which he returns to Ida Gordon.
21 July 1950
Ida Gordon to J.R.R. Tolkien
#2774
Ida Gordon replies to Tolkien's letter, see #TCGLetter2772. She asks for further help on the Pearl edition, namely on two points to which she canno...
c. late July or early August 1950
J.R.R. Tolkien to Ida Gordon
#2775
Tolkien replies to Ida Gordon on the matters she raised on Pearl. See #TCGLetter2774.
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...
c. 26 July 1950
W.N. Beard to J.R.R. Tolkien
#2780
Likely on the same day as #TCGLetter2778, W.N. Beard from GA&U sends Tolkien proofs of the revised Hobbit.
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...
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 ...
19 August 1950
Ida Gordon to Oxford University Press
#2784
Ida Gordon sends the completed manuscripts of Pearl to Oxford University Press. She remarks on the work undertaken and notes Tolkien's contribution...
?Early September 1950*
Ida Gordon to J.R.R. Tolkien
#2785
Ida Gordon sends Tolkien some queries about Pearl. *Hammond and Scull remark in Chronology, p. 387, that Tolkien replies to Gordon's queries. We do...
?Early September 1950*
J.R.R. Tolkien to Ida Gordon
#2786
In reply to #TCGLetter2785, Tolkien replies to Ida Gordon about Pearl. *As with the letter to Tolkien, a firm date is not known. We have assigned it fro...
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...
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...
13 September 1950
Ida Gordon to J.R.R. Tolkien
#2795
Ida Gordon writes to Tolkien again on the subject of Pearl. She remains concerned about the introduction and what she considers unnecessary detail in ot...
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...
Between 13 and 18 September 1950
J.R.R. Tolkien to Ida Gordon
#2797
Tolkien writes to Ida Gordon, enclosing additional notes for Pearl.
15 September 1950
Jean Poindexter Colby to J.R.R. Tolkien
#2801
Jean Poindexter Colby, children's books editor at Houghton Mifflin Company, writes to Tolkien. She has included twelve copies of the US edition of ...
19 September 1950
Ida Gordon to J.R.R. Tolkien
#2802
Ida Gordon sends her thanks to Tolkien for his notes on Pearl while noting various aspects which still concern her. She asks him to send her the materia...
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.
25 September 1950
P.J. Spicer to J.R.R. Tolkien
#2807
P.J. Spicer of the Clarendon Press writes to Tolkien remarking that Penguin Books want to reprint a part of the Tolkien and E.V. Gordon edition of Sir G...
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
12 November 1952
J.R.R. Tolkien to Rayner Unwin
#1419
Carpenter #135a
Tolkien replies to Rayner's letter and mentions his pleasure at the news of Allen & Unwin's decision to publish The Lord of the Rings.
13 November 1952
C.S. Lewis to J.R.R. Tolkien
#2501
C.S. Lewis writes to Tolkien, congratulating him on his good news. This is in response to Tolkien Lord of the Rings being accepted by GA&U for publicati...
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...
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...
7 December 1953
C.S. Lewis to J.R.R. Tolkien
#2502
C.S. Lewis is reading volume one of The Lord of the Rings. He says that he is trying to take his time but like a "boy with a bit of toffee", a...
1954
15 April 1954
J.R.R. Tolkien to Allen & Unwin
#1440
Carpenter #143e
In reply to a 24th March 1954 letter, Tolkien says that p. 33 passes, p. 59 is improved. He has discovered "2 or 3" errors in the runic decora...
13 May 1954
J.R.R. Tolkien to Rayner Unwin
#390
Carpenter #145
Tolkien is pleased with positive early opinions about his work. He notes his dissatisfaction with the Houghton Mifflin effort, and gives some suggestion...
3 June 1954
J.R.R. Tolkien to Ronald Eames
#391
Carpenter #146
Tolkien does not approve of the proofs for the jacket of The Lord of the Rings, which he finds very ugly. He suggests some changes to the design of the ...
15 June 1954
J.R.R. Tolkien to Allen & Unwin Ltd.
#392
Carpenter #147
Tolkien expresses his delight in receiving an advance copy of The Fellowship of the Ring, he finds the jacket much improved and striking, particularly l...
18 September 1954
J.R.R. Tolkien to Hugh Brogan
#398
Carpenter #151
Tolkien shares thoughts on the fascination of The Lord of the Rings. The author hopes to include an upcoming note on translation. The letter ends with t...
15 December 1954
Allen & Unwin to Arnoldo Mondadori Editors
#1761
George Allen & Unwin offer a review copy of The Fellowship of the Ring for possible translation into Italian by Arnolda Monadori Editors. They mention t...
21 December 1954
Arnoldo Mondadori Editore to Allen & Unwin
#1760
Arnoldo Mondadori Editore ask for a copy of The Fellowship of the Ring and The Two Towers to decide if they wish to print an Italian translation.
30 December 1954
George Allen & Unwin to Arnoldo Mondadori Editore
#1774
Writing to the Italian publisher, Arnoldo Mondadori Editore, the Foreign Rights Department of GA&U note their pleasure at the publishers consideration t...
1955
18 January 1955
Arnoldo Mondadori Editore to George Allen & Unwin
#1775
Arnoldo Mondadori Editore (Milan) writes thanking George Allen & Unwin for copies of the Fellowship of the Ring and the Two Towers. They have been sent ...
15 February 1955
Arnoldo Mondadori Editore (Reading committee report) to Arnoldo Mondadori Editore
#1762
This internal readers report offers various points on The Lord of the Rings while it is being considered for piblication in Italian. In conclusion, the ...
25 February 1955
Arnoldo Mondadori Editore (Reading committee report) to Arnoldo Mondadori Editore
#1776
An internal 'Readers report' on the Two Towers from Anoldo Mondadori Editore reading committee giving the book a glowing report.
15 March 1955
Arnoldo Mondadori Editore to Allen & Unwin
#1763
Arnoldo Mondadori Editore turn down publishing The Lord of the Rings as they don't think "that a work of this kind could appeal to a great num...
26 May 1955 (day of delivery)
Rayner Unwin to J.R.R. Tolkien
#1526
Rayner Unwin sends Tolkien a folder with reviews from the USA, forwarded from Houghton Mifflin.
26 May 1955
J.R.R. Tolkien to Rayner Unwin
#1445
Carpenter #162a
Tolkien is still not happy with the appendices going in The Return of the King, but says that they will have to do. He remarks on the ability of the pri...
1956
April 1956
J.R.R. Tolkien to Joanna de Bortadano
#535
Carpenter #186
Tolkien dismisses the idea that his story is an allegory of atomic power. Tolkien mentions the significance of humility and equality as spiritual princi...
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...
16 April 1956
J.R.R. Tolkien to H [Humphrey]. Cotton Minchin
#1528
As with Tolkien's draft of this letter, this letter opens with Tolkien's ackowledgment of Minchin's suggestions and his note that he is n...
1957
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. ...
24 June 1957
J.R.R. Tolkien to Caroline Everett
#561
Carpenter #199
Tolkien was not inclined to offer any biographical details, as he doubted their relevance. Though he does go on to give some biographical facts. This le...
7 December 1957
J.R.R. Tolkien to Rayner Unwin
#578
Carpenter #204
Tolkien discusses a letter from Halsbury expressing admiration for the Silmarillion material and anticipation for its publication. Tolkien mentions a le...
1960
Between 1960 and 1973
J.R.R. Tolkien to Dorothy Wood
#451
Tolkien wrote a series of twelve letters to his cousin Dorothy Wood.
29 February 1960
J.R.R. Tolkien to Rayner Unwin
#1472
Carpenter #222c
Tolkien asks Rayner's thoughts on publishing small or minor bits having to do with the Ring Cycle. He says that he is being asked for these, and th...
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...
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...
10 December 1960
J.R.R. Tolkien to Rayner Unwin
#601
Carpenter #225
Puffin Books, via Margaret S. Clark, had requested the rights to publish a paperback edition of The Hobbit on 30 November. After hearing of this from Ra...
1961
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...
23 February 1961
J.R.R. Tolkien to Allen & Unwin
#604
Carpenter #229
Tolkien's commentary on Åke Ohlmarks' introduction to the Swedish translation of The Lord of the Rings.
4 October 1961
J.R.R. Tolkien to Jane Neave
#606
Carpenter #231
Tolkien writes to his Aunt Jane about publishing Tom Bombadil.
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
12 April 1962
J.R.R. Tolkien to Rayner Unwin
#612
Carpenter #237
Tolkien discusses progress with The Adventures of Tom Bombadil.
9 May 1962
Joy Hill to J.R.R. Tolkien
#1230
Following Rayner Unwin's letter to Pauline Baynes, Joy Hill writes to Tolkien confirming their offer to Baynes to illustrate The Adventures of Tom ...
9 May 1962
George Allen & Unwin to Miss Calabi (Arnoldo Mondadori Editore)
#1778
GA&U write to the Italian publisher Arnoldo Mondadori Editore on the subject of publishing the Italian translation of The Lord of the Rings. Given are d...
11 May 1962
J.R.R. Tolkien to Joy Hill
#1231
Tolkien replies to Joy Hill and includes the signed contract sent on 9 May. He says he will deal with the other matters over the weekend.
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 ...
15 June 1962
Arnoldo Mondadori Editore to Alina Dadlez (of GAU)
#1779
Mondadori write to Alina Dedlez at GA&U thanking her for the copies sent of the Lord of the Rings and asks for details of what option they intend to gra...
21 June 1962
George Allen & Unwin to Miss Calabi (Arnoldo Mondadori Editore)
#1780
In reply to a letter to GA&U, they reply that holding onto the books is fine. They ask that a decision be made within two months but that if more time i...
3 August 1962
Rayner Unwin to J.R.R. Tolkien
#871
Rayner Unwin writes to Tolkien detailing Pauline Baynes schedule for completing illustrations. He asks Tolkien to dine with he and his father in London ...
13 August 1962
Miss Calabi (ARNOLDO MONDADORI EDITORE) to Alina Dadlez (George Allen & Unwin)
#1781
Cin Calabi of Arnoldo Mondadori writes to George Allen & Unwin asking if they could have more time to consider The Lord of the Rings as holidays, etc ha...
17 August 1962
Alina Dadlez (for GA&U) to Miss Calabi (Arnoldo Mondadori Editore)
#1782
In reply to a request for more time to consider the Lord of the Rings, Alina Dadlez replies that the end of September will be fine and asks if they may ...
27 August 1962
Rayner Unwin to J.R.R. Tolkien
#874
Rayner sends Tolkien full-page illustrations of The Adventures of Tom Bombadil, drawn by Pauline Baynes. He asks Tolkien to decide which one should be e...
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...
8 October 1962
Elio Vittorini (Headquarters at Arnoldo Mondadori Editors) to Arnoldo Mondadori Editore
#1765
An internal note about the possibility of publishing the Lord of the Rings. Details various mentions from other letters about the success of the book, t...
10 October 1962
Elio Vittorini (Headquarters at Arnolda Monadori Editors) to Arnoldo Mondadori Editore
#1785
Mario Mattolini sends this internal letter making the decision to not move forward with the Lord of the Rings.
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...
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...
29 November 1963
J.R.R. Tolkien to Mrs. L.F.
#2793
Tolkien replies to a Mrs. L.F. who had written to remark on her enjoyment of the Lord of the Rings. He is pleased to receive her letter and remarks that...
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...
2 August 1964
J.R.R. Tolkien to Rayner Unwin
#632
Carpenter #258
During 1964 an Aquastroll hydrofoil, which made a trial crossing from Calais to Dover, was given the name Shadowfax (the name of the horse ridden by Gan...
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...
11 November 1964
J.R.R. Tolkien to Clyde S. Kilby
#569
Tolkien replies to questions about how the manuscripts of The Lord of the Rings and Mr. Bliss were sold to Marquette University. Quotes are found in SEV...
1965
20 May 1965
J.R.R. Tolkien to Rayner Unwin
#644
Carpenter #270
Tolkien had sent Unwin the typescript of his new story Smith of Wootton Major, but could not find any other suitable stories to make a sufficiently larg...
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 ...
21 July 1965
J.R.R. Tolkien to Nan C. Scott
#647
Carpenter #273
Mrs Scott was a leading campaigner in the battle to keep the pirate edition of The Lord of the Rings out of the American bookshops. A copy of this lette...
31 July 1965
J.R.R. Tolkien to Austin Olney
#1483
Carpenter #274a
Tolkien writes to Austin Olney, at Houghton Mifflin, with corrections and additions to The Two Towers.
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...
12 September 1965
J.R.R. Tolkien to Dick Plotz
#650
Carpenter #276
Tolkien writes about The Silmarillion, the Númenórean legends, and his friendship with C.S. Lewis. He discusses the formation of the Tolkien Society o...
12 September 1965
J.R.R. Tolkien to Rayner Unwin
#651
Carpenter #277
In August 1965 Ballantine Books produced the first 'authorized' American paperback of The Hobbit, without incorporating Tolkien's revisio...
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...
1966
2 March 1966
Roger Verhulst to J.R.R. Tolkien
#1834
Roger Verhulst writes to Tolkien on behalf of the publisher, W,. B. Eerdmans who have the rights to the US paperback publication of Essays Presented to ...
11 March 1966
J.R.R. Tolkien to George Sayer
#184
Tolkien writes to his friend George Sayer regarding his preferred version of The Lord of the Rings should Tolkien have one sent to him.
8 April 1966
J.R.R. Tolkien to Roger Verhulst
#744
Tolkien replies to Roger Verhulst's 2nd March letter about the US paperback rights to Essays Presented to Charles Williams, and he reiterates his o...
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.
29 August 1966
J.R.R. Tolkien to Donald Swann
#971
Tolkien replies to Donald Swann to wish him well for his and Flanders' tour of the U.S. and give shim an update on his and Edith's health. He ...
13 November 1966
Donald Swann to J.R.R. Tolkien
#1341
Swann reports to Tolkien that he has been "deluged" by fans after opening night in Boston.
29 December 1966
J.R.R. Tolkien to James S. Marsh
#473
Tolkien writes to Mr Marsh about his collaboration with Donald Swann for the book The Road goes ever on and on.
29 December 1966
J.R.R. Tolkien to William Foster
#666
Carpenter #293
Tolkien was asked to be interviewed for The Scotsman.
1967
27 Febuary 1967
Mario Ubaldini to Alina Dadlez
#1766
Ubaldini Editore s.r.l have decided to publish The Lord of the Rings in Italian and inquire about the terms.
14 March 1967
Mario Ubaldini to Alina Dadlez
#1790
Writing to Alina Dadlez (GA&U), Mario Ubaldini (Casa Editrice Astrolabio) encloses the signed copy of the contract for the Lord of the Rings. He asks fo...
16 March 1967
Donald Swann to J.R.R. Tolkien
#1533
Donald Swann writes to Tolkien, they talked about Elvish, songs, scripts for their book, and Tolkien mentions that is trying to complete his translation...
20 March 1967
J.R.R. Tolkien to Donald Swann
#974
Carpenter #294b
Tolkien writes to Donald Swann including more material for his project. He thanks Swann for not cursing him. He has had long delays and while trying to ...
21 March 1967
J.R.R. Tolkien to Donald Swann
#975
Tolkien sends background material for The Road Goes Ever On. He includes Galadriel's Lament and Chant written out "in a fair Elvish book-hand,...
22 March 1967
J.R.R. Tolkien to Donald Swann
#2275
Tolkien writes to Donald Swann offering transcripts of the Lament and Chant in Elvish script.
23 March 1967
Alina Dadlez to Mario Ubaldini
#1791
Alina Dadlez (GA&U) sends Mario Ubaldini (Casa Editrice Astrolabio) a countersigned copy of the contract for the Italian translation of the Lord of the ...
30 March 1967
Alina Dadlez to Mario Ubaldini
#1792
Alina Dadlez(GA&U) writes to Mario Ubaldini(Casa Editrice Astrolabio) to inform him that she has sent the illustrations by Pauline Baynes in a packet, s...
12 April 1967
J.R.R. Tolkien to Donald Swann
#977
Carpenter #295a
Writing to Donald Swann on the matter of their book, The Road Goes Ever On, Tolkien provides much on the contents of the book, noting that the commentar...
19 June 1967
J.R.R. Tolkien to Donald Swann
#978
Tolkien thanks Swann for the book cover and compares the "T" rendered there to various occurrences from genuine manuscripts.
Mid 1967
George Allen & Unwin to Press
#1808
Press release from GA&U about Smith of Wootton Major, The Road Goes Ever On and the vinyl record The Poems and Songs of Middle-earth.
12-13 July 1967
J.R.R. Tolkien to Donald Swann
#979
Carpenter #295b
Tolkien does not like the calligraphy being made by Samuel Hanks Bryant as filler for blank pages in The Road Goes Ever On. Tolkien objects to Swann usi...
14 July 1967
Casa Editrice Astrolabio to Bando di Roma Bank
#1793
This letter from the publisher, Casa Editrice Astrolabio, to their bank instructing them to transfer the advance payment (£225) for their contract with...
3 August 1967
Alina Dadlez (of GAU) to Mario Ubaldini (Casa Editrice Astrolabio)
#1794
Alina Dadlez writes to Mario Ubaldini in reply to his request for another copy of The Lord of the Rings. It is also mentioned that if they wish to use P...
8 November 1967
Casa Editrice Astrolabio to Caro Venturini
#1796
Casa Editrice Astrolabio sends flyers to Caro Venturini asking that they be distributed among their booksellers. He notes that it is upto them to make t...
1968
7 August 1968
RAI to Edizione Astrolabio
#1797
A short note giving details of a radio slot to publicise the Lord of the Rings which included an attachment with the review as read on radio. This revie...
11 October 1968
J.R. Kennard to Allen & Unwin Ltd.
#2760
J.R. Kennard writes to GA&U asking for information on the publication of Tolkien's The Silmarillion.
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...
1970
18 December 1970
Joy Hill to Austin Olney
#1158
Joy Hill thanks Austin Olney for presents sent to Tolkien by Houghton Mifflin.
1971
30 September 1971
Colin Smythe to J.R.R. Tolkien
#2840
Colin sends Tolkien one of his publications and regrets that their idea could not get off the ground. He hopes their acquaintance will be renewed.
1972
3 August 1972
J.R.R. Tolkien to Dorothy Wood
#446
Tolkien writes to Dorothy Wood about family matters and his diminishing pension. He says that he has more work now than before retiring, and that he has...
1973
?Late April 1973
J.R.R. Tolkien to Mr Hodgson
#312
Tolkien writes to Mr Hodgson, who has asked for a hand-written version of the poem "The Road Goes Ever On and On". Tolkien apologizes for a de...
16 April 1973
Joy Hill to Mrs. L.F.
#2794
Joy Hill writes to Mrs. L.F. about The Silmarillion remarking that it is a long way from publication. She says that Tolkien is now an old man and has no...
5 July 1973
J.R.R. Tolkien to Basil Blackwell
#2142
Tolkien confirms that Basil Blackwell was his first publisher.
1974
1974
Christopher Tolkien to Rayner Unwin
#2292
Christopher writes to Rayner Unwin on the subject of publishing his father's translation of Sir Gawain. He cannot find any notes or material that w...
21 June 1974
Christopher Tolkien to J.C. Lobdell
#1020
Christopher agrees to produce a new version of Notes on Nomenclature and for Lobdell to publish them in his book A Tolkien Compass.
1977
22 August 1977
Colin Robb (GA&U) to Bookseller
#2470
Colin Robb sends some booksellers a dummy Silmarillion to assist with pre-orders.
1981
Some time in 1981
Christopher Tolkien to Rayner Unwin
#2129
In his preface to Beren and Luthien, Christopher Tolkien gave Rayner Unwin an update on the work he had been involved with. He told him about his curren...
1986
October 1986
Rayner Unwin to [Booksellers and Press]
#1995
This open letter from Rayner Unwin was sent to various booksellers and members of the press, outlining the planned marketing blitz that would be coming ...
1987
1987
Rayner Unwin to Jorge Quiñónez
#1122
Rayner Unwin writes to Jorges Quiñónez stating he too was surprised to read of a new letters volume from Unwin Hyman. Jorges had investigated the rumo...
18