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Guide to Tolkien's Letters


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Archive holdings

(397 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 probably...
?End of May 1916
G.B. Smith to J.R.R. Tolkien
#1538


Smith writes to thank Tolkien for hosting him, describing it as a "splendid two days". This letter is held at the 'Tolkien Papers, Bodleian Library, Oxf...
22 June 1916
Rob Gilson to J.R.R. Tolkien
#1542


Upon his return from a night working party, Gilson replies to Tolkien's letter noting that he is cheered to hear from the T.C.B.S. This is the last lett...
15 July 1916
G.B. Smith to J.R.R. Tolkien
#1545


Smith writes to Tolkien, he has seen the newspaper and Rob Gilson is named among the dead. He had died on 1 July but had originally been named among the...
c. second half of July 1916
Cary Gilson to J.R.R. Tolkien
#2070


Cary Gilson, Rob Gilson's father, writes to Tolkien and likely includes a memorial card for Rob who had been killed at the Battle of The Somme in early ...
11 August 1916
G.B. Smith to J.R.R. Tolkien
#1548


Smith thanks Tolkien for his letter, he thinks that "there are still a great many sober men and true..." This letter is among the 'Tolkien Papers, Bodle...
15 August 1916
G.B. Smith to J.R.R. Tolkien
#1551


Smith writes to Tolkien having not received Tolkien's letter of 12-13 August . he has been unable to sleep for thinking about Rob. He remarks that maybe...
16 September 1916
G.B. Smith to J.R.R. Tolkien
#1554


Smith writes to Tolkien, he encloses a letter from Christopher Wiseman. Wiseman had sent to Smith, the letters written by him and Tolkien during the win...
16 November 1916
G.B. Smith to J.R.R. Tolkien
#1565


Smith replies to Tolkien's earlier letter. He is relieved to hear that Tolkien is "still alive". Tolkien is at this time recovering at 3 South General H...
8 December 1916
Christopher Wiseman to J.R.R. Tolkien
#1569


Wiseman writes to Tolkien on politics, and the war. Thanking Tolkien for his letter and more of his poems. He says that R.W. Reynolds thinks that Tolkie...

1924

8 January 1924
Kenneth Sisam to J.R.R. Tolkien
#1628


Sisam replies to Tolkien's letter and agrees with his changes but asks if he could try to keep any changes to punctuation, mainly due to costs. He discu...
1 February 1924
J.R.R. Tolkien to Kenneth Sisam (for Oxford University Press)
#1629


Tolkien returns further proofs of the Clarendon Chaucer and thanks Sisam for his advice and for two copies of proofs of Sir Gawain whih he had recieved....
26 February 1924
Kenneth Sisam to George S. Gordon
#1637


Sisam writes to Gordon. He has become alarmed at the lack of progress with the Clarendon Chaucer, saying that Tolkien "is occupied with Gawayne> influen...
21 March 1924
Kenneth Sisam to David Nichol Smith
#1640


Inspite of his letter to Tolkien early in March, Kenneth Sisam writes to David Nichol Smith to complain that Tolkien is not only holding up the Clarendo...
24 August 1924
J.R.R. Tolkien to Cyril Brett
#1006


A manuscript letter from Tolkien to Cyril Brett, on the subject of Tolkien & Gordon's edition of Sir Gawain & The Green Knight (Oxford, 1925).
23 October 1924
J.R.R. Tolkien to Kenneth Sisam
#1642


Sisam had sent Tolkien a proof of the frontispiece for Sir Gawain and two sets of proofs from the Clarendon Chaucer with comments from Gordon and Tolkie...
5 December 1924
Kenneth Sisam to J.R.R. Tolkien
#1645


Sisam replies to Tolkien giving him dates to return the Clarendon Chaucer. He wants the glossary by end of year, 31 December at the latest and the notes...
8 December 1924
George S. Gordon to Kenneth Sisam
#1646


George S. Gordon writes to Kenneth Sisam. Tolkien has sent to him manuscript of his glossary for the Clarendon Chaucer, with a preface, for Gordon to lo...

1937

1937-1940
J.R.R. Tolkien to Registry University of Oxford, King Edward VI School, Birmingham
#1168


This entry covers various letters between Tolkien, the Registry University of Oxford and King Edward VI School, Birmingham, relating to Tolkien’s tenu...
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. Wayne G. Hammond and Christina Scull note that ther...
7 January 1937
C.A. Furth (GA&U) to J.R.R. Tolkien
#1845


C. A. Furth of GA&U writes to Tolkien on matters of his illustrations for The Hobbit. His drawings are admirable and blocks for them are being produced....
17 January 1937
J.R.R. Tolkien to C.A. Furth
#10
 Carpenter #10



Tolkien discusses the details of, and placement within the text, some of his illustrations in The Hobbit, as well as potential changes to his illustrati...
1 February 1937
Susan Dagnall to J.R.R. Tolkien
#1848


Susan Dagnall writes to Tolkien, correcting a misstatement in her previous letter . Thror's Map will have to be used as an endpaper due to costs, but no...
2 February 1937
R. W. Chambers to J.R.R. Tolkien
#1159


Chambers writing to Tolkien tells him that he must not "delete a single word from" his Beowulf lecture. The letter from Chambers is found in Oxford, Bod...
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. In the 2023 revised edition of Lett...
25 April 1937
J.R.R. Tolkien to Charles Furth
#137


Tolkien writes back to Furth in regards to the dustjacket design for The Hobbit. Furth wrote on April 15th that the pink hue that Tolkien put on the mou...
28 April 1937
C.A. Furth (GA&U) to J.R.R. Tolkien
#1871


Furth writes to Tolkien to say that the red will have to be removed from The Hobbit jacket and the sun will have an outline to highlight it. This letter...
11 May 1937
C.A. Furth (GA&U) to J.R.R. Tolkien
#1872


C. A. Furth informs Tolkien that a US publisher is interested in publishing The Hobbit and they would like to add four colour illustrations to the book....
28 May 1937
J.R.R. Tolkien to Allen & Unwin Ltd.
#14
 Carpenter #14



In this three-page handwritten letter, Tolkien writes to his publisher about the release date for The Hobbit, going on at length about how it would be b...
28 May 1937
J.R.R. Tolkien to Allen & Unwin
#475


Tolkien, writing to GA&U approves the dust-jacket for The Hobbit but feels the sun would be better with a finer outline. He prefers the green binding an...
1 June 1937
C.A. Furth (GA&U) to J.R.R. Tolkien
#1919


Writing to Tolkien, C. A. Furth of GA&U asks him to return the approved binding for The Hobbit. He agrees that the 'wavy line' will be removed, but says...
?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 something and ...
?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. By letter or in person? He asks them again abou...
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 ...
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...
13 August 1937
J.R.R. Tolkien to Stanley Unwin
#1967


Writing to Stanley Unwin, Tolkien hopes that they can lunch together when he visits London next, most likely in November. He has not as yet had time to ...
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. 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 ...
5-7 September 1937
J.R.R. Tolkien to C.A. Furth (of George Allen and Unwin)
#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...
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 held amo...
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 success fo...
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...
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 of th...
7 October 1937
Mary St John [Wiseman] to J.R.R. Tolkien
#2034


Mary writes to Tolkien asking if he would send her a presentation copy of The Hobbit. In return she will send him prayers. This letter is found among th...
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" finished h...
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...
28 October 1937
Stanley Unwin to J.R.R. Tolkien
#2097


Writing to Tolkien, Stanley Unwin suggests 17 November for their next meeting. Tolkien had written earlier that day suggesting other dates but writes an...
29 October 1937 (second letter)
J.R.R. Tolkien to Stanley Unwin
#2095


Tolkien writes to Stanley Unwin. He had suggested they meet in November for their next meeting and gives various dates, but Stanley writes a letter whic...
5 November 1937
F.E. Harmer to J.R.R. Tolkien
#2036


F.E. Harmer, a colleague from Manchester writes to Tolkien to ask advice on the meaning of various Old English words and if Tolkien could present any ci...
16 November 1937
G.B. [Grace Bindley] Mountain to J.R.R. Tolkien
#2037


Tolkien's aunt, Grace, writes to him offering thoughts on The Hobbit. This letter is held at the Bodleian Library archives with the Tolkien Papers.
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...
28 November 1937
Geoffrey E. Selby to J.R.R. Tolkien
#2038


Selby writes to Tolkien on various matters related to The Hobbit. He asks about discrepancies between the text of The Hobbit and 'Thror's Map'. Tolkien ...
13 December 1937
Arthur Ransome to J.R.R. Tolkien
#106


Arthur Ransome, best known for his Swallows and Amazons series of childrens books wrote to Tolkien in 1937 after The Hobbit had been published, firstly ...
14 December 1937
R. W. Chambers to J.R.R. Tolkien
#1161


Further to his earlier letters to Tolkien Chambers had recently finished writing a review (see reference below) of Tolkien's Beowulf: The Monsters and t...
15 December 1937
J.R.R. Tolkien to Arthur Ransome
#105


Replying to Arthur Ransome's letter of 13th December Tolkien opens with exclamations of honour at receiving a letter from Ransome. Tolkien apologizes fo...
15th December 1937
Stanley Unwin to J.R.R. Tolkien
#1109


Stanley writes to Tolkien with news that the first edition of The Hobbit has sold and a new printing will be issued almost immediately. He notes that To...
16 December 1937
J.R.R. Tolkien to Stanley Unwin
#22
 Carpenter #19



Tolkien has received a letter from Arthur Ransome, who wonders about the use of the word "man" in The Hobbit, as well as a few other letters from reader...
17 December 1937
W.G. Le Tall to J.R.R. Tolkien
#2021


Following a letter the previous day from Stanley Unwin, Le Fall of Geoffrey Tyndale’s Bookshop in Bath writes to Tolkien with details on the competiti...
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...
24 December 1937
Gladys Lillian Tilly (Faulconbridge) [Aunt Lily] to J.R.R. Tolkien
#2039


Tolkien's Aunt Lily congratulates him on the publication of a second printing of The Hobbit. This letter is held at the Bodleian Library among their Tol...
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 Tolkien. This let...
29 December 1937
W.G. Le Tall to J.R.R. Tolkien
#2022


W.G. Le Tall again writes to Tolkien about the competition his bookshop is running on The Hobbit. The letter is held with the Tolkien Papers at the Bodl...

1938

13 January 1938
J.R.R. Tolkien to C.V. Salmon
#2133


Tolkien sends a revised script for the Beowulf broadcast. He mentions that one of his children has "suddenly developed a bad heart" and he has been deal...
18 January 1938
G.H. White to J.R.R. Tolkien
#2024


A reader had written to the Observer newspaper asking various questions on The Hobbit and Beowulf. White sends a clipping of that letter to Tolkien and ...
8 February 1938
W.G. Le Tall to J.R.R. Tolkien
#2023


Le Tall sends his personal copy of The Hobbit for Tolkien to sign for him. He updates Tolkien on the competition, noting that it has not gone as well as...
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 her sis...
20 February 1938*
J.R.R. Tolkien to Editor of the Observer
#28
 Carpenter #25



Tolkien responds to a request, likely from a researcher or enthusiast, regarding the origins and inspirations behind his work, particularly The Hobbit. ...
22 March 1938
B.S. Harvey to J.R.R. Tolkien
#2041


B.S. Harvey of the National Provincial Bank writes to Tolkien acknowledging payment of some cheques and as a post script asks Tolkien if he would mind s...
3rd May, 1938
Stanley Unwin to J.R.R. Tolkien
#1989


Stanley writes a short cover letter to Tolkien explaining that Rayner has had little time (going to boarding school on this day), but has scribbled down...
3 May 1938
Rayner Unwin to J.R.R. Tolkien
#1990


Rayner "scribbles" a book report on the first three chapters of the Hobbit sequel. His father Stanley sends this review to Tolkien along with a cover le...
21 July 1938
J.R.R. Tolkien to A.F. Colborn
#108


Tolkien provides a letter of recommendation for his B.Litt student A.F. Colborn.
24 July 1938
J.R.R. Tolkien to C.A. Furth
#35
 Carpenter #31



Tolkien bemoans The Hobbit being published in 1937 over 1938. His work pressure has left him hard-pressed to get into actions on the sequel. Tolkien has...
24 July 1938
J.R.R. Tolkien to C.A. Furth
#2155


Tolkien writes to C.A. Furth. He is struggling to suggest anyone who can fulfill the work for GA&U's Clark Hall Beowulf. He in fact now believes that it...
25 July 1938
J.R.R. Tolkien to Stanley Unwin
#33
 Carpenter #29



Tolkien wrote to Stanley Unwin in response to a letter from a German publisher, Rütten & Loening Verlag. They wanted to publish a German translation of...
25 July 1938
J.R.R. Tolkien to Rütten & Loening Verlag
#34
 Carpenter #30



Rütten & Loening Verlag, the German publisher enquired about publishing a German translation of The Hobbit. As part of their conditions they wanted to ...
27 July 1938
J.R.R. Tolkien to John Masefield
#36
 Carpenter #32



Tolkien responds to Mr. Masefield regarding the lines provided for a performance. Tolkien expresses no objection to being preceded by the lines and defe...
28 July 1938
Stanley Unwin to J.R.R. Tolkien
#2156


Stanley Unwin writes to Tolkien. he remarks that his letters of 25 July "have been a source of much merriment and satisfaction at this office". He tells...
31 July 1938
J.R.R. Tolkien to Ida Gordon
#1125


Tolkien sends his condolences to the wife of E.V. Gordon, who had recently died due to complications from an operation. Wayne Hammond and Christina Scul...
31 Jul 1938
Edith Tolkien to Ida Gordon
#1128


Edith sends her condolences for the death of Ida's husband, E. V. Gordon.
11 Aug 1938
J.R.R. Tolkien to Ida Gordon
#1126


Tolkien pays tribute to E. V. Gordon, and offers any help he can, talking about finances, the publication of 'The Wanderer' and 'The Seafarer', and the ...
19 Aug 1938
J.R.R. Tolkien to Ida Gordon
#1127


Tolkien has been ill. He offers advice on Ida's financial situation after the death of her husband, E.V. Gordon.
4 September 1938
Catherine Lambert to J.R.R. Tolkien
#2045


Catherine Lambert, a writer from London writes to Tolkien on The Hobbit and mentions her own publications. This letter is held at the Bodleian Library a...
26 Sep 1938
J.R.R. Tolkien to Ida Gordon
#1129


Tolkien offers more condolences about the Gordon family's loss, and talks more about his childhood. He acknowledges receipt of papers relating to Pearl ...

1948

5 January 1948
Mother M. Agnes to J.R.R. Tolkien
#2049


Mother M. Agnes, a former pupil from Leeds and now at Maryfield College, Dublin, writes to Tolkien asking if he recalls her from that time at Leeds. She...
18 January 1948
J.R.R. Tolkien to J.L.N. O'Loughlin
#132


Tolkien had received a parcel, he thanks O'Loughlin and confirms it arrived safely. Tolkien has been very busy and had flu recently, hence his delayed r...
31 March 1948
Hugh Brogan to J.R.R. Tolkien
#2050


In a series of seven letters, a young reader, Hugh Brogan, writes to Tolkien on the matter of his "thirst for more information about Middle-earth" and r...
8 April 1948
Hugh Brogan to J.R.R. Tolkien
#2051


In a series of seven letters, a young reader, Hugh Brogan, writes to Tolkien on the matter of his "thirst for more information about Middle-earth" and r...
12 May 1948
Christopher Tolkien to Edward A. Allen
#1167


No details of this letter are known. It is held at the Wade Center. Noted as "(collection) L-Allen (date) May 12, 1948 (sender) Christopher Tolkien (rec...
20 August 1948
J.R.R. Tolkien to J.G. Riewald
#1915


A two page letter written in response to a Max Beerbohm scholar who asked what Tolkien thought of Beerbohm. Tolkien writes that his cartoons amuse him, ...
c. early November 1948
Hugh Brogan to J.R.R. Tolkien
#2052


In a series of seven letters, a young reader, Hugh Brogan, writes to Tolkien on the matter of his "thirst for more information about Middle-earth" and r...
11 December 1948
Hugh Brogan to J.R.R. Tolkien
#2053


In a series of seven letters, a young reader, Hugh Brogan, writes to Tolkien on the matter of his "thirst for more information about Middle-earth" and r...
31 December 1948
Hugh Brogan to J.R.R. Tolkien
#2054


In a series of seven letters, a young reader, Hugh Brogan, writes to Tolkien on the matter of his "thirst for more information about Middle-earth" and r...

1954

17 May 1954
J.R.R. Tolkien to Henry Willink
#188


Tolkien discusses C.S. Lewis and his invitation to Cambridge. Lewis had intitially refused the offer citing family obligations, namely his brothers heal...
17 May 1954
J.R.R. Tolkien to H.S. Bennett
#920


Tolkien writes to H.S. Bennett who had written to Tolkien the previous day. He discusses the proposed move by C.S. Lewis to Cambridge. C.S. Lewis would ...
?18 or 20 May 1954
Bennett? to J.R.R. Tolkien
#1164


This letter is housed at the Wade Center but no details are currently known of its contents.
11 October 1954
Katharine Briggs to J. R. R. Tolkien
#1715


Briggs very much enjoyed reading The Fellowship of the Ring and asks if the next book will be published by Christmas. She had issues with the changes to...
13 October 1954
J.R.R. Tolkien to Mr. Cheesman
#921


No details of this letter are known. It is held at the Wade.
21 October 1954
Katharine Briggs to J. R. R. Tolkien
#1716


Briggs thanks Tolkien for his reply (#TCGLetter1712) to her first letter (#TCGLetter1715). She looks forward to The Two Towers and The Return of the Kin...
6 November 1954
J.R.R. Tolkien to Robert Burchfield
#194


Tolkien remarks on the reception to The Fellowship of the Ring by his colleagues. A photograph of the first half of the first page was included in Chris...
17 November 1954
J.R.R. Tolkien to Rayner Heppenstall
#195


Tolkien writes to inform Heppenstall that he is unable to attend the rehearsal and the recording of the radio play for The Homecoming of Beorhtnoth whic...

1955

27 July 1955
J.R.R. Tolkien to Richard L. Sturch
#960


No details of this letter are known. It is held at the Wade.
28 July 1955
J.R.R. Tolkien to Mrs. Dixey
#206


Tolkien wishes that Mrs. Dixey will enjoy reading the as yet unpublished Return of the King, telling her that there are about 100 pages of appendices. I...
27 September 1955
J.R.R. Tolkien to Martin C. Stone
#958


No details of this letter are known. It is held at the Wade.
30 September 1955
J.R.R. Tolkien to Philip Unwin (Allen & Unwin Ltd.)
#483
 Carpenter #170



Tolkien feels that his life may be in danger if The Return of the King is not published soon. This letter is held at the 'Tolkien–George Allen & Unwin...
12 October 1955
J.R.R. Tolkien to Philip Unwin (Allen & Unwin Ltd.)
#518
 Carpenter #172



Tolkien writes to Allen & Unwin, stressing that they must publish The Return of the King on the 20th October 1955. The letter is held at the 'Tolkien–...
22 October 1955
J.R.R. Tolkien to Mr. Mitchell
#212


Letter to Mr. Mitchell, about reading The Lord of the Rings and extends offer to sign his 3 volumes. Tolkien hopes that his success with the The Lord of...
24 October 1955
J.R.R. Tolkien to Joyce Biddell
#214


Tolkien expresses pleasure that his books cheered her. The recipient may be Joyce Biddell of Maidstone, Kent, who adapted the novel for the stage in 196...
10 November 1955
J.R.R. Tolkien to August Closs
#2216


Tolkien writes that he is "very tired mentally" and decline to help with finishing Hannah Closs's book. He writes about his pacifist views and finally a...
3 December 1955
J.R.R. Tolkien to Elizabeth Jennings
#215


Tolkien sends a note to congratulate Jennings on her book of poetry, A Way of Looking being published. He also makes a mention on Auden's new book, Shie...
8 December 1955
J.R.R. Tolkien to Naomi Mitchison
#226
 Carpenter #176



Tolkien mentions his O'Donnell Lectures in Celtic Studies. He expresses disappointment in the radio broadcast adaptations of The Lord of the Rings. Tolk...
8 December 1955
J.R.R. Tolkien to Rayner Unwin
#526
 Carpenter #177



Tolkien expresses his agreement with critics' negative views on the radio adaptation of The Lord of the Rings. Tolkien anticipates negative responses to...
12 December 1955
J.R.R. Tolkien to Allen & Unwin Ltd.
#527
 Carpenter #178



Tolkien writes about Victorian Warwickshire as an inspiration for the Shire. Additional quotes from this letter appear in Chronology. The original is he...
21 December 1955
J.R.R. Tolkien to Mrs Rachael Feichtmeir
#229


This letter remains unpublished and little is known beyond one quote, Tolkien says that "One must write to a map in being or times and distances get hop...

1956

12 January 1956
J.R.R. Tolkien to Peter Scott
#1652


Tolkien writes to Peter Scott, of the London Newman Circle. He declines the invitation to give a public lecture as he is too busy to talk about himself....
7 March 1956
William Galbraith to J.R.R. Tolkien
#922


No details of this letter are known but Tolkien also sent a letter the following day. Both letters are held at the Wade.
8 March 1956
J.R.R. Tolkien to William Galbraith
#235


Among many subjects Tolkien discusses the unfinished index for The Lord of the Rings and The Silmarillion. Numenor, echoes of past tales. 'Tunes' for po...
15 March 1956
J.R.R. Tolkien to Martin C. Stone
#959


No details of this letter are known. It is held at the Wade.
12-13 April 1956
J.R.R. Tolkien to William Galbraith
#236


Sent on the 13th April as a separate note along with #TCGLetter235, Tolkien apologises for the slow nature of his reply. A complete transcript along wit...
12 April 1956
J.R.R. Tolkien to Mrs Earle
#238


Written shortly after the publication of his new trilogy, Tolkien's letter comprises a thoughtful reply to a fan, Mrs Earle, who evidently was so excite...
16 April 1956
J.R.R. Tolkien to H [Humphrey]. Cotton Minchin
#243
 Carpenter #187



Tolkien describes himself as a philologist, and sometime calligrapher. An index of Elvish names was intended to be produced, noting that his 'specialist...
6 November 1956
J.R.R. Tolkien to Terence Tiller
#556
 Carpenter #194



Tolkien responds to Mr Tiller regarding a dramatic or semi-dramatic representation of The Lord of the Rings. He questions whether listeners unfamiliar w...
24 November 1956
J.R.R. Tolkien to Rayner Unwin
#1456
 Carpenter #194b



In regards to the Dutch translation of The Lord of the Rings, Tolkien says he has not the time or energy to be overly critical of it, and in any case ha...

1957

3 February 1957
J.R.R. Tolkien to Rayner Unwin
#1457
 Carpenter #195a



Tolkien says that work is still getting in the way of him spending any time on The Silmarillion. He is having trouble with a professor in America as wel...
1 March 1957
J.R.R. Tolkien to Rayner Unwin
#1458
 Carpenter #195b



Tolkien apologizes to Rayner for being exhausted at their previous meeting and says he is recovering from a very stressful school term. He says that he ...
1 March 1957
J.R.R. Tolkien to Walter Monckton
#1653


Tolkien writes to Monckton, suggesting dates for the next dinner in the hopes that Monckton can attend and add more weight to the Oxford side. He had de...
4 March 1957
Walter Monckton to J.R.R. Tolkien
#1654


In reply to Tolkien's letter, Monckton writes to confirm that dates except one are good for him. He no longer works within the givernment so should be a...
9 June 1957
J.R.R. Tolkien to William Ready
#322


Tolkien apologises for not replying earlier. He has been overworked, noting that he has not the aid of an assistant in his role. He would be delighted t...
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...
9 July 1957
J.R.R. Tolkien to Walter Monckton
#1655


Monckton had written to say that he cannot make the dinner of 13 July. Tolkien replies that the next dinner will be held on 14 December. He reminds Monc...
15 July 1957
Walter Monckton to J.R.R. Tolkien
#1656


Monckton replies to Tolkien but very little is known of the content. It is assumed that he included his subscription which was late and perhaps discusse...
5 August 1957
J.R.R. Tolkien to Jerome W. Archer
#325


Tolkien discusses an invitation to visit the Marquette University the following spring as well health issues. He had been obliged to cancel plans to tra...
5 August 1957
J.R.R. Tolkien to Jerome W. Archer
#893


This letter sent on the same day as another (see #TCGLetter325) was to determine the practicalities of the visit to Marquette. The original letter, in t...
6 August 1957
J.R.R. Tolkien to William Ready
#894


Tolkien writes to William Ready of Marquette to confirm to him his intention to visit Marquette the following year. The original letter and a complete t...
7 September 1957
J.R.R. Tolkien to Rayner Unwin
#576
 Carpenter #201



Tolkien expresses dissatisfaction with the current script for the proposed film version of The Lord of the Rings. Previously, Wayne G. Hammond and Chris...
26 September 1957
William Ready to J.R.R. Tolkien
#895


William Ready of Marquette writes to Tolkien acknowledging Tolkien's proposed visit in 1958.
17 November 1957
J.R.R. Tolkien to Herbert Schiro
#327
 Carpenter #203



In response to a letter from Herbert Schiro asking about allegory in The Lord of the Rings, Tolkien quite angrily dismisses these readings. Much of this...

1958

C. 1958
J.R.R. Tolkien to unknown
#1092


A brief note thanking a fan for their letter about The Lord of the Rings. A typeset of part of the letter exists in the Marquette archives.
Unknown but no earlier than 1958
Rayner Unwin to Marquette University
#1098


This letter, held at the Marquette archives from Rayner Unwin to the archives of The J.R.R. Tolkien Collection concerned corrections for the Return of t...
14 January 1958
Rayner Unwin to J.R.R. Tolkien
#1674


Rayner has found a lady who can index The Lord of the Rings for him, and notes that he has said it is to be in "two parts". One of proper names and one ...
8 April 1958
J.R.R. Tolkien to Rayner Unwin
#580
 Carpenter #206



Tolkien describes in great detail his trip to Rotterdam.
8 April 1958
J.R.R. Tolkien to Rayner Unwin
#581
 Carpenter #207



Tolkien expresses his intent to review the "Story-Line" provided by Zimmerman for the animated film adaptation of The Lord of the Rings. Tolkien indicat...
?11 April–c. 21 April and c. 28 April–5 May 1958
J.R.R. Tolkien to Forrest J. Ackerman
#915


Tolkien had been visited by Forest J. Ackerman in September 1957 (see reference) to discuss a proposed adaptation of The Lord of the Rings. Ackerman sho...
27 May 1958
J.R.R. Tolkien to Rayner Unwin
#1683


Tolkien writes to Rayner Unwin, including a letter with a sheet of answers to be forwarded to Nancy Smith. He has been waylaid by many bothers and will ...
9 June 1958
J.R.R. Tolkien to Forrest J. Ackerman
#584
 Carpenter #210



After receiving the script sent from Morton Grady Zimmerman Tolkien replies with (in parts) stinging criticism. He opens by apologising for sounding irr...
14 October 1958
J.R.R. Tolkien to Rhona Beare
#400
 Carpenter #211



Tolkien responds to questions, explaining the inspiration and meaning behind various elements in The Lord of the Rings. Tolkien concludes by emphasizing...
25 October 1958
J.R.R. Tolkien to Deborah Webster
#340
 Carpenter #213



Tolkien expresses reluctance to divulge personal details but acknowledges some significant facts about himself. He shares personal preferences, includin...

1961

5 January 1961
J.R.R. Tolkien to Mrs E. C. Ossendrijver
#465
 Carpenter #227



Of this letter, a large portion was published as Letter #227 in The Letters of J.R.R. Tolkien. In the opening portion of this letter to Madam Ossendrijv...
16 January 1961
C.S. Lewis to The Swedish Academy
#1661


C.S. Lewis writes to the Swedish Academy. He believes that J.R.R. Tolkien deserves the Nobel Prize in literature and nominates him for the award. A phot...
16 January 1961
L.W. Forster to J.R.R. Tolkien
#2211


Forster writes to Tolkien, thanking him for explaining the contribution of philology to Tolkien's works.
24 January 1961
J.R.R. Tolkien to Allen & Unwin
#603
 Carpenter #228



Tolkien writes about including the Appendices of The Lord of the Rings in translations. Quoted selections from the letter appear in Chronology that are ...
8 June 1961
J.R.R. Tolkien to Rhona Beare
#605
 Carpenter #230



Answering various questions about The Lord of the Rings. A photocopy of original letter with a complete transcript is held at the Marquette archives.
13 November 1961
J.R.R. Tolkien to Paul Barnetson
#486


Tolkien thanks Mr. Barnetson for his letter, He does not consider the book to be based on "German or Icelandic folklore" but says it has a northern air ...
15 November 1961
J.R.R. Tolkien to Jane Neave
#487


Tolkien has been asked to provide more poems to go with 'Tom Bombadil' as the book is too small according to GA&U. He notes that he believed a small vol...
22 November 1961
J.R.R. Tolkien to Jane Neave
#609
 Carpenter #234



Tolkien sends some poems that he is considering for The Adventures of Tom Bombadil. A lecture he gave on fairy stories at St Andrews consolidated his vi...
6 December 1961
J.R.R. Tolkien to Pauline Baynes
#610
 Carpenter #235



Pauline Baynes, who had illustrated Farmer Giles of Ham, had expressed herself willing to provide pictures for The Adventures of Tom Bombadil, and had b...
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. Chronology contains additional quoted material beyond what appea...

1962

12 April 1962
J.R.R. Tolkien to Rayner Unwin
#612
 Carpenter #237



Tolkien discusses progress with The Adventures of Tom Bombadil. Chronology contains additional material quoted beyond what appears in Letters. The origi...
20 July 1962
J.R.R. Tolkien to Alina Dadlez
#614
 Carpenter #239



Writing to Alina Dadlez, Tolkien explains his displeasure at the Spanish translation of 'Hobbit' and remarks back to the "private fancies" of the transl...
21 July 1962
J.R.R. Tolkien to Rayner Unwin
#1477
 Carpenter #239a



Tolkien informs Rayner Unwin that he is now "in residence" until 2 October and will return on 10 October as he is once again involved in term. He is sta...
1 August 1962
J.R.R. Tolkien to Pauline Baynes
#615
 Carpenter #240



Pauline Baynes, who was illustrating The Adventures of Tom Bombadil, pointed out that the typescript of the title poem described Tom as wearing a peacoc...
19 September 1962
J.R.R. Tolkien to Alina Dadlez
#498


Tolkien writes explaining that "I prefer hobitos since it preserves to the eye more relationship to the original word. I do not much mind the h being 'm...
?19 November, 1962
J.R.R. Tolkien to Rayner Unwin
#1479
 Carpenter #241b



In secret, Allen & Unwin had been putting a 'Festschrift' together to present to Tolkien on his 70th birthday. Tolkien writes to to congratulate Rayner ...
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. The original le...
13 December 1962
J.R.R. Tolkien to Norman and Lena Davis
#2143


Tolkien sent Norman and Lena Davis an autographed copy of The Adventures of Tom Bombadil with an inscription and a personalized note. In his note Tolkie...

1963

April 1963
J.R.R. Tolkien to Mr. Charles Huttar
#932


No details of this letter are known. It is held at the Wade.
23 May 1963
J.R.R. Tolkien to Bruce Mitchell
#814


Tolkien discusses various matters on Beowulf. Extracts were published in Bruce Mitchell's book On Old English: Selected Papers and in The J.R.R. Tolkien...
25 June 1963
J.R.R. Tolkien to Rhona Beare
#620
 Carpenter #245



Answers to the following questions: (1) In the ‘English runes’ used for Anglo-Saxon inscriptions, the rune does not stand for G as it does in The Lo...
22 September 1963
J.R.R. Tolkien to Eileen Elgar
#507
 Carpenter #246



Tolkien answers questions about The Lord of the Rings, especially regarding the failure of Frodo. Marquette archives have a partial transcript along wit...
11 October 1963
J.R.R. Tolkien to Joy Hill
#1862


Tolkien writes to his secretary about the American deluxe Hobbit proposal, which had sent him a specimen of artwork from Virgil Finlay. He has some issu...
6 December 1963
J.R.R. Tolkien to Madam Ossendrijver
#513


A brief letter stating that The Silmarillion is not yet complete, but that The Adventures of Tom Bombadil should be coming out soon in America. He compl...
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 ...
25-26 December 1963
J.R.R. Tolkien to Nancy Smith
#511


Tolkien writes on Christmas Day to Nancy Smith who in the 1950s had prepared an index to the Lord of the Rings. He explains he had retrieved her letter ...

1964

17 January 1964
J.R.R. Tolkien to Jocelyn Gibb
#923


No details of this letter are known. It is held at the Wade.
18 January 1964
J.R.R. Tolkien to Justin Arundale
#542


Tolkien replies to Justin Arundale aged ten explaining that the Silmarillion will not be published for some time yet. He closes by asking him to tell hi...
22 January 1964
Jocelyn Gibb to J. R. R. Tolkien
#924


No details of this letter are known. It is held at the Wade.
24 January 1964
J.R.R. Tolkien to Jocelyn Gibb
#925


No details of this letter are known. It is held at the Wade.
29 April 1964
Jocelyn Gibb to J.R.R. Tolkien
#926


No details of this letter are known. It is held at the Wade.
13 May 1964
J.R.R. Tolkien to Colin Bailey
#630
 Carpenter #256



An account of Tolkien’s unfinished story ‘The New Shadow’. Hammond and Scull's Chronology mentions that this letter was started on May 13, but set...
10 July 1964
J.R.R. Tolkien to Mrs. Marcus
#551


In this typed letter with a hand written post script Tolkien discusses the development of The Lord of the Rings saying that Hobbits were not a late addi...
21 August 1964
J.R.R. Tolkien to G. Burke Johnston
#938


Tolkien thanks Dr Johnston for some items that he sent him. It is held at the Wade and contains a handwritten letter and a typed letter.
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 Lord of the...
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...
3 December 1964
Jocelyn Gibb to J.R.R. Tolkien
#927


No details of this letter are known. It is held at the Wade.
15 December 1964
J.R.R. Tolkien to Jocelyn Gibb
#928


Jocelyn Gibb requested any letters from C. S. Lewis that could be included in a forthcoming volume. Tolkien exchanged few letters with C. S. Lewis, as t...
17 December 1964
Jocelyn Gibb to J.R.R. Tolkien
#1165


No details of this letter are known. It is held at the Wade.

1965

24 January 1965
J.R.R. Tolkien to Joan O. Falconer
#575


Tolkien says that "the impression" that Sam is older than Frodo is in part due to the impression of their characters based on background and education. ...
11 February 1965
Edith Tolkien to Sterling Lanier
#587


Edith thanks Sterling Lanier, who had mailed five of his figurines to Professor Tolkien. Tolkien likes some of them, especially the Dwarf.
20 May 1965
Tolkien's Secretary to Nan C. Scott
#943


This is a stock reply letter but Tolkien adds that he is hindered in writing the Silmarillion because of having to revise The Lord of the Rings to fight...
25 May 1965
J.R.R. Tolkien to Rayner Unwin
#645
 Carpenter #271



Tolkien writes about revising The Lord of the Rings. Additional quotes from this letter concerning the revising of Sir Gawain are published in Chronolog...
7 June 1965
J.R.R. Tolkien to Donald Swann
#965


Tolkien writing to Donald Swann mentions a visit from Swann and his wife. The Tolkien's were delighted to spend time with them. The matter of the visit ...
2 July 1965
Donald A. Wollheim to Nan C. Scott
#944


Wollheim tells Scott that he had offered Tolkien a settlement previously, this appears to be an outright lie, one which Tolkien figured out a few weeks ...
15 July 1965
Lovell Thompson to Nan C. Scott
#945


No details of this letter are known but it is almost certainly in regard to the ACE Books edition of The Lord of the Rings. It is held at the Wade.
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.
28 July 1965
J.R.R. Tolkien to Austin Olney
#648
 Carpenter #274



Tolkien discusses revising The Lord of the Rings and the maps. Additional quotes can be found in the Chronology entry for this letter. The original is i...
3 August 1965
J.R.R. Tolkien to The Librarian at Marquette
#699


Tolkien writes to the Librarian at Marquette asking for copies of manuscript materials needed for revising The Lord of the Rings. The original letter wi...
24 August 1965
J.R.R. Tolkien to Rayner Unwin
#1484
 Carpenter #275a



Tolkien apologizes once again for being late in getting work to Rayner, this time revisions on the 3rd edition of The Hobbit. He says that many revision...
14 September 1965
Rayner Unwin to Nan C. Scott
#946


No details are currently known from this letter. It is held at the Wade.
14 September 1965
J.R.R. Tolkien to Donald Swann
#966


Tolkien writes thanking Donald Swann for the tickets to a performance on 18 September. He notes that Priscilla cannot attend but he has asked Dr. Robert...
16 September 1965
J.R.R. Tolkien to Michael George Tolkien
#701


Tolkien writes to his grandson Michael George, clarifying that he is interest in all apsects of Michael's "work and tastes". He says that he may have he...
29 September 1965
J.R.R. Tolkien to Sterling Lanier
#702


Lanier sent Tolkien a copy of Dune by Frank Herbert for which Tolkien ended up owing a bill for the postage. Tolkien was unhappy that he was also charge...
25 October 1965
J.R.R. Tolkien to Nan C. Scott
#947


No details are currently known from this letter. It is held at the Wade.
27 October 1965
J.R.R. Tolkien to Jared C. Lobdell
#1094


No details of this letter are known. It is held with a complete transcript at the Marquette archives.
28 October 1965
J.R.R. Tolkien to Jocelyn Gibb
#929


Tokien sends his thanks to Gibb for sending a copy of the book Light on C.S. Lewis and notes that it says more about the contributors than of Lewis hims...
30 October 1965
J.R.R. Tolkien to J.L.N. O'Loughlin
#709


Tolkien writes saying that while he has read O'Loughlin's article, he does not have the time to say more on it. A description of the letter was included...
8 November 1965
J.R.R. Tolkien to Rayner Unwin
#1010
 Carpenter #280



Tolkien is working on drafts of Sir Gawain and Pearl and finding interesting words and passages that he hopes to write up for academic journals. An expa...
30 November 1965
J.R.R. Tolkien to John Wakeman
#964


Tolkien writes to Wakeman declining an invitation to submit an entry for his new collection, Midcentury Authors. This letter is held at the Wade.
1 December 1965
J.R.R. Tolkien to David Charles Rose
#942


This letter remains unpublished. It is held at the Wade.
9 December 1965
J.R.R. Tolkien to Christine Jones
#712


Tolkien writing thanking Christine Jones for her interest and says that although he found her comments on the ending interesting: "If I answered all the...
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 Thrains wi...
18 December 1965
J.R.R. Tolkien to Clyde S. Kilby
#655
 Carpenter #282



Professor Kilby, of Wheaton College, Illinois, had met Tolkien while visiting Oxford in 1964. He now offered to return to England and help Tolkien in an...
29 December 1965
J.R.R. Tolkien to Rayner Unwin
#1486
 Carpenter #282a



Tolkien shoots down any idea of a "Tolkien Award" by Ace Books, and suspects that this is just a way for them to make themselves feel better about denyi...

1966

10 January 1966
J.R.R. Tolkien to Sterling Lanier
#721


Tolkien thanks Lanier for his letter and other material (a science fiction newsletter) that has reached him by Christmas. Tolkien says he has sent the n...
1 February 1966
J.R.R. Tolkien to William E. Ratliff
#2344


Tolkien is pleased that William liked his works - Tree and Leaf, The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit are mentioned. Tolkien says that libraries in Engl...
14 February 1966
J.R.R. Tolkien to Sterling Lanier
#723


Tolkien thanks Lanier for sending a copy of S.F.W.A. January Bulletin, saying the campaign has worked and Ace has offered acceptable terms. Tolkien cong...
23 February 1966
J.R.R. Tolkien to Donald Swann
#967


Writing to Donald Swann Tolkien mentions a BBC2 broadcast that he will sadly miss. Tolkien mentions he has succeeded in his battle with Ace noting that ...
9 March 1966
J.R.R. Tolkien to Roger Verhulst
#724


Tolkien writes about the publication of a proposed book about him by W.H. Auden. This letter comes shortly after Tolkien had written to W.H. Auden and h...
11 March 1966
J.R.R. Tolkien to Nan C. Scott
#948
 Carpenter #284a



Tolkien informs Scott that Ace Books have been in touch and offered an agreement. He notes that Ace have agreed to not reprint the book once current cop...
17 March 1966
J.R.R. Tolkien to Donald Swann
#968


Writing to Swann, Tolkien gives him an update on plans for Swann's recital at Merton during the Tolkien's Golden Wedding celebrations. He gives some det...
28 March 1966
J.R.R. Tolkien to Donald Swann
#970


Tolkien writes to Donald Swann who had visited the Tolkiens. He and Edith were unwell at the time. A copy of this letter is held at the Wade.
12 April 1966
J.R.R. Tolkien to Mother Mary Anthony
#747


Writing to Mother Anthony, Tolkien says that the "young man 'Williams'" at Oxford working at the University Press was almost certainly Charles Williams....
19 April 1966
J.R.R. Tolkien to Nan C. Scott
#949


Tolkien suggests some days when the Scotts might visit him, as they are currently in London.
9 May 1966
J.R.R. Tolkien to Nan C. Scott
#950


Tolkien had to leave Oxford for the day and is unable to meet with the Scotts. This letter is held at the Wade.
30 May 1966
J.R.R. Tolkien to Nan C. Scott
#951


Tolkien thanks Nan Scott for sending a photograph of them from her visit. It is held at the Wade.
5? July 1966
J.R.R. Tolkien to Clyde S. Kilby
#818


Tolkien thanks Kilby for his visit and apologizes for being busy. On a seperate page, Tolkien includes a three paragraph fragment from the review of an ...
18 July 1966
J.R.R. Tolkien to Nan C. Scott
#952


Tolkien invites her to visit next time she is in Oxford, and he will sign books for her. It is held at the Wade.
26 July 1966
Joy Hill to G.B. Johnson
#939


Joy Hill writes to Professor Johnson who is planning a lecture on Tolkien. She gives him some details on Tolkien's parents and also thanks him for respe...
1 August 1966
J.R.R. Tolkien to Clyde S. Kilby
#819


Tolkien writes says that his son will be out for lunch on Thursday and wonders if he would like to join them.
15 August 1966
J.R.R. Tolkien to Lena de Grummond
#1916


Tolkien responds to Mrs. de Grummond's request for manuscript material. He declines. A brief quote from this letter is reproduced in Chronology. The let...
26 August 1966
J.R.R. Tolkien to Mrs. Webster
#962


Tolkien replies with thanks for the pictures sent of the performance. He will show them to Kilby who attended the performance. The letter is held at the...
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 explains t...
October 1966
J.R.R. Tolkien to Donald Swann and Flanders
#972


No details of this letter are known. It is held at the Wade.
11 October 1966
J.R.R. Tolkien to Clyde S. Kilby
#792
 Carpenter #289b



Mr. and Mrs. Tolkien's Mediterranean cruise. Work on books and manuscripts. Excerpts from the letter have been published in SEVEN, Volume 27 (p. 49). An...
17 October 1966
J.R.R. Tolkien to Lena de Grummond
#1917


Tolkien apologizes for failing to sign his previous letter, and says he might have a moment to find something he could spare to donate to her project, a...
7 November 1966
J.R.R. Tolkien to Gene Wolfe
#485
 Carpenter #290a



Tolkien writes to Gene Wolf about the origin of "Orc" and "Warg".
18 November 1966
J.R.R. Tolkien to Donald Swann
#973


Tolkien invites the Swanns on the 20th December. The might be able to borrow the piano at a neighbor's house. He writes about melody. A photocopy of the...
28 November 1966
J.R.R. Tolkien to Nan C. Scott
#953


No details are currently known from this letter. It is held at the Wade.
15 December 1966
J.R.R. Tolkien to Nan C. Scott
#954


No details are currently known from this letter. It is held at the Wade.
30 December 1966
L.W. Forster to J.R.R. Tolkien
#2210


Forster writes to Tolkien with a copy of an article he is writing on The Lord of the Rings for a German encyclopaedia, to see if hew would like to make ...

1967

1967-68
J.R.R. Tolkien to Dick Plotz
#1095


This letter, as #TCGLetter784 is publishing in part in Vinyar Tengwar 6. More to follow on the contents. It is held at the Marquette archives in the for...
2 January 1967
J.R.R. Tolkien to Otto B. Lindhardt
#795


Tolkien states that his efforts to help translators, or in reading their efforts, has made it clear that the nomenclature of people and places is diffic...
2 January 1967
J.R.R. Tolkien to Charles Huttar
#933


No details of this letter are known. It is held at the Wade.
5 January 1967
J.R.R. Tolkien to Clyde S. Kilby
#901


Tolkien writes thanking Kilby for an article on Barzun and for sending a turkey.
24 January 1967
Rayner Unwin to Austin Olney
#2254


Unwin will show the Maurice Sendak Hobbit artwork to Tolkien in early February, and will try to talk to him about making some embellishments for The Roa...
1 February 1967
J.R.R. Tolkien to Charles Huttar
#934


No details of this letter are known. It is held at the Wade.
8 February 1967
J.R.R. Tolkien to David L. Sands
#796


Tolkien writes to express his approval for the proposed Spanish translation of his works, referring the recipient to contact Allen & Unwin. A photocopy ...
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, rubricate...
22 March 1967
J.R.R. Tolkien to Donald Swann
#976


Tolkien writes to Donald Swann offering transcripts of the Lament and Chant in Elvish script. This letter is held at the Wade.
29 March 1967
J.R.R. Tolkien to Miss M. Felver
#898


Tolkien replies with graitutude for Felver's letter to him. He appreciates fans buying his books, eventually putting some small amount of money in his p...
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...
9 May 1967
J.R.R. Tolkien to Mr [Oscar] Morland
#753


Tolkien writes to British ambassador Oscar Morland thanking him for his typed indexes, and that he will find them very useful when he has time to work o...
14 June 1967
J.R.R. Tolkien to Sister M. Anne
#1163


Replying to a letter from Sister Anne from St. Louis, Tolkien says he has no intention to write a sequel to The Lord of the Rings.
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. A photocopy is held at the ...
21 June 1967
J.R.R. Tolkien to Charles Huttar
#935


No details of this letter are known. It is held at the Wade.
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...
?Late Summer 1967
J.R.R. Tolkien to Clyde S. kilby
#1534


In his letter of late November, Tolkien says that he had begun a letter "some time ago", but this had never been finished and remained unsent. Tolkien i...
4 August 1967
J.R.R. Tolkien to Charles Huttar
#936


No details of this letter are known but Huttar had visited Tolkien on this day (see reference below). The letter is held at the Wade.
9 August 1967
J.R.R. Tolkien to Charles Huttar
#937


No details are known about this letter. It is held at the Wade.
25 August 1967
J.R.R. Tolkien to William E. Ratliff
#2345


William Ratliff had written to Tolkien, presumably about the Hippie movement in the USA (Ratliff published a long article on this topic a few months lat...
11 September 1967
J.R.R. Tolkien to William Luther White
#671
 Carpenter #298



White had written to Tolkien asking for information regarding the Inklings. Tolkien replies with some brief information "from memory". He says that the ...
ca. 3 December 1967
J.R.R. Tolkien to Clyde S. Kilby
#903
 Carpenter #298a



In the Revised edition of Letters, there is brief extract where Tolkien talks about his serious health issues and complains about Joy Hill saying it was...
30 December 1967
J.R.R. Tolkien and Edith Tolkien to Donald Swann
#980


Tolkien apologizes for his delay in replying, due to poor health, and he asks Swann and his wife to visit in January. Tolkien says that "doing nothing a...

1968

7 January 1968
J.R.R. Tolkien to Clyde S. Kilby
#904


Tolkien writes to Kilby with thanks for the turkey and mentions that he recently visited Ready. He is not happy that Ready is writing a book on him, as ...
29 January 1968
J.R.R. Tolkien to Nan C. Scott
#955


No details are currently known from this letter. It is held at the Wade.
12 February 1968
J.R.R. Tolkien to Donald Swann
#981


Tolkien hopes to see Swann on the 14th, but cannot attend a performance of The Road Goes Ever On on the 15th. A photocopy of this letter is held at the ...
1 March 1968
J.R.R. Tolkien to Evelyn B. Byrne
#794


Tolkien was asked to write about his teenage memories and, along with 69 other contributors, this was published in the book Attacks of Taste, compiled a...
8 April 1968
J.R.R. Tolkien to Dick Plotz
#803


Tolkien wrote to the President of the Tolkien Society (of America - Dick Plotz) to express his displeasure at the forthcoming publication The Tolkien Re...
15 April 1968
J.R.R. Tolkien to Clyde S. Kilby
#905


Tolkien writes to Kilby and mentions the book A Mind Awake: An Anothology of C. S. Lewis. He says that it reminded him of good things spread throughout ...
9 May 1968
Phyllis Jenkinson to George Burke Johnston
#940


Tolkien's secretary acknowledges receipt of Johnston's booklet The Poetry of J.R.R. Tolkien. This letter is held at the Wade.
24 May 1968
J.R.R. Tolkien to George Burke Johnston
#804


Tolkien replies to a letter from George Burke Johnston thanking him for his gift and discussing the meaning of 'root' in the Troll's song.
24 May 1968
J.R.R. Tolkien to Mary Fairburn
#689


Mary Fairburn has sent some of her illustrations for The Lord of the Rings. Tolkien really likes them and thinks they could be in an illustrated version...
4 June 1968
J.R.R. Tolkien to Clyde S. Kilby
#677
 Carpenter #304



Tolkien writes about his move to the South Coast of England. In a portion that remains unpublished, Tolkien also spends some time complaining about Will...
2 August 1968
J.R.R. Tolkien to Robert Havard
#805


Tolkien complains about how the movers took advantage of Edith's health and did a bad job, for example putting furniture in the wrong rooms. Tolkien him...
9 August 1968?
J.R.R. Tolkien to Robert Havard
#931


No details of this letter are known. It is held at the Wade.
15 October 1968
J.R.R. Tolkien to Jared C. Lobdell
#1096


No details of this letter are currently known. It is held at the Marquette archives along with a complete transcript.

1970

Summer or Autumn 1970
J.R.R. Tolkien to Mr Wood
#278


Tolkien writes to Mr Wood and sends three copies of his signature on cards, stating that he should keep one for himself.
8 June 1970
Joy Hill to John Boorman
#2079


Joy Hill writes to filmmaker John Boorman at Tolkien's request. Tolkien is sorry that Boorman has been ill, and hopes that Boorman will be able to visit...
15 June 1970
John Boorman to Joy Hill
#2074


John Boorman writes to Tolkien's secretary, apologizing for not being able to meet in person with Professor Tolkien and their mutual friend Father Magui...
15 June 1970
John Boorman to John Maguire
#2082


John Boorman writes to his friend, the Reverend John Maguire of the Reading University Catholic Chaplaincy, who knows Tolkien. The three men had been pl...
19 June 1970
Joy Hill to John Boorman
#2084


Joy Hill has read Boorman's letter to Tolkien over the phone, and Tolkien hopes Boorman is now feeling better and looks forward to meeting him. He will ...
25 June 1970
John Boorman to Joy Hill
#2075


Boorman thanks Joy Hill for writing , and offers to come visit her in the George Allen & Unwin offices on the 13th of July. He would love to talk to her...
25 June 1970
John Boorman to John Maguire
#2083


Boorman writes to Father Maguire. Boorman has arranged to meet up with Tolkien in August, sadly when Maguire is out of town. Boorman will let him know h...
28 July 1970
John Boorman to Joy Hill
#2076


Boorman apologizes for not being able to meet with Joy Hill during his visit to London. He was too busy dealing with United Artists and the launch of hi...
31 July 1970
Joy Hill to John Boorman
#2085


Joy Hill writes to confirm scheduling just discussed in a phone call. Boorman will meet with Rayner Unwin on Monday 17th August, and Tolkien in Bournemo...
14 August 1970
John Boorman to Joy Hill
#2073


Boorman writes to Tolkien's secretary (in her role as Press Officer for George Allen & Unwin), saying that he had hoped United Artists would have greenl...
17 August 1970
Joy Hill to John Boorman
#2080


Joy Hill thanks Boorman for letting her know that United Artists haven't greenlit the film yet. She looks forward to hearing when the project is ready, ...
11 September 1970
J.R.R. Tolkien to Robert Burchfield
#279
 Carpenter #316



Tolkien discusses an O.E.D. dictionary definition of Hobbit.

1972

1972
J.R.R. Tolkien to ? Braun
#1659


Noted only as "Letter to a member of the Braun family, 1972. MS. Braun 158, folder 2 (38). Braun archive given to the library in tranches, 2010-2017." t...
2 February 1972
J.R.R. Tolkien to Ed Meskys
#829


Tolkien writes to Ed Meskys to offer his sympathy for Meskys "afflictions". He also thanks him for the support offered by the Tolkien Society , of which...
8 June 1972
Public Orator to Oxford University
#1099


From Marquette: "Speech by the Public Orator," speech given at the presentation of an honorary Degree of Doctor of Letters to J. R. R. Tolkien by Oxford...
11 June 1972
J.R.R. Tolkien to Robert Burchfield
#310


Tolkien writes to Robert Burchfield profusely apologising about not returning one of Robert's books, Kentish Place-names by J.K. Wallenberg.
30 June 1972 (published 4 July)
J.R.R. Tolkien to The Daily Telegraph
#49
 Carpenter #339



Tolkien writes to the Daily Telegraph newspaper about an editorial which they published on the 29th June 1972. He objects to having his name used as an ...
27 July 1972
J.R.R. Tolkien to Help the Aged Housing Association (Tolkien's Desk)
#833


Tolkien's desk where he wrote parts of The Lord of the Rings and entirety of The Hobbit, so said by Tolkien himself. A photocopy of the letter with a co...
21 November 1972
J.R.R. Tolkien to Sterling Lanier
#436
 Carpenter #343



Tolkien describes his use for a drinking goblet sent to him, inscribed with the One Ring inscription. Published (in part) as letter 343 from The Letters...
23 November 1972
J.R.R. Tolkien to Edmund Meskys
#437
 Carpenter #344



Tolkien talks about numerals in The Lord of the Rings. A photocopy with a complete transcript is held at the Marquette archives.
17 December 1972
J.R.R. Tolkien to Richard Jeffery
#384
 Carpenter #347



A reply to the following questions: (1) Does ‘Speak, friend, and enter’ (the inscription over Moria Gate) mean ‘Speak as a friend’, i.e. in a fr...
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