Letters 
Letter Tags
Letter Tags
Guide to Tolkien's Letters
Marquette Archives
(68 letters match)1943
29 January 1943
J.R.R. Tolkien to J.L.N. O'Loughlin
Tolkien writes a letter to J.L.N. O’Loughlin. He is currently organising courses for the Navy and Air Force cadets. At a board meeting which Tolkien d...
Tolkien writes a letter to J.L.N. O’Loughlin. He is currently organising courses for the Navy and Air Force cadets. At a board meeting which Tolkien d...
1945
10-11 February 1945
🖼
🖼
J.R.R. Tolkien to The Catholic Herald
In this long letter, Tolkien discusses the derivations of convent and Coventry. The letter was published in The Catholic Herald, 23 February 1945, and e...
In this long letter, Tolkien discusses the derivations of convent and Coventry. The letter was published in The Catholic Herald, 23 February 1945, and e...
15 May 1945
J.R.R. Tolkien to Florence (Michal) Williams
Letters #99
Tolkien sent his heart out in sympathy. He had grown to admire and love her husband and was more grieved than he could express. Father Gervase Mathew wo...
Tolkien sent his heart out in sympathy. He had grown to admire and love her husband and was more grieved than he could express. Father Gervase Mathew wo...
1947
undated but likely 1947
J.R.R. Tolkien to Adrian
Tolkien writes to Adrian after he had visited Cambridge. Nothing else is known and the letter is undated but he visited Cambs in 1947. The original lett...
Tolkien writes to Adrian after he had visited Cambridge. Nothing else is known and the letter is undated but he visited Cambs in 1947. The original lett...
26 September 1947
🖼
🖼
J.R.R. Tolkien to Jennifer Paxman
Tolkien writes to Jennifer with some advice on an Oxford College, and errors in The Hobbit. A description of the letter appeared in The J.R.R. Tolkien C...
Tolkien writes to Jennifer with some advice on an Oxford College, and errors in The Hobbit. A description of the letter appeared in The J.R.R. Tolkien C...
1948
18 January 1948
🖼
🖼
J.R.R. Tolkien to J.L.N. O'Loughlin
Tolkien had received a parcel, he thanks OLoughlin and confirms it arrived safely. Tolkien has been very busy and had flu recently, hence his delayed re...
Tolkien had received a parcel, he thanks OLoughlin and confirms it arrived safely. Tolkien has been very busy and had flu recently, hence his delayed re...
1955
28 July 1955
🖼
🖼
J.R.R. Tolkien to Mrs. Dixey
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 Dixey will enjoy reading the as yet unpublished Return of the King, telling her that there are about 100 pages of appendices.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...
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...
22 October 1955
🖼
🖼
J.R.R. Tolkien to Mr. Mitchell
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...
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
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...
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...
2 December 1955
🖼
🖼
J.R.R. Tolkien to Elizabeth Jennings
Tolkien congratulates Jennings on the publication of her poetry book A Way of Looking and discusses the merits of W.H. Audens Shield of Achilles, and me...
Tolkien congratulates Jennings on the publication of her poetry book A Way of Looking and discusses the merits of W.H. Audens Shield of Achilles, and me...
21 December 1955
J.R.R. Tolkien to Mrs Rachael Feichtmeir
This is a two page letter. This letter remains unpublished and little is known beyond one extract, Tolkien says that One must write to a map in being or...
This is a two page letter. This letter remains unpublished and little is known beyond one extract, Tolkien says that One must write to a map in being or...
1956
8 March 1956
🖼
🖼
J.R.R. Tolkien to William Galbraith
Among many subjects Tolkien discusses the unfinished index and The Silmarillion. Numenor, echoes of past tales. Tunes for poems. The geography of Tolkie...
Among many subjects Tolkien discusses the unfinished index and The Silmarillion. Numenor, echoes of past tales. Tunes for poems. The geography of Tolkie...
12-13 April 1956
🖼
🖼
J.R.R. Tolkien to William Galbraith
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...
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 Mr Earle
Written shortly after the publication of his new trilogy, Tolkiens letter comprises a thoughtful reply to a fan, Mr. Earle, who evidently was so excited...
Written shortly after the publication of his new trilogy, Tolkiens letter comprises a thoughtful reply to a fan, Mr. Earle, who evidently was so excited...
16 April 1956
J.R.R. Tolkien to H [Humphrey]. Cotton Minchin
Letters #187
Tolkien describes himself as a philologist, and sometime calligrapher. An index of Elvish names was intended to be produced, noting that his specialist ...
Tolkien describes himself as a philologist, and sometime calligrapher. An index of Elvish names was intended to be produced, noting that his specialist ...
1957
9 June 1957
🖼
🖼
J.R.R. Tolkien to William Ready
Tolkien sends his apologies for having not replied to William Readys letter, or to an invitation from the director of the Marquette Department of Englis...
Tolkien sends his apologies for having not replied to William Readys letter, or to an invitation from the director of the Marquette Department of Englis...
5 August 1957
J.R.R. Tolkien to Jerome W. Archer
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...
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
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...
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
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...
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...
17 November 1957
🖼
🖼
J.R.R. Tolkien to Herbert Schiro
Letters #203
In response to a letter from Herbert Schiro asking about allegory in The Lord of the Rings, with comparisons as five wizards = five senses, and Orcs are...
In response to a letter from Herbert Schiro asking about allegory in The Lord of the Rings, with comparisons as five wizards = five senses, and Orcs are...
1958
C. 1958
J.R.R. Tolkien to unknown
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.
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
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...
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...
?11 April–c. 21 April and c. 28 April–5 May 1958
J.R.R. Tolkien to Forrest J. Ackerman
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...
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...
9 June 1958
J.R.R. Tolkien to Forrest J. Ackerman
Letters #210
After receiving the script sent from Morton Grady Zimmerman Tolkien replies with (in parts) stinging criticism. He opens by apologising for sounding irr...
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
Letters #211
Covering more than six pages, Tolkien replied to several questions asked by Rhona Beare. A draft of this letter was included as Letter 212. Sam chanted ...
Covering more than six pages, Tolkien replied to several questions asked by Rhona Beare. A draft of this letter was included as Letter 212. Sam chanted ...
25 October 1958
J.R.R. Tolkien to Deborah Webster
Letters #213
Tolkien says he does not like giving facts about himself, other than dry ones. Not only for personal reasons but Tolkien says he dislikes contemporary c...
Tolkien says he does not like giving facts about himself, other than dry ones. Not only for personal reasons but Tolkien says he dislikes contemporary c...
1959
21? February 1959
J.R.R. Tolkien to William Ready
Tolkien makes arrangements for the transfer of money regarding the purchase of his manuscripts of The Lord of the Rings. The original letter in the form...
Tolkien makes arrangements for the transfer of money regarding the purchase of his manuscripts of The Lord of the Rings. The original letter in the form...
5 March 1959
J.R.R. Tolkien to William Ready
Tolkien writes with gratitude regarding Readys arrangement of the purchase by the Marquette University of Tolkiens manuscripts for The Lord of the Rings...
Tolkien writes with gratitude regarding Readys arrangement of the purchase by the Marquette University of Tolkiens manuscripts for The Lord of the Rings...
1960
7 January 1960
🖼
🖼
J.R.R. Tolkien to Mr. K.F. Mawson
A fascinating letter on the labors of producing his iconic work, concluding with a humorous aside on real-life namesakes of his famous characters. A pho...
A fascinating letter on the labors of producing his iconic work, concluding with a humorous aside on real-life namesakes of his famous characters. A pho...
1961
5 January 1961
🖼
🖼
J.R.R. Tolkien to Mrs E. C. Ossendrijver
Letters #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...
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...
8 June 1961
🖼
🖼
J.R.R. Tolkien to Rhona Beare
Letters #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.
Answering various questions about The Lord of the Rings. A photocopy of original letter with a complete transcript is held at the Marquette archives.
15 November 1961
🖼
🖼
J.R.R. Tolkien to Jane Neave
Tolkien has been asked to provide more poems to go with Tom Bombadil as the book is too small: A description of the letter appeared in The J.R.R. Tolkie...
Tolkien has been asked to provide more poems to go with Tom Bombadil as the book is too small: A description of the letter appeared in The J.R.R. Tolkie...
22 November 1961
J.R.R. Tolkien to Jane Neave
Letters #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...
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...
1963
25 June 1963
J.R.R. Tolkien to Rhona Beare
Letters #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...
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
Letters #246
Tolkien answers questions about The Lord of the Rings, especially regarding the failure of Frodo. An excerpt from the letter has appeared in Sothebys En...
Tolkien answers questions about The Lord of the Rings, especially regarding the failure of Frodo. An excerpt from the letter has appeared in Sothebys En...
6 December 1963
J.R.R. Tolkien to Madam Ossendrijver
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...
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...
25-26 December 1963
🖼
🖼
J.R.R. Tolkien to Nancy Smith
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 ...
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
18 January 1964
🖼
🖼
J.R.R. Tolkien to Justin Arundale
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...
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...
10 July 1964
🖼
🖼
J.R.R. Tolkien to Mrs. Marcus
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...
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...
11 November 1964
J.R.R. Tolkien to Clyde S. Kilby
Tolkien replies to questions about how the manuscripts of The Lord of the Rings and Mr. Bliss were sold to Marquette University. Excerpts from this lett...
Tolkien replies to questions about how the manuscripts of The Lord of the Rings and Mr. Bliss were sold to Marquette University. Excerpts from this lett...
1965
24 January 1965
J.R.R. Tolkien to Joan O. Falconer
Replying to Falconers letter of 17 January, Tolkien discusses Sam Gamgees character in The Lord of the Rings. Excerpts have been published in Mythprint ...
Replying to Falconers letter of 17 January, Tolkien discusses Sam Gamgees character in The Lord of the Rings. Excerpts have been published in Mythprint ...
11 February 1965
🖼
🖼
Edith Tolkien to Sterling Lanier
Edith thanks Sterling Lanier, who had mailed five of his figurines to Professor Tolkien. Tolkien likes some of them, especially the Dwarf.
Edith thanks Sterling Lanier, who had mailed five of his figurines to Professor Tolkien. Tolkien likes some of them, especially the Dwarf.
3 August 1965
J.R.R. Tolkien to The Librarian at Marquette
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...
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...
29 September 1965
🖼
🖼
J.R.R. Tolkien to Sterling Lanier
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...
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...
27 October 1965
J.R.R. Tolkien to Jared C. Lobdell
No details of this letter are known. It is held with a complete transcript at the Marquette archives.
No details of this letter are known. It is held with a complete transcript at the Marquette archives.
30 October 1965
J.R.R. Tolkien to J.L.N. O'Loughlin
Tolkien replies saying that he has read OLoughlins article but he does not have time to provide a commentary for it. A description of the letter was inc...
Tolkien replies saying that he has read OLoughlins article but he does not have time to provide a commentary for it. A description of the letter was inc...
9 December 1965
J.R.R. Tolkien to Christine Jones
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 ...
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 ...
1966
10 January 1966
🖼
🖼
J.R.R. Tolkien to Sterling Lanier
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...
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...
14 February 1966
🖼
🖼
J.R.R. Tolkien to Sterling Lanier
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...
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...
7 November 1966
🖼
🖼
J.R.R. Tolkien to Gene Wolfe
Letters #290a
Tolkien writes to Gene Wolf about the origin of Orc and Warg
Tolkien writes to Gene Wolf about the origin of Orc and Warg
1967
8 February 1967
J.R.R. Tolkien to David L. Sands
Tolkien writes to express his approval for the proposed Spanish translation of his works, referring the recipient to contact Allen & Unwin. A photocopy ...
Tolkien writes to express his approval for the proposed Spanish translation of his works, referring the recipient to contact Allen & Unwin. A photocopy ...
29 March 1967
J.R.R. Tolkien to Miss M. Felver
Tolkien replies with graitutude for Felvers letter to him. He appreciates fans buying his books, eventually putting some small amount of money in his po...
Tolkien replies with graitutude for Felvers letter to him. He appreciates fans buying his books, eventually putting some small amount of money in his po...
9 May 1967
🖼
🖼
J.R.R. Tolkien to Mr [Oscar] Morland
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...
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...
1968
8 April 1968
🖼
🖼
J.R.R. Tolkien to Dick Plotz
Tolkien wrote to the President of the Tolkien Society (of America - Dick Plotz) to express his displeasure at the forthcoming publication The Tolkien Re...
Tolkien wrote to the President of the Tolkien Society (of America - Dick Plotz) to express his displeasure at the forthcoming publication The Tolkien Re...
24 May 1968
🖼
🖼
J.R.R. Tolkien to Mary Fairburn
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...
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...
2 August 1968
J.R.R. Tolkien to Robert Havard
Tolkien complains about how the movers took advantage of Ediths health and did a bad job, for example putting furniture in the wrong rooms. Tolkien hims...
Tolkien complains about how the movers took advantage of Ediths health and did a bad job, for example putting furniture in the wrong rooms. Tolkien hims...
15 October 1968
J.R.R. Tolkien to Jared C. Lobdell
No details of this letter are currently known. It is held at the Marquette archives along with a complete transcript.
No details of this letter are currently known. It is held at the Marquette archives along with a complete transcript.
1970
1967-68
J.R.R. Tolkien to Dick Plotz
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...
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...
1972
2 February 1972
J.R.R. Tolkien to Ed Meskys
This letters contents is currently unknown. The letter is held at the Marion E. Wade Center and a photocopy with a complete transcript are held at the M...
This letters contents is currently unknown. The letter is held at the Marion E. Wade Center and a photocopy with a complete transcript are held at the M...
8 June 1972
Public Orator to Oxford University
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 U...
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 U...
30 June 1972 (published 4 July)
🖼
🖼
J.R.R. Tolkien to The Daily Telegraph
Letters #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 ...
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)
Tolkiens 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 com...
Tolkiens 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 com...
21 November 1972
🖼
🖼
J.R.R. Tolkien to Sterling Lanier
Letters #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...
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
Letters #344
Tolkien talks about numerals in The Lord of the Rings. A photocopy with a complete transcript is held at the Marquette archives.
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
Letters #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...
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...
1973
24 January 1973
🖼
🖼
J.R.R. Tolkien to Sterling Lanier
Letters #347b
Tolkien writes, thanking Lanier for the book The War for the Lot by Lanier himself. Tolkien says that he found it quite original, and frightening. Tolki...
Tolkien writes, thanking Lanier for the book The War for the Lot by Lanier himself. Tolkien says that he found it quite original, and frightening. Tolki...
28 July 1973
J.R.R. Tolkien to Professor Campbell
Tolkien thanks Campbell for academic events of July 11th and 12th which he enjoyed, both the feasting and ceremonies. There was much alcohol and Tolkien...
Tolkien thanks Campbell for academic events of July 11th and 12th which he enjoyed, both the feasting and ceremonies. There was much alcohol and Tolkien...
0
19