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Guide to Tolkien's Letters


X

The lord of the Rings

(434 letters match)

1938

1 February 1938
J.R.R. Tolkien to C.A. Furth (Allen & Unwin Ltd.)
#24
 Carpenter #21



Originally published as just a fragment of a letter, asking if Rayner Unwin was interested to read the "sequel to The Hobbit". In the revised 2023 editi...
4 February 1938
J.R.R. Tolkien to C.A. Furth
#25
 Carpenter #22



Tolkien sends to his publisher, the first chapter of a new book, the sequel to The Hobbit. ‘A Long-expected Party’, the first chapter of this book, ...
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't ...
18 February 1938
J.R.R. Tolkien to Stanley Unwin
#27
 Carpenter #24



In this two page handwritten letter, Tolkien thanks Unwin's son Rayner for his positive feedback on the first chapter of the new book, "A Long-Expected ...
4 March 1938
J.R.R. Tolkien to Stanley Unwin
#30
 Carpenter #26



Tolkien writes to Stanley Unwin about C.S. Lewis's Out of the Silent Planet and gives him an update on progress with the sequel to The Hobbit. He also m...
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...
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...
13 October 1938
J.R.R. Tolkien to Stanley Unwin
#38
 Carpenter #34



In this letter to Stanley Unwin, J.R.R. Tolkien discusses his recent intense work on a sequel to The Hobbit, which has reached Chapter XI. He expresses ...

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....
2 February 1939
J.R.R. Tolkien to C.A. Furth
#39
 Carpenter #35



Writing to C.A. Furth, Tolkien offers an update with his work on The Lord of the Rings. He has not worked on since December but feels it is a better wor...
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 ready a w...
11 February 1939
C.A. Furth to J.R.R. Tolkien
#2176


Furth informs Tolkien that he has told the German publisher that he (Tolkien) wishes to see a proof of the translation of The Hobbit before going to pri...
21 June 1939
Stanley Unwin to J.R.R. Tolkien
#2178


Stanley Unwin writing to Tolkien, asks for an update on his progress with The Lord of the Rings.
11 November 1939
C.S. Lewis to W.H. Lewis
#2185


Tolkien and other members of the Inklings meet at the Eastgate Hotel on 9 November. Lewis gives details on the night to his brother Warren. Among readin...
19 December 1939
J.R.R. Tolkien to Stanley Unwin
#52
 Carpenter #37



Tolkien, writing to Stanley Unwin, expresses gratitude for the kind note and apologizes for his neglectful correspondence due to personal and health iss...
28 December 1939
Stanley Unwin to J.R.R. Tolkien
#2191


Stanley Unwin replies to Tolkien's letter of 19 December. He says that it would be a relief to receive Tolkien's work on the Clark Hall Beowulf, remarki...

1944

Before March 1944
J.R.R. Tolkien to Christopher Tolkien
#1523


No details of this letter are known except for the note in #TCGLetter1033 that says Tolkien now knows that Christopher had received the "fotobriefs" in ...
30 March 1944
J.R.R. Tolkien to Christopher Tolkien
#91
 Carpenter #57



Tolkien had an outing, seeing the two Lewis brothers and having lunch with C.S. Lewis. During the meeting, Lewis read part of a new story.
3 April 1944
J.R.R. Tolkien to Christopher Tolkien
#92
 Carpenter #58



Tolkien recounts recent events, including a cycle ride to Pembroke, a train journey to Birmingham, and a visit to his hometown. During the train journey...
5 April 1944
J.R.R. Tolkien to Christopher Tolkien
#93
 Carpenter #59



Tolkien shares his commitment to completing The Lord of the Rings, expressing the challenges of re-reading and researching while working on the adventur...
8 April 1944
J.R.R. Tolkien to Christopher Tolkien
#1033
 Carpenter #59a



Tolkien writes to Christopher and mentions him sitting in his garden on a beautiful night around 2 a.m. Tolkien had struggled that day with a chapter an...
13 April 1944 (continued on 15 April)
J.R.R. Tolkien to Christopher Tolkien
#94
 Carpenter #60



Tolkien expresses gratitude for a recently received airletter, shares updates about writing progress on The Lord of the Rings and mentions spending time...
18 April 1944
J.R.R. Tolkien to Christopher Tolkien
#95
 Carpenter #61



Tolkien expresses joy at receiving a batch of letters and, discusses the distressing but unsurprising uncensored accounts of Christopher's experiences, ...
23 April 1944
J.R.R. Tolkien to Christopher Tolkien
#96
 Carpenter #62



Tolkien gives Christopher an update on his progess on The Two Towers, the second book of The Lord of the Rings. He has read the second chapter, "Passage...
24 April 1944 (continued 26 April)
J.R.R. Tolkien to Christopher Tolkien
#97
 Carpenter #63



Tolkien had received an airletter from Christopher that morning and he read it while enjoying breakfast in bed. He describes the events of St. George's ...
30 April 1944
J.R.R. Tolkien to Christopher Tolkien
#98
 Carpenter #64



Tolkien writes of his longing and concern for Christopher in the midst of war, reflecting on human suffering and the senselessness of conflict. Despite ...
4 May 1944
J.R.R. Tolkien to Christopher Tolkien
#99
 Carpenter #65



Having read another chapter to C.S. Lewis, Tolkien is now writing the next, and will send Christopher copies as soon as possible.
6 May 1944
J.R.R. Tolkien to Christopher Tolkien
#100
 Carpenter #66



Tolkien responds to Christopher's letters and acknowledges the challenges and frustrations of life in the military camp during the war. He empathizes wi...
11 May 1944
J.R.R. Tolkien to Christopher Tolkien
#101
 Carpenter #67



Tolkien completed a fourth new chapter titled 'Faramir,' which received approval from C.S. Lewis and Charles Williams. He notes that he attended church ...
12 May 1944
J.R.R. Tolkien to Christopher Tolkien
#102
 Carpenter #68



Tolkien spent a morning writing The Lord of the Rings and is now in sight of Minas Morghul. He has been gardening in the midday heat. he expresses his r...
14 May 1944
J.R.R. Tolkien to Christopher Tolkien
#103
 Carpenter #69



Writing to Christopher, Tolkien updates him on his progress writing The Lord of the Rings. He had needed to sort the study, and "attend to business". He...
21 May 1944
J.R.R. Tolkien to Christopher Tolkien
#104
 Carpenter #70



Tolkien apologizes for the lapse in correspondence. He gives an update on writing of The Lord of the Rings. He reads for Lewis and Williams and both men...
25 May 1944
J.R.R. Tolkien to Christopher Tolkien
#142
 Carpenter #71



Tolkien expresses gratitude for the letters he has received from Christopher and briefly mentions an inclination to envy his time in the hills. Tolkien ...
31 May 1944
J.R.R. Tolkien to Christopher Tolkien
#143
 Carpenter #72



Writing to Christopher with an update on recent happenings. He had dinner in college and notes that "the three old gents" were very easy to talk to. Lew...
10 June 1944
J.R.R. Tolkien to Christopher Tolkien
#144
 Carpenter #73



Tolkien acknowledges receiving Christopher's air letter and briefly mentions the weather. He provide updates on recent activities, including efforts in ...
29 June 1944
J.R.R. Tolkien to Stanley Unwin
#145
 Carpenter #74



Stanley Unwin had sent Tolkien a large cheque as payment of royalties on The Hobbit, and mentions that Rayner is now at Oxford reading English. Tolkien ...
7 July 1944
J.R.R. Tolkien to Christopher Tolkien
#1396
 Carpenter #74a



Writing to Christopher, Tolkien gives news of C.S. Lewis and his need for an operation to remove some shrapnel, which he says must have been in his arm ...
31 July 1944
J.R.R. Tolkien to Christopher Tolkien
#166
 Carpenter #77



Tolkien reports in a newly published portion that he had received Christopher's airletter of 24 July. He says that his day on Friday was “grim”, as ...
12 August 1944
J.R.R. Tolkien to Christopher Tolkien
#167
 Carpenter #78



Tolkien responds to Christopher's letters, encouraging openness about details of his life. He offers support for navigating challenges and express the n...
19 September 1944
J.R.R. Tolkien to G.E. Selby
#120


Tolkien sends a postcard with greetings to Selby. He also notes that Priscilla, his daughter, is typing early chapters of The Lord of the Rings, which h...
19 September 1944
J.R.R. Tolkien to G.E. Selby
#1397
 Carpenter #80a



Tolkien writes to G.E. Selby, a family friend agreeing to act as a referee for his application to a post. In a newly published extract, of this previous...
23-25 September 1944
J.R.R. Tolkien to Christopher Tolkien
#170
 Carpenter #81



Tolkien expresses joy at receiving an airgraph before Christopher's departure to Standerton. He discusses the progress of the chapters and promises to s...
30 September 1944
J.R.R. Tolkien to Christopher Tolkien
#171
 Carpenter #82



Engaged in revision, Tolkien reflects on the chapter "King of the Golden Hall" and finds it to be rather good with the perspective of time.
12 October 1944
J.R.R. Tolkien to Christopher Tolkien
#173
 Carpenter #84



Tolkien has discovered a severe problem in timing for events in The Lord of the Rings, and will require much work to fix. He has sent a copy of Leaf by ...
16 October 1944
J.R.R. Tolkien to Christopher Tolkien
#174
 Carpenter #85



The timeline for The Lord of the Rings is giving Tolkien trouble, but with some small changes to the map and a few extra days here and there seem to hav...
25 October 1944
J.R.R. Tolkien to Christopher Tolkien
#176
 Carpenter #87



Tolkien sends the last two chapters of the fourth book of The Lord of the Rings, and quotes from a letter he has received from a fan who has read The Ho...
29 October 1944
C.S. Lewis to Charles A. Brady
#1924


Writing to Charles Brady, C. S. Lewis makes mention of Tolkien and his Hobbit books. He mentions that a sequel to the Hobbit will soon be finished. He d...
29 November 1944
J.R.R. Tolkien to Christopher Tolkien
#216
 Carpenter #91



Tolkien sends a small consignment of "The Ring," consisting of the last two chapters that have been written and the end of the Fourth Book. The hero is ...
4 December 1944
J.R.R. Tolkien to Christopher Tolkien
#1402
 Carpenter #91b



Tolkien opens with the news that he has finished his Beowulf lectures . He has neglected academic matters in favour of working out the time-schemes and ...
10 December 1944
J.R.R. Tolkien to Christopher Tolkien
#1403
 Carpenter #91c



Tolkien has given himself an early Christmas gift in the form of a new pruner for the garden, and gives a humorous description of his cycling to the gar...
24 December 1944
J.R.R. Tolkien to Christopher Tolkien
#218
 Carpenter #93



Tolkien expresses joy that Christopher enjoyed the next three chapters of "The Ring" and provides information about the schedule for sending the remaini...
28 December 1944
J.R.R. Tolkien to Christopher Tolkien
#219
 Carpenter #94



Tolkien is happy to get so many letters from Christopher, and is very pleased that the third batch of Ring material has gotten to Christopher and that h...

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...
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...
7 April 1948
J.R.R. Tolkien to Hugh Brogan
#266
 Carpenter #114



Tolkien expresses pleasure that Brogan enjoyed "The Hobbit" and mentions his ongoing work on a longer piece set in the same world, providing details abo...
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...
31 October 1948
J.R.R. Tolkien to Hugh Brogan
#269
 Carpenter #117



Success! declares Tolkien. He has completed The Lord of the Rings and having been read by Rayner Unwin is approved. He does not think it will make any m...
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...

1949

28 February 1949
J.R.R. Tolkien to Allen & Unwin Ltd.
#271
 Carpenter #119



Tolkien declares to GA&U that he does not have the time to retype Farmer Giles of Ham, nor does he feel that it is required. He remarks that the typing ...
11 March 1949
J.R.R. Tolkien to Miss Turnbull
#133


Tolkien notes that he has a shory story to be published shortly, Farmer Giles of Ham and says that he has completed The Lord of the Rings.
4 April 1949 (postmark)
Hugh Brogan to J.R.R. Tolkien
#2055


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...
4 June 1949
J.R.R. Tolkien to Pauline Baynes
#134


Tolkien replies stating he is very pleased at the illustrations for Farmer Giles of Ham. He says that after seeing the images, his friends, "very justly...
13 July 1949
J.R.R. Tolkien to Allen & Unwin Ltd.
#273
 Carpenter #121



Tolkien discusses the progress of Farmer Giles and hints that the final draft of Lord of the Rings could be done something with.
27 October 1949
C.S. Lewis to J.R.R. Tolkien
#908


Lewis writes to Tolkien after reading The Lord of the Rings giving Tolkien high praise and feedback. The entire letter is published in volume two of Lew...
12 November 1949
J.R.R. Tolkien to Miss R.W. How
#135


Tolkien notes the progress with having two large books, one being The Lord of the Rings, published. It has been accepted and is almost finished. Hammond...
18 December 1949
J.R.R. Tolkien to Mrs. Naomi Mitchison
#136
 Carpenter #122



A two page letter (single 5.5 x 7 inch sheet, both sides) in response to Mrs. Mitchison's praise of Farmer Giles of Ham. Tolkien mentions that FG was re...

1950

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 burdoning him with ...
24 February 1950
J.R.R. Tolkien to Stanley Unwin
#276
 Carpenter #124



Tolkien writes to Stanley Unwin, mentioning various topics but chief among them is The Lord of the Rings. Stranded without a publisher, and the work now...
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 the Rings and The...
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 of one volume and gives some fi...
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 ...
4 September 1950
J.R.R. Tolkien to Hugh Brogan
#1415
 Carpenter #128a



Writing to Hugh Brogan, Tolkien notes that he does not know what is happening with The Lord of the Rings which he had hoped would be published this year...

1952

22 June 1952
J.R.R. Tolkien to Rayner Unwin
#315
 Carpenter #133



Rayner Unwin had written to Tolkien about 'Errantry' and this gave Tolkien an opportunity to see if he could get The Lord of the Rings published by Geor...
7 August 1952
J.R.R. Tolkien to George Sayer
#157


In 1937, at the urging of his publishers, Tolkien began writing "a new Hobbit." Due to his full-time academic position, progress was slow, and he abando...
10 August 1952
J.R.R. Tolkien to Moira Sayer
#158


Tolkien writes a letter to Moira Sayer concerning the second half of The Lord of the Rings. Quotes appear in Christie's 20th Century Books and Manuscrip...
29 August 1952
J.R.R. Tolkien to Rayner Unwin
#350
 Carpenter #134



Tolkien expresses his eagerness to publish The Lord of the Rings as soon as possible. Tolkien plans to spend some days correcting the manuscript at his ...
24 October 1952
J.R.R. Tolkien to Rayner Unwin
#351
 Carpenter #135



Tolkien expresses regret for producing a substantial work like The Lord of the Rings during challenging times. He expresses gratitude for the recipient'...
10 November 1952
Rayner Unwin to J.R.R. Tolkien
#1355


Rayner Unwin writing to Tolkien gives him the welcome news that they have decided to publish The Lord of the Rings. They will take the unusual approach ...
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.

1953

8 March 1953
J.R.R. Tolkien to George Sayer
#159


Tolkien has not supplied Sayer with a copy of The Lord of the Rings as yet.
later in March 1953 (see letter dated 8 March)
J.R.R. Tolkien to George Sayer
#160


An undated letter from later in March contains a new plea for help, this time in writing a publicity blurb for The Lord of the Rings.
24 March 1953
J.R.R. Tolkien to Rayner Unwin
#352
 Carpenter #136



Tolkien writes to Rayner Unwin about the challenges he's faced leading up to the contract day for The Lord of the Rings. He is also concerned about Edit...
11 April 1953
J.R.R. Tolkien to Rayner Unwin
#353
 Carpenter #137



Tolkien apologizes for the delay in sending the revised manuscript for The Lord of the Rings. His move was incredibly challenging. Tolkien has finally c...
5 June 1953
J.R.R. Tolkien to Rayner Unwin
#1424
 Carpenter #137b



Tolkien asks Rayner Unwin for an update on galleys for The Lord of the Rings. He hopes that there will be little work as the copy was “pretty good”....
5 June 1953
J.R.R. Tolkien to Allen & Unwin
#1425
 Carpenter #137c



Tolkien writes to Allen & Unwin asking if there will be opportunity for the book to be reviewed. He wants C.S. Lewis especially to be able to review the...
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...
4 August 1953
J.R.R. Tolkien to Christopher Tolkien
#354
 Carpenter #138



Tolkien expresses his frustration with the galleys of his work, The Lord of the Rings. He finds the process tedious and mentions that the printed versio...
8 August 1953
J.R.R. Tolkien to Rayner Unwin
#355
 Carpenter #139



Tolkien writes about The Lord of the Rings and he suggests some titles if it is published in three volumes. He was also concerned about whether the publ...
15 August 1953
J.R.R. Tolkien to Ronald Eames
#180


Eames had written to Tolkien the previous day regarding galleys for The Lord of the Rings. Tolkien replies saying he will return all copies, "if it is l...
17 August 1953
J.R.R. Tolkien to Rayner Unwin
#356
 Carpenter #140



Tolkien expresses gratitude for Rayner's visit. He proposes titles for the volumes of The Lord of the Rings and his rationale behind the titles.
31 August 1953
J.R.R. Tolkien to George McDonald(?)
#1079


Letter discussing galleys of Lord of the Rings as well as Tolkien's translation of Sir Gawain. Although he complains about the lack of a tape recorder, ...
31 August 1953
J.R.R. Tolkien to Rayner Unwin
#1428
 Carpenter #140a



Tolkien writes, reminding Rayner that he will be in London the following day, he hopes Rayner will have time to lunch with him. He will arrive at Museum...
23 September 1953
J.R.R. Tolkien to W.N. Beard
#1430
 Carpenter #140c



Tolkien apologizes for his delay in providing comments on the drawings. He does not think them satisfactory. He says that he should have been more caref...
9 October 1953
J.R.R. Tolkien to Allen & Unwin Ltd.
#369
 Carpenter #141



Tolkien expresses frustration and anxiety over the "maps", as he believed they were an essential part of The Lord of the Rings.
19 November 1953
J.R.R. Tolkien to Rayner Unwin
#1432
 Carpenter #141b



Tolkien writes to Rayner, he has been struggling with ill-health through the term and only recently has he been able to deal with “many strands” of ...
30 November 1953
J.R.R. Tolkien to Rayner Unwin
#1433
 Carpenter #141c



Tolkien will bring his copy of the third volume for GA&U to use for costing but says it is yet to be revised and will need to be returned to him. He hop...
1 December 1953
J.R.R. Tolkien to Rayner Unwin
#1434
 Carpenter #141d



Tolkien writing to Rayner says that Volume Two reads “rather well” and notes that the first book contains very few errors. He hopes to arrive at the...
2 December 1953
J.R.R. Tolkien to Father Robert Murray
#370
 Carpenter #142



Robert Murray had offered Tolkien some thought on The Lord of the Rings. Tolkien replied that The Lord of the Rings is a Catholic work, describing it as...
2 December 1953
J.R.R. Tolkien to Miss Perry
#1088


Writing to Miss Perry, Tolkien discusses the Lord of the Rings, hoping it will be published in the coming year. He has had ill health and has been very ...
10 December 1953
J.R.R. Tolkien to Katharine Farrer
#1435
 Carpenter #142a



Tolkien thanks Katharine Farrer for her “charity” at a time he is suffering illness. He felt that the Sir Gawain broadcast on BBC Radio was not espe...
14 December 1953
George Allen & Unwin Publishers Ltd to Arthur Ransome
#868


GA&U sent Arthur Ransome a copy of The Fellowship of the Ring asking him to review it. Included was a short note: "I am sending you a set of uncorrected...
28 December 1953
J.R.R. Tolkien to Rayner Unwin
#181


Tolkien arranges to visit Allen & Unwin in London with the manuscript for The Return of the King.

1954

22 January 1954
J.R.R. Tolkien to Rayner Unwin
#371
 Carpenter #143



Tolkien writes about corrections to Book III and Book IV.
16 March 1954
J.R.R. Tolkien to Allen & Unwin
#1436
 Carpenter #143a



Writing to Allen & Unwin, Tolkien says that he has today, sent by registered, the proof for the “General Map” with a second map for 'Part of the Shi...
23 March 1954
J.R.R. Tolkien to Allen & Unwin
#1437
 Carpenter #143b



Tolkien, writing to Allen & Unwin, encloses possible jacket designs, one for The Fellowship of the Ring, and another for The Two Towers. Describing them...
24 March 1954
J.R.R. Tolkien to Allen & Unwin
#1438
 Carpenter #143c



Tolkien sends Allen & Unwin proofs of various pages and notes that included rune for “33” are not good, also “59” which he has previous explaine...
26 March 1954
J.R.R. Tolkien to Rayner Unwin
#1439
 Carpenter #143d



Tolkien has drawn a sketch for Volume III, but says he won't show it to Rayner as it is not constructive to point out the artificial divisions in the vo...
25 April 1954
J.R.R. Tolkien to Naomi Mitchison
#372
 Carpenter #144



Tolkien writes about his use of languages in the book and explains the challenges faced in creating maps for The Lord of the Rings. He discusses the dis...
30 April 1954
J.R.R. Tolkien to Stanley Unwin
#187


Tolkien writes to Stanley Unwin regarding Richard Hughes's opinion of The Lord of the Rings. Excerpts appears in Sotheby's Catalogue of Nineteenth Centu...
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 Allen & Unwin Ltd, [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 ...
10 June 1954
J.R.R. Tolkien to Allen & Unwin
#1442
 Carpenter #146a



Tolkien addresses queries about The Two Towers by Allen and Unwin's head reader. Tolkien found the close reading extraordinary. A large publisher will h...
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...
6 August 1954
J.R.R. Tolkien to Miss Perry
#1061


Tolkien remarks on the division of The Lord of the Rings into three volumes, and complains about the 'contemptuous' review of the first volume in the Su...
7 August 1954
J.R.R. Tolkien to Katharine Farrer
#393
 Carpenter #148



Tolkien expresses concerns about misprints in The Fellowship of the Ring. He highlights a disagreement over a botanical term, corrected by the printers....
17 August 1954
J.R.R. Tolkien to Michael Tolkien
#189


Tolkien writes to his son Michael, telling of the welcome from certain people of his "major work". He suggests that Michael George, his grandson, may en...
18 August 1954
J.R.R. Tolkien to Katharine Farrer
#1443
 Carpenter #148a



Tolkien remarks on the morality of The Lord of the Rings and thanks the Farrer for paying close attention to such matters. He addresses the connections ...
21 August 1954
J.R.R. Tolkien to Neville Coghill
#190


Christina Scull and Wayne Hammond in a blogpost posted an extract of a letter to Nevill Coghill which can be read at
9 September 1954
J.R.R. Tolkien to Rayner Unwin
#394
 Carpenter #149



Tolkien expresses his relief that the critiques were better than feared. He acknowledges the disadvantage of issuing the work in three parts, with criti...
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...
18 September 1954
J.R.R. Tolkien to Allen & Unwin Ltd.
#395
 Carpenter #150



Tolkien is unable to submit any of the Appendices. The delay is attributed to promises made in Volume I, which are proving very difficult to meet.
18 September 1954
J.R.R. Tolkien to Hugh Brogan
#2060


Tolkien replies to Hugh Brogan who had written on the subject of The Fellowship of the Ring.
20 September 1954
J.R.R. Tolkien to Miss Perry
#1087


Tolkien opens by saying he has been ill or else would have replied to Miss Perry's letter of 10 August. He mentions a Mr. Lambert and that authors shoul...
25 September 1954
J.R.R. Tolkien to Naomi Mitchison
#402
 Carpenter #154



Tolkien responds to Mrs. Mitchison's kind letter and her generous and perceptive review of The Lord of the Rings. He discusses the complexity of the wor...
25 September 1954
J.R.R. Tolkien to Naomi Mitchison
#403
 Carpenter #155



Tolkien responds to Mrs Mitchison's about the concept of "magic" in his works, particularly in The Lord of the Rings. Tolkien acknowledges that it is a ...
late September 1954?
J.R.R. Tolkien to Peter Hastings
#401
 Carpenter #153



Tolkien responds to a reader's extensive analysis and questions about The Lord of the Rings. Amongst many topics, Tolkien discusses the unique fate of H...
28 September 1954
J.R.R. Tolkien to Daphne Castell
#1046


Daphne Castell (later Cloke) interviewed Tolkien circa 1966. This letter, along with three others and an annotated transcript of her notes for the inter...
13 October 1954
J.R.R. Tolkien to John Staniforth
#193


Tolkien was delighted to receive a letter from Mr. John Staniforth referring to himself as a "sexagenarian". Tolkien cites his noticing of the songs in ...
13 October 1954
J.R.R. Tolkien to Katharine Briggs
#1712


Tolkien was sent a letter on the 11th October and replied to some queries about Gollum and the publication date of The Two Towers.
4 November 1954
J.R.R. Tolkien to Father Robert Murray
#404
 Carpenter #156



Tolkien addresses several topics related to The Lord of the Rings. Tolkien discusses the characters Smeagol and Gandalf (including the nature of the Ist...
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...
22 November 1954
J.R.R. Tolkien to Miss Perry
#1086


Tolkien replies to Miss Perry who had sent Tolkien a favourable review of The Lord of the Rings. He was very pleased and discusses it along with other p...
27 November 1954
J.R.R. Tolkien to Katharine Farrer
#405
 Carpenter #157



Tolkien expresses regret for not having written or offered help during the recipient's difficult times, and suggests the possibility of contributing fun...
December 1954
Hugh Brogan to J.R.R. Tolkien
#2061


Hugh Brogan writes again to Tolkien and offers him some criticisms of the archaic style used in parts of The Lord of the Rings.
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...
20 December 1954
J.R.R. Tolkien to Rayner Unwin
#1444
 Carpenter #158a



Tolkien apologizes to Rayner for not having sent off the "main matter" earlier, and he details the hectic year he has had. "More than any one person cou...
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 ...
3 February 1955
J.R.R. Tolkien to Terence Tiller
#198


Tolkien replies to Mr. Tiller regarding a BBC radio adaptation of The Lord of the Rings. He gives his approval and says he will contact Allen & Unwin to...
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 ...
2 March 1955
J.R.R. Tolkien to Derrick Parnum
#199


Among various subjects, Tolkien mentions his health, which has been good, and the oddness of suggestioning gifts. He remarks that he was gifted a pair o...
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 number of Ita...
April 1955
W. H. Auden to J.R.R. Tolkien
#909


W.H. Auden had been sent a proof copy of the Return of the King during the period it was titled The War of the Ring. He offers feedback, some questionin...
18 April 1955
J.R.R. Tolkien to Rayner Unwin
#410
 Carpenter #162



Christopher Tolkien had re-drawn Tolkien's draft-map of the area of Gondor and Rohan.
2 May 1955
J.R.R. Tolkien to Miss Turnbull
#200


Writing to Miss Turnbull, Tolkien says that he has not had time to reply to her long letter as he is "en-meshed with business" and the final pieces of v...
12 May 1955
J.R.R. Tolkien to Rayner Unwin
#201


Tolkien replies to Rayner Unwin concerning his approval of Tolkien's map, which Christopher Tolkien reproduced.
14 May 1955
J.R.R. Tolkien to Mrs Frost
#2239


This letter was sent to a Mrs Frost in Ravello, Italy, who very much liked the first two volumes of The Lord of the Rings. Tolkien hoped she would also ...
19 May 1955
J.R.R. Tolkien to Miss Turnbull
#202


Thanking Miss Turnbull for a gift and mention that he has sent off the last items (proofs) for The Return of the King.
19th May 1955
J.R.R. Tolkien to F.C. Banton
#2229


Tolkien responds to a letter from a fellow King Edward's School student, reminiscing a bit about his time there, his friends who were killed in WWI and ...
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 with The Return of the King, but says that they will have to do. He remarks on the ability of th...
2 June 1955
J.R.R. Tolkien to Nathan C. Starr
#203


Tolkien writes that he has been involved with administrative duties as well as other distractions. He hopes that Nathan Starr has The Two Towers and is ...
2 June 1955
J.R.R. Tolkien to Rosemary Summers
#1166


Replying to Rosemary Summers, believed to be a teacher, Tolkien says that some critics argued the Hobbit was too frightening for children. Her school ch...
7 June 1955
J.R.R. Tolkien to W. H. Auden
#476
 Carpenter #163



Tolkien shares insights into the origins and inspirations behind his writing, particularly focusing on The Lord of the Rings. He discusses the evolution...
28 June 1955
J.R.R. Tolkien to Miss Perry
#1089


Tolkien mentions his visit to London where he met Rayner Unwin. He met Mr. Wilson, who he described as "the small old Scot who seems to reign over that ...
29 June 1955
J.R.R. Tolkien to Naomi Mitchison
#477
 Carpenter #164



Tolkien describes a challenging and overwhelming period with an excessive workload, emphasizing the strain it has taken. He mentions booksellers, includ...
5 July 1955
J.R.R. Tolkien to Allen & Unwin
#1446
 Carpenter #165a



Tolkien notes that the proofs sent to him arrived later than expected and notes that this will hurry matters, after his "days of leisure" have been cut ...
15 July 1955
J.R.R. Tolkien to Allen & Unwin
#1447
 Carpenter #165b



Tolkien received some additional proofs of The Return of the King back from the printers, and is still not happy with the result. He chalks it up to his...
22 July 1955
J.R.R. Tolkien to Allen & Unwin Ltd.
#479
 Carpenter #166



Tolkien expresses dissatisfaction with the current proofreading procedure and raises concerns about potential errors in the published volume.
27 July 1955
J.R.R. Tolkien to Miss Judson
#1060


A letter from Tolkien to Miss Judson of Tunbridge Wells talking about The Return of the King and Tolkien's 1955 trip to Italy.
28 July 1955
J.R.R. Tolkien to Jennifer Brookes-Smith
#205


Tolkien writes discussing the maps in The Lord of the Rings and his much needed holiday in "Gondor ...: Polargir and Lossarnach" (identified in a note ...
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...
11 August 1955
J.R.R. Tolkien to W.N. Beard
#1449
 Carpenter #166b



Tolkien says that he cannot answer Mr. Beard's questions until he is back home and has a proof copy of the final text of Return of the King to look at.
22 August 1955
J.R.R. Tolkien to John Roberts
#208


Tolkien writes to John Roberts, apologising for the delay in publishing the third volume of The Lord of the Rings. He describes the third volume, regret...
7 September 1955
J.R.R. Tolkien to Richard Jeffery
#481
 Carpenter #168



Tolkien responds to Mr. Jeffery's letter. Tolkien discusses the command of Elvish script and mentions the upcoming release of Volume III, which will inc...
8 September 1955
J.R.R. Tolkien to Mrs. Souch
#209


Tolkien answers a letter discussing among other things the delay in the last volume of The Lord of the Rings. He hopes the final volume is close to publ...
18 September 1955
J.R.R. Tolkien to Hugh Brogan
#517
 Carpenter #171



Tolkien addresses the criticism of his use of deliberate archaism in his writing and strongly defends his choice to use this in The Lord of the Rings as...
18 September 1955
J.R.R. Tolkien to Hugh Brogan
#2062


Tolkien had begun a longer letter to Hugh Brogan giving reasons for the inclusion of archaic language in The Lord of the Rings. He did not finish that l...
18 September 1955
Hugh Brogan to J.R.R. Tolkien
#2063


Brogan writes to Tolkien offering apologies for his "impertinent, stupid, or sycophantic" comments in his letter from December 1954. Tolkien will pen a ...
28 September 1955
J.R.R. Tolkien to Miss Perry
#210


Tolkien opens this two sided post-note apologising for his delay in replying. He and Edith have both been very ill of late. He had recieved the proof-co...
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 Miss Judson
#1059


The letter concerns The Return of the King and Tolkien's invented languages as the source from which his stories originally grew.
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...
24 October 1955
J.R.R. Tolkien to Katharine Farrer
#521
 Carpenter #173



Tolkien delivered his O'Donnell lecture, English and Welsh, on the 21st October 1955 and mentions that The Return of the King was published on the 20th ...
10 November 1955
J.R.R. Tolkien to Lord Halsbury
#522
 Carpenter #174



Tolkien expresses gratitude for Lord Halsbury's approval and interest in his work. He discusses the surprising success of The Lord of the Rings and foll...
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...
30 November 1955
J.R.R. Tolkien to Molly Waldron
#524
 Carpenter #175



Tolkien writes about the radio adaption of The Lord of the Rings. He specifically criticizes the portrayal of events around Tom Bombadil and Goldberry. ...
?Late 1955 or ?1956
J.R.R. Tolkien to G.E. Selby
#230


Little is known of this 6 page letter but Tolkien touches on the publication of The Lord of the Rings, stating it is not a trilogy and not an allegory. ...
?December 1955
J.R.R. Tolkien to Michael Straight
#530
 Carpenter #181



Tolkien responds to a reviewer's questions about The Lord of the Rings. Tolkien discusses that the story is meant to be enjoyed as a fairy tale. He ment...
c. 1 - 31 December 1955
Roger Lloyd to An unknown recipient
#2201


Roger Lloyd writes to an unknown recipient about his thoughts on The Lord of the Rings and information that he had heard from his friend Philip Unwin ab...
4 December 1955
Hugh Brogan to J.R.R. Tolkien
#2064


Hugh Brogan writes to Tolkien on the matter of his criticism of The Lord of the Rings. He hopes that his criticism has not detracted from his "real admi...
12 December 1955
J.R.R. Tolkien to David Masson
#211


The Return of the King was published 20 October 1955. Irritated by the Times Literary Supplement review of 25 November 1955, Mr. Masson, a librarian at ...
14 December 1955
J.R.R. Tolkien to Hugh Brogan
#528
 Carpenter #179



Tolkien is happy to accept criticism of The Lord of the Rings.
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

1 January 1956
J.R.R. Tolkien to Mr Polet
#232


Tolkien writes a brief letter thanking Mr Polet for his letter and expresses his delight that Polet is enoying The Lord of the Rings.
1956
J.R.R. Tolkien to Unknown
#231


This letter to an unknown recipient was briefly mentioned in an article, 'Tolkien Letter's a Treasure' posted by the Chronicle in Newcastle after an app...
5 January 1956
J.R.R. Tolkien to Rayner Unwin
#1453
 Carpenter #179c



Tolkien says he has had no time to revisit The Silmarillion, but hoping to in the near future. He makes a point to thank Rayner Unwin for all his help i...
14 January 1956
J.R.R. Tolkien to Godfrey Nicholson
#233


Tolkien replies to Godfrey Nicholson who is a member of Parliament and a fan of The Lord of the Rings. He says he would be delighted to meet and dine wi...
14 January 1956
J.R.R. Tolkien to Peter Alford
#234


Tolkien replies to Peter Alford, of the BBC about his production of The Lord of the Rings.
14 January 1956
J.R.R. Tolkien to Mr. Thompson
#529
 Carpenter #180



Tolkien expresses gratitude for a reader's encouraging letter. He writes that his work began during World War I and evolved into the invention of legend...
?Late January 1956
J.R.R. Tolkien to Notes on W. H. Auden’s review of The Return of the King
#532
 Carpenter #183



These are Tolkien's notes based on a review by W.H. Auden. He argues that his story is not an allegory of his personal experiences but a depiction of hu...
28 January 1956
J.R.R. Tolkien to Doris Elizabeth Sykes
#1054


Tolkien likes the illustrations that he has been sent, and discusses his own drawing skills. He has sent the drawings to Allen & Unwin, but has little h...
?Mid-February 1956
J.R.R. Tolkien to Peter Alford
#239


Tolkien writes about the divisions of the books of The Lord of the Rings. Enclosed with the letter was two paragraphs that Tolkien describes as being "i...
7 March 1956
J.R.R. Tolkien to Robert Durden
#240


Tolkien is pleased to read of Mr Durden's "delight" from reading The Lord of the Rings. He mentions briefly the Appendices, and that he hopes to be able...
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...
18 March 1956
J.R.R. Tolkien to Sam Gamgee
#533
 Carpenter #184



Tolkien writes to a Mr Sam Gamgee from Tooting. He mentions how he came up with the name Gamgee, and mentions "cotton-wool" and the Gamgee family from B...
19 March 1956
J.R.R. Tolkien to Christopher Tolkien
#534
 Carpenter #185



Tolkien wrote to Christopher about #TCGLetter533.
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...
11 April 1956
J.R.R. Tolkien to M. Wilson
#537
 Carpenter #189



Tolkien responded to Mrs. Wilson stating that The Lord of the Rings should really be read by adults, as it was not a work aimed at children.
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...
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 now more than ev...
20 April 1956
J.R.R. Tolkien to [Rev.] Paul Spilsbury
#1692


Writing to a fan, Tolkien says that he has no time to explain things concerning his writing at this time, noting that it is the beginning of term. But t...
?Late June or July 1956
J.R.R. Tolkien to Houghton Mifflin Co.
#531
 Carpenter #182



Tolkien hoped that he would be able to publish parts of The Silmarillion After the success of The Lord of the Rings he hoped it may be reconsidered.
?Early July 1956
J.R.R. Tolkien to Doris Elizabeth Sykes
#237


Tolkien apologizes for making Doris Sykes "anxious", explaining that had been very busy. He says that the publisher does not intend to make an illustrat...
2 July 1956
J.R.R. Tolkien to Patricia Henderson
#246


Tolkien has been invited to visit Cambridge and give a speech, but he must decline due to his workload. He notes that he has many invitations at the mom...
3 July 1956
J.R.R. Tolkien to Rayner Unwin
#538
 Carpenter #190



Tolkien expresses strong objections to the Dutch translation of The Lord of the Rings. He vehemently opposes any alteration or translation of the nomenc...
26 July 1956
J.R.R. Tolkien to Miss J. Burn
#553
 Carpenter #191



Tolkien reflects on Frodo's role in the destruction of the Ring and discusses the theological implications of his actions. Tolkien rejects the notion of...
27 July 1956
J.R.R. Tolkien to Amy Ronald
#554
 Carpenter #192



Tolkien responds to a letter discussing Frodo's perceived failure in the story. Tolkien defends Frodo's inability to surrender the Ring as an inevitable...
5 November 1956
J.R.R. Tolkien to Mr Britten
#259


Tolkien answers some questions, on The Silmarillion and on Elvish sleep among more general queries. It is plainly suggested that Elves do ‘sleep’, b...
11 November 1956
J.R.R. Tolkien to Mr Britten
#260


Among various topics, the letter discusses Gimli and Legolas,
8 December 1956
J.R.R. Tolkien to Mr. [Anthony] Roberts
#281


Tolkien replies to a fan letter with pleasure that Mr. Roberts is enjoying The Lord of the Rings. He makes a brief mention of his First and Second Age s...

1957

4 February 1957
J.R.R. Tolkien to Max Schuchart
#1529


Tolkien writes to Max Schuchart on matters of the Dutch translation of the Fellowship of the Ring.
9 April 1957
J.R.R. Tolkien to Mr. Haywood
#286


In reply to a letter from a boy who had read The Lord of the Rings, Tolkien says he is pleased that his work is bringing enjoyment to readers. He says t...
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. ...
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...
25 June 1957
J.R.R. Tolkien to Major Bowen
#562
 Carpenter #200



Tolkien provides an explanation of Sauron's nature and his role in the world.
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...
14 September 1957
C.S. Lewis to Lucy Matthews
#1657


C.S. Lewis writes to a young reader thanking her for her letter on her enjoyment of his Narnia stories. He says that he too enjoys Nesbit and notes furt...
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...
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...
19 December 1957
J.R.R. Tolkien to Patricia
#329


Tolkien discusses his hectic schedule, translations of the rcently published (in 3 volumes) Lord of the Rings. Tolkien states that he is "on leave now f...

1958

14 January 1958
Rayner Unwin to J.R.R. Tolkien
#1674


Rayner has found a lady who can index The Lord of the Rings for him, and notes that he has said it is to be in "two parts". One of proper names and one ...
22 February 1958
J.R.R. Tolkien to Mr. Wood
#334


Tolkien confirms that Tuesday will be fine for a visit, though he has a guest around 7pm. The guest will be Mr Jonathan Wordsworth.
11 March 1958
J.R.R. Tolkien to Przemyslaw Mroczkowski
#148


Tolkien writes to his friend Przemyslaw Mroczkowski saying that he is relieved that Przemyslaw will allow Tolkien to share "a little of the proceeds of ...
12 March 1958
J.R.R. Tolkien to Nancy Smith
#207


Following the publication of the third volume from Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings, many readers' demands grew for an index or glossary that would hel...
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...
10 April 1958
J.R.R. Tolkien to Cees Ouboter
#582
 Carpenter #208



Tolkien describes the 'message' in The Lord of the Rings.
?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 Nancy Smith
#338


Due to demand from fans, Rayner Unwin hires editor and friend Nancy Smith to help Tolkien compile an index for The Lord of the Rings. See also #TCGLette...
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...
11 September 1958
C.S. Lewis to Lucy Matthews
#1658


After Lewis had suggested Lucy Matthews to read The Lord of the Rings, she wrote to Lewis again and he replied saying that she had "got it exactly right...
[late 1958-early 1959]
J.R.R. Tolkien to A.C. Nunn
#586
 Carpenter #214



Tolkien describes Hobbit history and the process of giving and receiving gifts in the Shire.
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...
14 October 1958
J.R.R. Tolkien to Rhona Beare
#585
 Carpenter #212



Tolkien describes the creation of the World and then of the Dwarves by Aulë in draft that was never sent to Beare.
20 October 1958
J.R.R. Tolkien to Misses E. Jones and J. Taylor
#339


Tolkien sends his apologies not replying earlier, he describes himself as "a much harassed man".
26 October 1958
J.R.R. Tolkien to L.M. Cutts
#341


Tolkien apologises for the cost of The Lord of the Rings. He notes that he did not research his tale but that any tale cannot exist in a void and one ca...

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...
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...
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 ...
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.
16 May 1961
Lars Gustafsson to J.R.R. Tolkien
#2290


Lars Gustafsson writes to Tolkien to request an interview with him. He says that he is not interested in talking about allegory and would prefer to disc...
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.
3 July 1961
J.R.R. Tolkien to Mr. Gilmore
#471


Writing to Mr. Gilmore, Tolkien explains that there will not be a sequel to The Lord of the Rings, with observations on the end of stories and that the ...
4 August 1961
C.S. Lewis to Father Dominic
#779


C.S. Lewis is surprised that Father Dominic thinks The Lord of the Rings "has not caught on".
28 December 1961
J.R.R. Tolkien to Christopher Howard
#2026


Tolkien replied to Christopher Howard, and talked about The Hobbit, reading The Lord of the Rings, and suggests that he can borrow it from a public libr...
29 December 1961
J.R.R. Tolkien to Miss Perry
#494


Tolkien replies to Perry explaining his delay as be is not able to remember addresses and that his papers are not in order. Tolkien goes on to discuss h...

1962

1 February 1962
J.R.R. Tolkien to Cor Blok
#469


Tolkien writes to Corr Blok about Blok's Exhibition of his paintings and offers to buy two of them, "The Battle of the Hornburg" and "The Dead Marshes".
12 March 1962
J.R.R. Tolkien to Mr. Sutton
#1843


Tolkien writes in reply to a letter asking for details of what Tolkien is writing. He apologises for the short delay as he is busy writing what Mr. Sutt...
10 April 1962
Attilio Landi (Headquarters at Arnoldo Mondadori Editore) to Arnoldo Mondadori Editore
#1777


A reading committee report to the Mondadori headquarters speaks negatively of the Lord of the Rings. The reader described the book as "banal... and cumb...
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...
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...
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...
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 ...
8-9 September 1962
J.R.R. Tolkien to Jane Neave
#616
 Carpenter #241



Tolkien writes about his lecture 'English and Welsh' and about 'Leaf by Niggle'.
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...
14 November 1962
J.R.R. Tolkien to H [Humphrey]. Cotton Minchin
#500


Tolkien discusses The Adventures of Tom Bombadil and a printing from 'an "organization" - similiar to the Reprint Society' of The Lord of the Rings. Thi...

1963

c. 1963
J.R.R. Tolkien to Unknown
#619
 Carpenter #244



A fragment at the top of which Tolkien has written: ‘Comments on a criticism (now lost?) concerning Faramir & Eowyn (c. 1963).’
12 February 1963
J.R.R. Tolkien to Mr. Elliot-Howard
#501


Mr. Elliot-Howard had written to Tolkien telling him of his adventures travelling around the world with his copy of The Lord of the Rings.
17 February 1963
J.R.R. Tolkien to Julie Cape
#502


Tolkien writes to Julie Cape thanking her for her letter of appreciation. She has enjoyed The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings and Tolkien hopes that sh...
21 February 1963
J.R.R. Tolkien to Mrs Gill
#503


Tolkien writes to Mrs Gill, thanking her for her letter. He is pleased she has enjoyed his books. He is amazed that she waited patiently for two years t...
18 April - 6 May 1963
J.R.R. Tolkien to Mr. and Mrs. Kloos
#523


In this letter, a reply to the Kloos's letter from March, Tolkien writes about his inspirations for The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings. It was started...
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...
20 September 1963
J.R.R. Tolkien to Colonel Worskett
#622
 Carpenter #247



Tolkien writes about The Lord of the Rings, comparisons to The Hobbit, some discussion of the material being worked on for The Silmarillion, and a lengt...
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...
21 October 1963
J.R.R. Tolkien to Mrs. Munby
#508


Tolkien opens this letter stating that an earlier reply was delayed by ill-health and pressures of work. He cannot answer questions sent by her son, say...
c. late 1963 - January 1964
Justin Arundale to J.R.R. Tolkien
#2287


Justin Arundale, a young fan of The Lord of the Rings, writes to Tolkien asking if he has any information of when The Silmarillion will be published. To...
11 December 1963
J.R.R. Tolkien to Howard McCord
#515


Howard McCord was a creative writing professor at Washington State University when he wrote a letter to Tolkien. He compliments Tolkien on The Fellowshi...
18 December 1963
J.R.R. Tolkien to Mr. Hepworth
#520


Tolkien writes a short note to Mr. Hepworth, the father of Jonathan who had sent Tolkien a drawing of Mordor. He thanks Mr. Hepworth for his letter and ...
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 Master Clements* (see note)
#541


Tolkien thanks 'Master' Clements for his appreciation of The Hobbit and suggests that "the other books I have written which you might enjoy, Farmer Gile...
5 March 1964
J.R.R. Tolkien to Eileen Elgar
#164
 Carpenter #255



Eileen Elgar wrote to Tolkien asking for information about The Silmarillion. Included in his reply was a nine page manuscript, with genealogical tree il...
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...
30 May 1964
J.R.R. Tolkien to Jane T. Sibley
#546


Tolkien thanks Miss Sibley for her letter and "close scrutiny" of his books. He says that any mystery regarding his runes are easily solved: The runes i...
8 July 1964
J.R.R. Tolkien to James Heaf
#545


In an earlier letter Tolkien had suggested that James Heaf read his forthcoming book The Silmarillion. He now regrets that The Silmarillion might not be...
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...
16 July 1964
J.R.R. Tolkien to Christopher Bretherton
#631
 Carpenter #257



Tolkien wrote that he usually typed letters because of his handwriting (which can be very difficult to read at times). He talks about the invention of h...
30 July 1964
Rayner Unwin (George Allen & Unwin) to Pauline Baynes
#1250


Rayner Unwin says that the artwork for the Lord of the Rings have been safely collected, they look marvellous, Rayner will take to Tolkien as soon as ca...
31 July 1964
J.R.R. Tolkien to Jared Lobdell
#1038


Tolkien discusses the proverb 'third time proves best'.
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...
4 August 1964
Rayner Unwin to Pauline Baynes
#1251


Rayner Unwin of GA&U writing to Pauline Baynes, as "said in my scribbled postscript we all of us are entranced by your design for the box of The Lord of...
10 August 1964
J.R.R. Tolkien to Carole Ward
#564


Tolkien is pleased that Ward enjoyed the book. He says he is against dramatizations of his works, especially The Lord of the Rings which he feels is too...

1965

Mid to late 1960s
J.R.R. Tolkien to Michael Blashka
#815


Joy Hill replies to a letter in which she is described as "his chief scribe". The Silmarillion is not yet ready for publication and no date is known. To...
2 January 1965
Iris Murdoch to J.R.R. Tolkien
#911


The writer, Iris Murdoch sends Tolkien a fan-letter to show her appreciation for The Lord of the Rings. Two pages were reproduced in Tolkien: Maker of M...
19 January 1965
J.R.R. Tolkien to Miss A. P. Northey
#641
 Carpenter #268



Tolkien describes what happened to Shadowfax at the end of The Lord of the Rings (he went with Gandalf into the West).
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. ...
12 May 1965
J.R.R. Tolkien to W.H. Auden
#642
 Carpenter #269



Auden had asked Tolkien if the notion of the Orcs, an entire race that was irredeemably wicked, was not heretical.
20 May 1965
Tolkien's Secretary to Mr Eder
#914


Tolkien's secretary replies to fan letter thanking Mr. Eder for his letters and pictures of stained glass windows. He enjoyed seeing them. He also alert...
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. It seemed to Unwin to need the companionship of other stories to make a s...
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...
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...
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.
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...
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...
28 October 1965
J.R.R. Tolkien to P.M. Cowan
#704


Tolkien replies to a young reader who had asked him about the index for The Lord of the Rings saying that the index is not yet published, but is being w...
1 December 1965
J.R.R. Tolkien to Peter H. Salus
#2266


Tolkien writes to Peter Salus remarking on the 'Appendices' to The Lord of the Rings. Quotes from this letter were published in Walter R. Benjamin Autog...
6 December 1965
J.R.R. Tolkien to G.S. Rigby Jr
#711


Tolkien writes to Rigby acknowledging the theological aspects of The Lord of the Rings. Tolkien says that there is a lot of theology in the work. A desc...
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...

1966

7 January 1966
J.R.R. Tolkien to Roger Shaw
#718


Tolkien writes making mention of the suggestion that The Lord of the Rings landscape is based on Iceland. Tolkien says that he has never been there, tho...
12 January 1966
J.R.R. Tolkien to David Hicks
#722


Tolkien thanks David Hicks for his birthday greetings and says he is "writing more about the world of The Lord of the Rings", when he has the time. He r...
10 February 1966
J.R.R. Tolkien to Donald A. Wollheim
#720


Tolkien writes and expresses his regret at his delayed reply. he had like many at that time been ill with influenza. He encloses two copies of the signe...
19 February 1966
Claire Howard to J.R.R. Tolkien
#2277


Tolkien received a letter from an American, Mrs. Claire Howard. Writing from New York she mentions a local FM radio station had an hours reading from Th...
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 ...
20 March 1966
Charles Mitchel to J.R.R. Tolkien
#913


Charles Micthell, husband of folk singer Joni Mitchell wrote to Tolkien asking if he could use two names, Lorien and Strider as names for a publsihing a...
18 July 1966
J.R.R. Tolkien to Mrs. Webster
#963


Mrs. Webster was a teacher and she and her pupils put on a performance of some scenes from The Lord of the Rings. Tolkien can not attend, but Clyde S. K...
29 July 1966
J.R.R. Tolkien to Max Rouslin
#767


Tolkien offers advice on finding first editions of The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit.
22 August 1966
Timothy J. Wheeler to J.R.R. Tolkien
#790


Wheeler sends Tolkien a copy of the August edition of RALLY which includes a review of The Lord of the Rings by Jared Lobdell. Noted at regarding the da...
October 1966
J.R.R. Tolkien to Tolkien on Tolkien (Diplomat article, 1966)
#1012


'Tolkien on Tolkien' is the title of an article published in Diplomat (October 1966) without Tolkien's permission. It was edited by an unknown editor fr...
17 October 1966
J.R.R. Tolkien to Class II G (of Acocks Green, Primary School)
#770


Tolkien writes about living near the school in his youth. He tells the class that a cheap paperback is available in the US but not currently in the UK. ...
12 December 1966
J.R.R. Tolkien to Joy Hill
#665
 Carpenter #292



Tolkien had been sent details of a proposed ‘sequel’ to The Lord of the Rings that a ‘fan’ was going to write himself.
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.
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

Late 1960s
J.R.R. Tolkien to Michael Tolkien
#2314


Noted in Descriptive Bibliography, and published in the Sunday Telegraph, 9 September 1973, J.R.R. Tolkien writes to his son Michael remarking that Mich...
2 January 1967
J.R.R. Tolkien to Peyton Moss
#739


Tolkien sends some signatures to Mr Moss. This letter was orginally affixed by tape to the front of a 2nd edition LOTR, but was then removed from the bo...
11 January 1967
George Allen & Unwin to Mario Ubaldini (Casa Editrice Astrolabio)
#1789


GA&U write to Mario Ubaldini of the publishers, Casa Editrice Agtrolabio-Ubaldini Editore, with details of Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings. They give de...
8 February 1967
J.R.R. Tolkien to Colin Manlove
#748


Tolkien writes about his essay "On Fairy Stories" and says that The Lord of the Rings was meant as a large-scale adult fairy story. Quoted in C. N. Manl...
27 Febuary 1967
Mario Ubaldini (Casa Editrice Astrolabio) to Alina Dadlez (George Allen and Unwin)
#1766


Ubaldini Editore s.r.l have decided to publish The Lord of the Rings in Italian and enquire about the terms.
14 March 1967
Mario Ubaldini (Casa Editrice Astrolabio) to Alina Dadlez (of GAU)
#1790


Writing to Alina Dadlez of GA&U, Mario Ubaldini encloses the signed copy of the contract for the Lord of the Rings. He asks for Tolkien's address so tha...
16 March 1967
J.R.R. Tolkien to Hans-Jörg Modlmayr
#798


Tolkien says he has not been informed as to the status of a German translation of The Lord of the Rings. He notes that a "proposed translator was turned...
23 March 1967
Alina Dadlez (of GAU) to Mario Ubaldini (Casa Editrice Astrolabio)
#1791


Alina Dadlez of GA&U sends Mario Ubaldini a countersigned copy of the contract for the Italian translation of the Lord of the Rings, noting they have re...
29 March 1967
J.R.R. Tolkien to W.H. Auden
#668
 Carpenter #295



Tolkien writes to W.H. Auden and remarks that he was delighted to receive his letter, noting that it "did much to restore my spirits". He was pleased th...
30 March 1967
Alina Dadlez (of GAU) to Mario Ubaldini (Casa Editrice Astrolabio)
#1792


Alina Dadlez writes to Mario Ubaldini to inform him that she has sent the illustrations by Pauline Baynes in a packaet, seperate to this letter. They ar...
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.
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...
21 July 1967
J.R.R. Tolkien to Rayner Unwin
#669
 Carpenter #296



Tolkien thanks Rayner for his friendship.
August 1967
J.R.R. Tolkien to Mr Rang
#670
 Carpenter #297



At the top, Tolkien has written: ‘Some reflections in preparing an answer to a letter from one Mr Rang about investigations into my nomenclature. In t...
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...
15 September 1967
Mario Ubaldini (Casa Editrice Astrolabio) to Alina Dadlez (George Allen and Unwin)
#1767


Tolkien's Italian publisher writes to Allen & Unwin about publishing Smith of Wootton Major, which they are interested in doing.
18 September 1967
J.R.R. Tolkien to Elsie Honeybourne
#756


Tolkien writes about the origins of the writer's name Honeybourne.
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...
21 December 1967
J.R.R. Tolkien to Elsie Honeybourne
#761


Tolkien sends Honeybourne a copy of Smith of Wootton Major and makes mention of Elsie's name, Honeybourne. He mentions her "choice of passages" and agre...

1968

?Late 1968*
J.R.R. Tolkien to ?Unknown
#2247


Tolkien drafts a reply to a letter from a reader on the subject of Tom Bombadil and Treebeard. He says that Tom Bombadil is best left a mystery. He give...
8 January 1968
Tove Hansen to Pamela Chandler
#861


Tove Hansen, of the Danish publishers of Tolkien's publications writes a letter to Pamela Chandler. She asks for a small selection of photographs so tha...
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...
August 1968
J.R.R. Tolkien to Ingrid Pridgeon
#736


Tolkien writes to Ingrid who lives at Spire Hollin. he gives her news of his health, he is recovering after breaking his leg in a fall down his stairs. ...
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...
August 12, 1968
J.R.R. Tolkien to Joy Hill
#2000


Tolkien writes to his secretary Joy Hill, addressing her as "Joy" for the first time here, previously using "Miss Hill". He is injured and staying at th...
4 September 1968
J.R.R. Tolkien to Mary Fairburn
#690


A letter to Mary Fairburn about her illustrations for The Lord of the Rings - he has not yet shown her drawings to Rayner Unwin. He doesn't think an ill...
29 December 1968
J.R.R. Tolkien to Michael Tolkien
#1501
 Carpenter #307a



Writing to son Michael, Tolkien says he hopes he is doing better and has recovered from overwork. He says that he and Edith spent Christmas with daughte...

1969

1969
J.R.R. Tolkien to Maria Mroczkowska
#812


Tolkien discusses the literary genres that he uses and his Atlantis complex.
3 January 1969
J.R.R. Tolkien to Niall, David and Catherine McCall
#725


Tolkien sends some autographs for the McCall children to put in their books.
14 January 1969
J.R.R. Tolkien to Michael Bell
#1172


Tolkien replies 13 years after Michael Bell had written to him. Bell had enclosed a book, An Idea to Win the World by Peter Harold. Tolkien explains tha...
23 January 1969
Allen & Unwin (Joy Hill) to Michael Bell
#1175


Joy Hill writes to Michael Bell on behalf of Tolkien. She thanks him for his letter. She says that Tolkien is currently very busy and asks Mr. Bell's fo...
25 January 1969
J.R.R. Tolkien to Michael Bell
#1174


Tolkien was delighted that his letter arrived safely and "so quickly", see #TCGLetter1172. This reply followed one from Joy Hill (#TCGLetter1175) where ...
1 April 1969
Christopher Tolkien to J.C. Lobdell
#1017


Christopher writes to Mr Lobdell about his questions concerning his father. Did Christopher influence the Lord of the Rings? Is the dwarves' language as...
9 May 1969
Rayner Unwin to Pauline Baynes
#1253


Rayner Unwin of GA&U writes to Pauline Baynes. The poster of the map of Middle-earth in The Lord of the Rings has had enormous success. Allen & Unwin wo...
June 1969
J.R.R. Tolkien to Unknown
#810


Tolkien writes to an unknown recipient, offering opinions on an adaptation of The Lord of the Rings. He thinks nothing could satisfy an attentive reader...
30 June 1969
J.R.R. Tolkien to Paul Bibire
#811


Tolkien writes about Cynewulf and Glanduin.
21 August 1969
Martin Blackman (GA&U Home Sales Manager) to P.R. Grey
#2301


Bookshops that pre-ordered 100 copies of the 1968 one volume paperback edition of The Lord of the Rings, were also sent a signed copy. The Students' Boo...
1 October 1969
J.R.R. Tolkien to Pauline Baynes
#919


Tolkien writing to Pauline Baynes returns a photocopy of the Middle-earth map, with comments. The spelling Enedwaith is correct. He also apologizes for ...
16 October 1969
Miss Joy Hill to The Press
#985


GA&U Press Release: "George Allen & Unwin Ltd are pleased to announce the sale of the film and certain allied rights in J.R.R. Tolkien's famous book THE...
16 November 1969
J.R.R. Tolkien to Amy Ronald
#685
 Carpenter #312



Tolkien discusses his love of botany.
Late 1969 or January 1970
Joy Hill to Mike O'Brien
#2027


This letter was published in the letter column of the January 1970 issue (Volume Two, Number One) of Carandaith, the journal of the Australian Tolkien S...

1972

23 April 1972
J.R.R. Tolkien to Suzanne Eward
#830


Tolkien writes to Suzanne Eward stating his love of the "West Midlands". He will certainly donate copies of his work to the Gloucester Cathedral Library...
5 May 1972
J.R.R. Tolkien to Suzanne Eward
#831


Tolkien sends a typed letter dated 5 May 1972, stating that he had ordered from publishers Allen & Unwin the three volumes of Lord of the Rings and The ...
?6 June 1972
J.R.R. Tolkien to Fr. Douglas Carter
#432
 Carpenter #338



Tolkien discusses the question, did the Ents ever find the Entwives?
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.
30 November 1972
J.R.R. Tolkien to Mrs Meriel Thurston
#438
 Carpenter #345



A continuation of #Letter342, where Tolkien continues to discuss naming animals.
13 December 1972
J.R.R. Tolkien to Lyle Leach
#439
 Carpenter #346



Tolkien expounds upon Gandalf's statement "He that breaks a thing to find out what it is have left the path of wisdom" when responding to someones "dest...
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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