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Tolkien was pleased that The Hobbit was being well received, though he knows that the two glowing, unsigned reviews in The Times and the Times Literary ...
Originally published as just a fragment of a thank you letter to Stanley Unwin who had written that Tolkien was "one of those rare people with genius." ...
Tolkien has received a letter from Arthur Ransome, who wonders about the use of the word "man" in The Hobbit, as well as a few other letters from reader...
"I have written the first chapter of a new story about Hobbits – 'A long expected party'" remarks Tolkien in this letter to C.A. Furth of GA&U. This i...
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...
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, ...
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 ...
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 ...
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...
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...
Tolkien writes to Mr. Furth, expressing his current state of being oppressed and unwell due to recent troubles. He submits Farmer Giles for consideratio...
In 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 ...
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...
Tolkien, writing to Stanley Unwin, expresses gratitude for the kind note and apologizes for his neglectful correspondence due to personal and health iss...
After addressing overdue correspondence, Tolkien mentions resuming work on his sequel to The Hobbit, The Lord of the Rings, but anticipates the impendin...
Tolkien notes his pleasure at receiveing letters from readers. He mentions his mythology and remarks that he has nearly finished a second book on hobbit...
Tolkien expresses gratitude for the note from Stanley Unwin and discusses the progress of the sequel to The Hobbit that he has been working on since 193...
Tolkien wrote this long letter to two schoolgirls, Leila Keane and Patricia Kirke who were both very enthusiastic about hobbits, in reply to their quest...
Christopher had apparently been having a bad week, and Tolkien writes with his sympathies. He says to not spend “precious time” on letter writing, t...
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 ...
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.
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...
Tolkien shares his commitment to completing The Lord of the Rings, expressing the challenges of re-reading and researching while working on the adventur...
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...
Tolkien expresses gratitude for a recently received airletter, shares updates about writing progress on The Lord of the Rings and mentions spending time...
Tolkien expresses joy at receiving a batch of letters and, discusses the distressing but unsurprising uncensored accounts of Christopher's experiences, ...
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...
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 ...
Tolkien writes of his longing and concern for Christopher in the midst of war, reflecting on human suffering and the senselessness of conflict. Despite ...
Having read another chapter to C.S. Lewis, Tolkien is now writing the next, and will send Christopher copies as soon as possible.
Tolkien responds to Christopher's letters and acknowledges the challenges and frustrations of life in the military camp during the war. He empathizes wi...
Tolkien completed a fourth new chapter titled 'Faramir,' which received approval from C.S. Lewis and Charles Williams. He notes that he attended church ...
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...
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...
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...
Tolkien expresses gratitude for the letters he has received from Christopher and briefly mentions an inclination to envy his time in the hills. Tolkien ...
Writing to Christopher with an update on recent happenings. He had dinner in college and notes that "the three old gents" Tolkien notes that he was tryi...
Tolkien acknowledges receiving Christopher's air letter and briefly mentions the weather. He provide updates on recent activities, including efforts in ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
Tolkien responds to Christopher's letters, encouraging openness about details of his life. He offers support for navigating challenges and express the n...
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...
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, which he hopes G...
Tolkien expresses joy at receiving an airgraph before Christopher's departure to Standerton. He discusses the progress of the chapters and promises to s...
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.
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 ...
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...
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...
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...
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 ...
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 ...
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...
Tolkien expresses joy that Christopher enjoyed the next three chapters of "The Ring" and provides information about the schedule for sending the remaini...
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...
Tolkien says he is struggling with letters, many of which he should have written at Christmas. He complains that the weather is bitterly cold and he can...
Tolkien writes to Leila Keane and Patricia Kirke, he discusses his progress with The Lord of the Rings, and the fortunes of his family. The letter was a...
Tolkien describes some domestic plumbing troubles that prevented him from meeting up with Lewis in the morning, but the eventually managed to make it to...
Stephen Bone, the writer and painter, writes to Tolkien. He remarks on his children's enjoyment of The Hobbit and asks Tolkien if he would send him a ma...
Tolkien remarks that he would be comforted if Christopher could be re-commissioned out of the R.A.F. Christopher had recently returned from service. He ...
Tolkien writes to Sir Stanley Unwin, who had just been knighted. He asked about Farmer Giles. And remarks on his progress to The Hobbit sequel among oth...
Tolkien expresses delight at the prospect of publishing "Farmer Giles of Ham" but cites academic commitments as a hindrance to providing more material p...
Tolkien responded to Rayner Unwin's comments about The Fellowship of the Ring. He talks about allegory as well as other literary illusions. Tolkien ment...
Tolkien apologizes for the delay in responding to a letter sent in July and explains that he has been preoccupied with philology due to academic commitm...
Writing to a young fan, Rosemary, Tolkien says he is yet to finish his new book about Bilbo and his nephew. . He worries that it is so long that the pub...
Following on from his letter in 1945, Bone returns a speciman page from The Lord of the Rings and discusses it. We currently have no record of Tolkien's...
Katharine Farrer had written to Tolkien, in runes, asking if he would sign her copy of The Hobbit. Tolkien replies to her letter in runes. He says that ...
Tolkien writes a two page letter to Rosemary, telling her about him, being busy and unwell, hence the delay in reply. Wishes her the best for 1948 and m...
In 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" This ...
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...
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" Tolki...
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...
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...
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...
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" This ...
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 ...
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.
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...
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...
Tolkien discusses the progress of Farmer Giles and hints that the final draft of Lord of the Rings could be done something with.
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...
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...
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...
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 ...
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...
Tolkien compares his two great stories the War of the Ring and the War of the Jewels and remarks on the Farmer Giles sales figures.
Unwin wants to break up Tolkien's "monstrous Saga", and Tolkien hopes Unwin will let the project go so Tolkien can publish The Lord of the Rings and The...
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...
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 ...
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...
Tolkien wrote this letter to Milton Waldman. Tolkien wanted his publisher, George Allen & Unwin, to publish both The Lord of the Rings and The Silmarill...
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...
In 1937, at the urging of his publishers Collins, Tolkien began writing "a new Hobbit." Due to his full-time academic position, progress was slow, and h...
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...
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 ...
Tolkien expresses regret for producing a substantial work like The Lord of the Rings during challenging times. He expresses gratitude for the recipient'...
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 ...
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.
Tolkien has not supplied Sayer with a copy of The Lord of the Rings as yet.
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.
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...
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...
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”....
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...
Writing in reply to a letter from Beard (July 16th), Tolkien confirms he has received galleys that were wrongly delivered to his old address at 99 Holyw...
Tolkien 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...
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...
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...
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.
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, ...
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...
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...
Tolkien expresses frustration and anxiety over the "maps", as he believed they were an essential part of The Lord of the Rings.
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 ...
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...
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...
Writing to Miss Perry Tolkien discusses the Lord of the Rings, hoping it will be published in the coming year. He has had I'll health and has been very ...
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...
Tolkien thanks Katharine Farrer Tolkien has a galley of Volume One of The Lord of the Rings which he has read only once, intended for Farrer to read, an...
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...
Tolkien arranges to visit Allen & Unwin in London with the manuscript for The Return of the King.
Tolkien writes about corrections to Book III and Book IV.
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...
Tolkien, writing to Allen & Unwin, encloses possible jacket designs, one for The Fellowship of the Ring, and another for The Two Towers. Describing them...
Tolkien sends Allen & Unwin proofs of various pages and notes that included rune for “33” are not good, also “59” which he has previous explaine...
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...
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...
Tolkien writes to Stanley Unwin regarding Richard Hughes's opinion of The Lord of the Rings. Excerpts ppears in Sotheby's Catalogue of Nineteenth Centur...
Tolkien is pleased with positive early opinions about his work. He notes his dissatisfaction with the Houghton Mifflin effort, and gives some suggestion...
Tolkien does not approve of the proofs for the jacket of The Lord of the Rings, which he finds very ugly. He suggests some changes to the design of the ...
Tolkien addresses queries about The Two Towers by Allen and Unwin's head reader. Tolkien found the close reading exraordiary. A large publisher will hav...
Tolkien expresses his delight in receiving an advance copy of The Fellowship of the Ring, he finds the jacket much improved and striking, particularly l...
Tolkien 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...
Tolkien expresses concerns about misprints in The Fellowship of the Ring. He highlights a disagreement over a botanical term, corrected by the printers....
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...
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 ...
Christina Scull and Wayne Hammond in a blogpost posted an extract of a letter to Nevill Coghill which can be read at
Tolkien expresses his relief that the critiques were better than feared. He acknowledges the disadvantage of issuing the work in three parts, with criti...
Tolkien replies to Hugh Brogan who had written on the subject of The Fellowship of the Ring.
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.
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...
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...
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...
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 ...
Daphne Castell (later Cloke) interviewed Tolkien circa 1966. This letter, along with three others and an annotated transcript of her notes for the inter...
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...
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 ...
Tolkien was sent a letter on the 11th October and replied to some queries about Gollum and the publication date of The Two Towers.
Tolkien addresses several topics related to The Lord of the Rings. Tolkien discusses the characters Smeagol and Gandalf (including the nature of the Ist...
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...
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...
Tolkien expresses regret for not having written or offered help during the recipient's difficult times, and suggests the possibility of contributing fun...
Hugh Brogan writes again to Tolkien and offers him some criticisms of the archaic style used in parts of The Lord of the Rings.
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...
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...
Arnoldo Mondadori Editore ask for a copy of The Fellowship of the Ring and The Two Towers to decide if they wish to print an Italian translation.
Writing to the Italian publisher, Arnoldo Mondadori Editore, the Foreign Rights Department of GA&U note their pleasure at the publishers consideration t...
Arnoldo Mondadori Editore (Milan) writes thanking George Allen & Unwin for copies of the Fellowship of the Ring and the Two Towers. They have been sent ...
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...
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 ...
Among various subjects, Tolkien mentions his health, which has been good, and the oddness of suggestions gifts. He remarks that he was gifted a pair of ...
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...
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...
Christopher Tolkien had re-drawn Tolkien's draft-map of the area of Gondor and Rohan.
Writing to Miss Turnbull, Tolkien says that he ahs not had time to reply to her long letter as he is "en-meshed with business" and the final pieces of v...
Tolkien replies to Rayner Unwin concerning his approval of Tolkien's map, which Christopher Tolkien reproduced.
Thanking Miss Turnbull for a gift and mention that he has sent off the last items (proofs) for The Return of the King.
Rayner Unwin sends Tolkien a folder with reviews from the USA, forwarded from Houghton Mifflin.
Tolkien is still not happy with the appendices going in with The Return of the King, but says that they will have to do. He remarks on the ability of th...
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 ...
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...
Tolkien shares insights into the origins and inspirations behind his writing, particularly focusing on The Lord of the Rings. He discusses the evolution...
Tolkien mentions his visit to London where he met Rayner Unwin. He met Mr. Wilson who he described as "the small old Scott who seems to reign over that ...
Tolkien describes a challenging and overwhelming period with an excessive workload, emphasizing the strain it has taken. He mentions booksellers, includ...
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 ...
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...
Tolkien expresses dissatisfaction with the current proofreading procedure and raises concerns about potential errors in the published volume.
A letter from Tolkien to Miss Judson of Tunbridge Wells talking about The Return of the King and Tolkien's 1955 trip to Italy.
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 ...
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 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.
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...
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...
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...
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...
Brogan writes to Tolkien offering apologies for his "impertinent, stupid, or sycophantic" comments in his letter from December 1954. Tolkien will pen a ...
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...
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...
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...
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–...
The letter concerns The Return of the King and Tolkien's invented languages as the source from which his stories originally grew.
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 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 ...
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...
Tolkien writes about the radio adaption of The Lord of the Rings. He specifically criticizes the portrayal of events around Tom Bombadil and Goldberry.
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. ...
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...
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...
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 ...
Tolkien is happy to accept criticism of The Lord of the Rings.
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...
Tolkien writes a brief letter thanking Mr Polet for his letter and expresses his delight that Polet is enoying The Lord of the Rings.
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...
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...
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...
Tolkien replies to Peter Alford, of the BBC about his production of The Lord of the Rings.
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...
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...
Tolkien likes the illustrations that he has been sent, and discusses his own drawing skills. He has sent the drawings to Allen & Unwin, but has little h...
Tolkien 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...
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...
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...
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...
Tolkien wrote to Christopher about #TCGLetter533.
Tolkien dismisses the idea that his story is an allegory of atomic power. Tolkien mentions the significance of humility and equality as spiritual princi...
Tolkien expresses his strong concern about the translation of The Lord of the Rings. As a professional linguist and the author of the work, he emphasize...
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.
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...
Tolkien describes himself as a philologist, and sometime calligrapher. An index of Elvish names was intended to be produced, noting that his 'specialist...
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...
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.
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...
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...
Tolkien expresses strong objections to the Dutch translation of The Lord of the Rings. He vehemently opposes any alteration or translation of the nomenc...
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...
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...
Tolkien answers some questions, on The Silmarillion and on Elvish sleep among more general queries. It is plainly suggested that Elves do ‘sleep’, b...
Among various topics, the letter discusses Gimli and Legolas,
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...
Tolkien writes to Max Schuchart on matters of the Dutch translation of the Fellowship of the Ring.
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...
Tolkien expresses gratitude for this letter and contemplates the idea of retiring in July and reflects on the financial and health implications. Tolkien...
Tolkien apologises for not replying earlier. he ahs been overworked, noting that he has not the aid of an assistant in his role. He would be delighted t...
Tolkien was not inclined to offer any biographical details, as he doubted their relevance. Though he does go on to give some biographical facts. This le...
Tolkien provides an explanation of Sauron's nature and his role in the world.
Tolkien expresses dissatisfaction with the current script for the proposed film version of The Lord of the Rings. Previously, Wayne G. Hammond and Chris...
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...
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...
Tolkien discusses a letter from Halsbury expressing admiration for the Silmarillion material and anticipation for its publication. Tolkien mentions a le...
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...
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 ...
Tolkien confirms that Tuesday will be fine for a visit, though he has a guest around 7pm. The guest will be Mr Jonathan Wordsworth.
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 ...
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...
Tolkien describes in great detail his trip to Rotterdam.
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...
Tolkien describes the 'message' in The Lord of the Rings.
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...
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...
After receiving the script sent from Morton Grady Zimmerman Tolkien replies with (in parts) stinging criticism. He opens by apologising for sounding irr...
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...
Tolkien describes Hobbit history and the process of giving and receiving gifts in the Shire.
Tolkien responds to questions, explaining the inspiration and meaning behind various elements in The Lord of the Rings. Tolkien concludes by emphasizing...
Tolkien describes the creation of the World and then of the Dwarves by Aulë in draft that was never sent to Beare.
Tolkien sends his apologies not replying earlier, he describes himself as "a much harassed man".
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...
Tolkien writes with gratitude regarding Ready's arrangement of the purchase by the Marquette University of Tolkien's manuscripts for The Lord of the Rin...
Tolkien declines to take part in a symposium on Children's writing in draft form, but ends up sending just a short note.
Tolkien writes to Benjamin, and thanks him for buying The Lord of the Rings and answers a question on the height of Amon Hen, he doubts it was much over...
Tolkien writes about the Polish translation of The Lord of the Rings. A slightly different quotation from the letter is given in Chronology from that re...
A Cambridge cat breeder had asked if she could register a litter of Siamese kittens under names taken from The Lord of the Rings. In the 1981 edition of...
Tolkien had hoped to see Mitchison but her letter "twice delayed" had not reached Tolkien until it was too late. He gives an update on life and remarks ...
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...
Tolkien's letter, of which an extract is published in Triode 18 (May 1960) deals with the possibility of a film of The Lord of the Rings. Tolkien says t...
In this letter to his friend, Heinrich Wolfgang Donner, Tolkien says he is disaproving of the Swedish translation cover art for The Fellowship of the Ri...
Letter concerns various points in The Lord of the Rings and The Silmarillion.
Writing to L.W. Forster, Tolkien states that The Lord of the Rings was not influenced by the two World Wars, except for the landscape. The 2023 revised ...
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...
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...
Tolkien writes about including the Appendices of The Lord of the Rings in translations. Quoted selections from the letter appear in Chronology that are ...
Tolkien’s commentary on Åke Ohlmarks’ introduction to the Swedish translation of The Lord of the Rings.
Answering various questions about The Lord of the Rings. A photocopy of original letter with a complete transcript is held at the Marquette archives.
Writing to Mr. Gilmore, Tolkien explains that there will not be a sequel to The Lord of the Rings,
C.S. Lewis is surprised that Father Dominic thinks The Lord of the Rings "has not caught on".
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...
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...
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".
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...
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...
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...
Mondadori write to Alina Dedlez at GA&U thanking her for the copies sent of the Lord of the Rings and asks for details of what option they intend to gra...
In reply to a letter to GA&U, they reply that holding onto the books is fine. They ask that a decision be made within two months but that if more time i...
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...
Cin Calabi of Arnoldo Mondadori writes to George Allen & Unwin asking if they could have more time to consider The Lord of the Rings as holidays, etc ha...
In reply to a request for more time to consider the Lord of the Rings, Alina Dadlez replies that the end of September will be fine and asks if they may ...
Tolkien writes about his lecture 'English and Welsh' and about 'Leaf by Niggle'.
An internal memo noting that they are considering once again the Lord of the Rings after having turned it down in 1955. Various translations are noted, ...
This internal letter forms the basis of the letter which will be sent to Stanley Unwin declining the invitation to translate and publish the Lord of the...
An internal note about the possibility of publishing the Lord of the Rings. Details various mentions from other letters about the success of the book, t...
Mario Mattolini sends this internal letter making the decision to not move forward with the Lord of the Rings.
Writing to Stanley Unwin, Cin Calabi of the Italian publisher Arnoldo Mondadori Editore, gives Stanley Unwin the news that the publisher is declining th...
Tolkien expresses gratitude for Philip Toynbee's famous assault on his work in The Observer in 1961: Minchin was editor of The Legion Book (1929) and, l...
A fragment at the top of which Tolkien has written: ‘Comments on a criticism (now lost?) concerning Faramir & Eowyn (c. 1963).’
Mr. Elliot-Howard had written to Tolkien telling him of his adventures travelling around the world with his copy of The Lord of the Rings.
Tolkien writes to 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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
Tolkien answers questions about The Lord of the Rings, especially regarding the failure of Frodo. Marquette archives have a partial transcript along wit...
Tolkien opens this letter stating that an earlier reply was delayed by ill-health and pressures of work. he caanot answer questions sent by her son, say...
Howard McCord was a creative writing professor at Washington State University when he wrote a letter to Tolkien. He compliments Tolkien on The Fellowshi...
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 ...
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 thanks 'Master' Clements for his appreciation of The Hobbit and suggests that "the other books I have written which you might enjoy, Farmer Gile...
Eileen Elgar wrote to Tolkien asking for information about The Silmarillion. Included in his reply was a nine page manuscript, with genealogical tree il...
An account of Tolkien’s unfinished story ‘The New Shadow’. See #Letter338 for more about the events after The Lord of the Rings. Chronology mentio...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
Tolkien discusses the proverb 'third time proves best'.
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
Tolkien describes what happened to Shadowfax at the end of The Lord of the Rings (he went with Gandalf into the West).
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. ...
Auden had asked Tolkien if the notion of the Orcs, an entire race that was irredeemably wicked, was not heretical.
Tolkien's secretary writes about Ace Books to Mr Eder.
Tolkien replies to fan letter thanking Mr. Eder for his letters and pictures of stained glass windows. He enjoyed seeing them. He also alerts Eder to th...
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...
Tolkien writes about revising The Lord of the Rings. Additional quotes from this letter concerning the revising of Sir Gawain are published in Chronolog...
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...
Tolkien writes to Austin Olney, at Houghton Mifflin, with corrections and additions to The Two Towers.
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...
Tolkien writes about The Silmarillion, the Númenórean legends, and his friendship with C.S. Lewis. He discusses the formation of the Tolkien Society o...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
Tolkien offers advice on finding first editions of The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit.
Wheeler sends Tolkien a copy of the August edition of RALLY whoch includes a review of The Lord of the Rings by Jared Lobdell. Noted at regarding the da...
'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...
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. ...
Tolkien had been sent details of a proposed ‘sequel’ to The Lord of the Rings that a ‘fan’ was going to write himself.
Tolkien writes to Mr Marsh about his collaboration with Donald Swann for the book The Road goes ever on and on.
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...
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...
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...
Ubaldini Editore s.r.l have decided to publish The Lord of the Rings in Italian and enquire about the terms.
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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.
This letter from the publisher, Casa Editrice Astrolabio, to their bank instructing them to transfer the advance payment (£225) for their contract with...
Tolkien thanks Rayner for his friendship.
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...
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...
Tolkien's Italian publisher writes to Allen & Unwin about publishing Smith of Wootton Major, which they are interested in doing.
Tolkien writes about the origins of the writer's name Honeybourne.
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...
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...
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...
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...
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. ...
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...
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...
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...
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...
Tolkien discusses the literary genres that he uses and his Atlantis complex.
Tolkien sends some autographs for the McCall children to put in their books.
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...
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...
Tolkien was delighted that his letter arrived safely and "so quickly", see #TCGLetter1172. This reply followed one from Joy Hill (#TCGLetter1175) where ...
Christopher writes to Mr Lobdell about his questions concerning his father. Did Christopher influence the Lord of the Rings? Is the dwarves' language as...
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...
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...
Tolkien writes about Cynewulf and Glanduin.
Tolkien writing to Pauline Baynes returns a photocopy of the Middle-earth map, with comments. The spelling Enedwaith is correct. He also apologizes for ...
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...
Tolkien discusses his love of botany.
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...
Tolkien discusses his problems with progressing with the Silmarillion. An additional portion of the letter has been quoted on Michael Tolkien's website.
Ernest Shepard was asked to illustrate The Lord of the Rings, but declines, as he has not read the book. He recommends a fellow illustrator in his place...
Tolkien writes to Mr Wood and sends three copies of his signature on cards, stating that he should keep one for himself.
This letter was the third in a series of letters sold at Christie's but no details beyond those record in #TCGLetter700 and #TCGLetter726 are known.
Tolkien describes the Caverns of Helm's Deep as being influenced by Cheddar Gorge.
Among the subjects included in this letter to his cousin, Dorothy Wood, Tolkien has asked Allen & Unwin to send her a copy of the India paper edition of...
Tolkien writes about about the use of the name ‘Gamgee’ in The Lord of the Rings, and whether the name ‘Gondor’ had been suggested by Gondar in ...
Tolkien writes about Aman and what happens to mortals, such as Frodo, when they go there. In a portion published in the C.S. Lewis Biography by Green To...
Rayner Unwin has sent via Joy Hill blowups from the The Lord of the Rings of area the There and Back Again map would need to cover. It has much some det...
Tolkien talks about The Lord of the Rings and confesses that he feels it no longer belongs to him.
Tolkien shares his views on author's biographies.
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...
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 ...
Tolkien discusses the question, did the Ents ever find the Entwives?
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...
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 talks about numerals in The Lord of the Rings. A photocopy with a complete transcript is held at the Marquette archives.
A continuation of #Letter342, where Tolkien continues to discuss naming animals.
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...
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...
Tolkien details his thoughts on a recent article about him in a paper, and what he thought should have been written about. He then tells the respondent ...
Tolkien's secretary writing on behalf of Tolkien, sats that he is very busy and cannot write letters currently.
Tolkien writes about a cutting in the Swedish newspaper Dagens Nyheter and his influence by the American fantasy writer John Cabell.
Tolkien responds an enquiry about Galadriel.
Tolkien writes to a reader giving an update on his next book, The Silmarillion "which is already written but in need of revision".
Tolkien sends a postcard accepting a request to sign a copy of The Lord of the Rings even though he has told everyone that he will not do this.
Tolkien writes about his current views on Galadriel which changed frequently through out his life.
Christopher agrees to produce a new version of Notes on Nomenclature and for Lobdell to publish them in his book A Tolkien Compass.
Christopher Tolkien replies to Perrúa who had written to tell him that he had handed over the work of Las Dos Toores to Senora Matilde Horne. Christoph...
Letter Tags
Stats
Guide to Tolkien's Letters
The Lord of the Rings
(413 letters match)1937
15 October 1937
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J.R.R. Tolkien to Stanley Unwin
#19
Carpenter #17
Tolkien was pleased that The Hobbit was being well received, though he knows that the two glowing, unsigned reviews in The Times and the Times Literary ...
23 October 1937
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J.R.R. Tolkien to Stanley Unwin
#21
Carpenter #18
Originally published as just a fragment of a thank you letter to Stanley Unwin who had written that Tolkien was "one of those rare people with genius." ...
16 December 1937
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J.R.R. Tolkien to Stanley Unwin
#22
Carpenter #19
Tolkien has received a letter from Arthur Ransome, who wonders about the use of the word "man" in The Hobbit, as well as a few other letters from reader...
19 December 1937
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J.R.R. Tolkien to C.A. Furth
#23
Carpenter #20
"I have written the first chapter of a new story about Hobbits – 'A long expected party'" remarks Tolkien in this letter to C.A. Furth of GA&U. This i...
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
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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
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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
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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
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...
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...
1941
2 January 1941
J.R.R. Tolkien to Michael Tolkien
#56
Carpenter #41
After addressing overdue correspondence, Tolkien mentions resuming work on his sequel to The Hobbit, The Lord of the Rings, but anticipates the impendin...
1942
15 March 1942
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J.R.R. Tolkien to John Kettle
#116
Tolkien notes his pleasure at receiveing letters from readers. He mentions his mythology and remarks that he has nearly finished a second book on hobbit...
7 December 1942
J.R.R. Tolkien to Stanley Unwin
#62
Carpenter #47
Tolkien expresses gratitude for the note from Stanley Unwin and discusses the progress of the sequel to The Hobbit that he has been working on since 193...
1943
3 August 1943
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J.R.R. Tolkien to Leila Keene and Pat Kirke
#119
Tolkien wrote this long letter to two schoolgirls, Leila Keane and Patricia Kirke who were both very enthusiastic about hobbits, in reply to their quest...
8 September 1943
J.R.R. Tolkien to Christopher Tolkien
#1385
Carpenter #49c
Christopher had apparently been having a bad week, and Tolkien writes with his sympathies. He says to not spend “precious time” on letter writing, t...
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" Tolkien notes that he was tryi...
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, which he hopes G...
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
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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...
1945
7 January 1945
J.R.R. Tolkien to Christopher Tolkien
#1404
Carpenter #94a
Tolkien says he is struggling with letters, many of which he should have written at Christmas. He complains that the weather is bitterly cold and he can...
9 January 1945
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J.R.R. Tolkien to Leila Keane and Patricia Kirke
#572
Tolkien writes to Leila Keane and Patricia Kirke, he discusses his progress with The Lord of the Rings, and the fortunes of his family. The letter was a...
30 January 1945
J.R.R. Tolkien to Christopher Tolkien
#221
Carpenter #96
Tolkien describes some domestic plumbing troubles that prevented him from meeting up with Lewis in the morning, but the eventually managed to make it to...
22 May 1945
Stephen Bone to J.R.R. Tolkien
#2046
Stephen Bone, the writer and painter, writes to Tolkien. He remarks on his children's enjoyment of The Hobbit and asks Tolkien if he would send him a ma...
29 May 1945
J.R.R. Tolkien to Christopher Tolkien
#225
Carpenter #100
Tolkien remarks that he would be comforted if Christopher could be re-commissioned out of the R.A.F. Christopher had recently returned from service. He ...
1946
21 July 1946
J.R.R. Tolkien to Stanley Unwin
#251
Carpenter #105
Tolkien writes to Sir Stanley Unwin, who had just been knighted. He asked about Farmer Giles. And remarks on his progress to The Hobbit sequel among oth...
30 September 1946
J.R.R. Tolkien to Stanley Unwin
#252
Carpenter #106
Tolkien expresses delight at the prospect of publishing "Farmer Giles of Ham" but cites academic commitments as a hindrance to providing more material p...
1947
31 July 1947
J.R.R. Tolkien to Stanley Unwin
#255
Carpenter #109
Tolkien responded to Rayner Unwin's comments about The Fellowship of the Ring. He talks about allegory as well as other literary illusions. Tolkien ment...
21 September 1947
J.R.R. Tolkien to Stanley Unwin
#257
Carpenter #111
Tolkien apologizes for the delay in responding to a letter sent in July and explains that he has been preoccupied with philology due to academic commitm...
30 September 1947
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J.R.R. Tolkien to Rosemary
#129
Writing to a young fan, Rosemary, Tolkien says he is yet to finish his new book about Bilbo and his nephew. . He worries that it is so long that the pub...
23 November 1947
Stephen Bone to J.R.R. Tolkien
#2047
Following on from his letter in 1945, Bone returns a speciman page from The Lord of the Rings and discusses it. We currently have no record of Tolkien's...
30 November 1947
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J.R.R. Tolkien to Katharine Farrer
#140
Carpenter #112
Katharine Farrer had written to Tolkien, in runes, asking if he would sign her copy of The Hobbit. Tolkien replies to her letter in runes. He says that ...
1948
18 January 1948
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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" This ...
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" Tolki...
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" This ...
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
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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
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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
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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
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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...
1951
1951 (late)
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J.R.R. Tolkien to Milton Waldman
#152
Carpenter #131
Tolkien wrote this letter to Milton Waldman. Tolkien wanted his publisher, George Allen & Unwin, to publish both The Lord of the Rings and The Silmarill...
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
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J.R.R. Tolkien to George Sayer
#157
In 1937, at the urging of his publishers Collins, Tolkien began writing "a new Hobbit." Due to his full-time academic position, progress was slow, and h...
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
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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
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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
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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
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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 I'll health and has been very ...
2 December 1953
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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...
10 December 1953
J.R.R. Tolkien to Katharine Farrer
#1435
Carpenter #142a
Tolkien thanks Katharine Farrer Tolkien has a galley of Volume One of The Lord of the Rings which he has read only once, intended for Farrer to read, an...
14 December 1953
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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
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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
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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
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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 ppears in Sotheby's Catalogue of Nineteenth Centur...
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 exraordiary. A large publisher will hav...
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
#2060
Tolkien replies to Hugh Brogan who had written on the subject of The Fellowship of the Ring.
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
#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...
20 September 1954
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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
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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
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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 ...
28 September 1954
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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...
27-30 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...
13 October 1954
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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J.R.R. Tolkien to Derrick Parnum
#199
Among various subjects, Tolkien mentions his health, which has been good, and the oddness of suggestions gifts. He remarks that he was gifted a pair of ...
15 March 1955
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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
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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
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J.R.R. Tolkien to Miss Turnbull
#200
Writing to Miss Turnbull, Tolkien says that he ahs 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
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J.R.R. Tolkien to Rayner Unwin
#201
Tolkien replies to Rayner Unwin concerning his approval of Tolkien's map, which Christopher Tolkien reproduced.
19 May 1955
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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.
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
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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
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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 Scott 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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
#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 ...
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...
28 September 1955
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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
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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...
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...
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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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...
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...
20 April 1956
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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
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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
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J.R.R. Tolkien to Miss 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
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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
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J.R.R. Tolkien to Mr Britten
#260
Among various topics, the letter discusses Gimli and Legolas,
8 December 1956
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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
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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 this letter and contemplates the idea of retiring in July and reflects on the financial and health implications. Tolkien...
9 June 1957
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J.R.R. Tolkien to William Ready
#322
Tolkien apologises for not replying earlier. he ahs been overworked, noting that he has not the aid of an assistant in his role. He would be delighted t...
24 June 1957
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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 C. 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
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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
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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
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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
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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...
1959
5 March 1959
J.R.R. Tolkien to William Ready
#343
Tolkien writes with gratitude regarding Ready's arrangement of the purchase by the Marquette University of Tolkien's manuscripts for The Lord of the Rin...
17 April 1959
J.R.R. Tolkien to Walter Allen
#590
Carpenter #215
Tolkien declines to take part in a symposium on Children's writing in draft form, but ends up sending just a short note.
19 June 1959
J.R.R. Tolkien to Benjamin Knights
#1064
Tolkien writes to Benjamin, and thanks him for buying The Lord of the Rings and answers a question on the height of Amon Hen, he doubts it was much over...
11 September 1959
J.R.R. Tolkien to Allen & Unwin
#592
Carpenter #217
Tolkien writes about the Polish translation of The Lord of the Rings. A slightly different quotation from the letter is given in Chronology from that re...
16 October 1959
J.R.R. Tolkien to Allen & Unwin
#594
Carpenter #220*
A Cambridge cat breeder had asked if she could register a litter of Siamese kittens under names taken from The Lord of the Rings. In the 1981 edition of...
8 November 1959
J.R.R. Tolkien to Naomi Mitchison
#346
Carpenter #220a
Tolkien had hoped to see Mitchison but her letter "twice delayed" had not reached Tolkien until it was too late. He gives an update on life and remarks ...
1960
7 January 1960
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J.R.R. Tolkien to Mr. K.F. Mawson
#452
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...
April 1960
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J.R.R. Tolkien to Triode
#454
Tolkien's letter, of which an extract is published in Triode 18 (May 1960) deals with the possibility of a film of The Lord of the Rings. Tolkien says t...
7 July 1960
J.R.R. Tolkien to Heinrich Wolfgang Donner
#461
In this letter to his friend, Heinrich Wolfgang Donner, Tolkien says he is disaproving of the Swedish translation cover art for The Fellowship of the Ri...
30 August 1960
J.R.R. Tolkien to George Lewis Hersh
#1067
Letter concerns various points in The Lord of the Rings and The Silmarillion.
31 December 1960
J.R.R. Tolkien to L.W. Forster
#602
Carpenter #226
Writing to L.W. Forster, Tolkien states that The Lord of the Rings was not influenced by the two World Wars, except for the landscape. The 2023 revised ...
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
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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.
8 June 1961
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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
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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,
4 August 1961
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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J.R.R. Tolkien to H [Humphrey]. Cotton Minchin
#500
Tolkien expresses gratitude for Philip Toynbee's famous assault on his work in The Observer in 1961: Minchin was editor of The Legion Book (1929) and, l...
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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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 caanot answer questions sent by her son, say...
11 December 1963
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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’. See #Letter338 for more about the events after The Lord of the Rings. Chronology mentio...
30 May 1964
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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Tolkien's Secretary to Mr Eder
#914
Tolkien's secretary writes about Ace Books to Mr Eder.
20 May 1965
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J.R.R. Tolkien to Mr. Eder
#1123
Tolkien replies to fan letter thanking Mr. Eder for his letters and pictures of stained glass windows. He enjoyed seeing them. He also alerts Eder to th...
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
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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
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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...
6 December 1965
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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
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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
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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
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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...
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
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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
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Timothy J. Wheeler to J.R.R. Tolkien
#790
Wheeler sends Tolkien a copy of the August edition of RALLY whoch includes a review of The Lord of the Rings by Jared Lobdell. Noted at regarding the da...
October 1966
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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
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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
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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.
1967
2 January 1967
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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J.R.R. Tolkien to Elsie Honeybourne
#756
Tolkien writes about the origins of the writer's name Honeybourne.
8 November 1967
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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
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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
8 January 1968
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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J.R.R. Tolkien to Maria Mroczkowska
#812
Tolkien discusses the literary genres that he uses and his Atlantis complex.
3 January 1969
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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.
1 October 1969
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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
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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
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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...
1970
1 January 1970
J.R.R. Tolkien to Michael George Tolkien
#387
Carpenter #315
Tolkien discusses his problems with progressing with the Silmarillion. An additional portion of the letter has been quoted on Michael Tolkien's website.
19 January 1970
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Ernest Shepard to Mr. Haack
#821
Ernest Shepard was asked to illustrate The Lord of the Rings, but declines, as he has not read the book. He recommends a fellow illustrator in his place...
Summer or Autumn 1970
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J.R.R. Tolkien to Mr Wood
#278
Tolkien writes to Mr Wood and sends three copies of his signature on cards, stating that he should keep one for himself.
6 August 1970
J.R.R. Tolkien to Paula Coston (née Iley)
#1178
This letter was the third in a series of letters sold at Christie's but no details beyond those record in #TCGLetter700 and #TCGLetter726 are known.
1971
4 February 1971
J.R.R. Tolkien to P. Rorke, S.J.
#416
Carpenter #321
Tolkien describes the Caverns of Helm's Deep as being influenced by Cheddar Gorge.
26 May 1971
J.R.R. Tolkien to Dorothy Wood
#443
Among the subjects included in this letter to his cousin, Dorothy Wood, Tolkien has asked Allen & Unwin to send her a copy of the India paper edition of...
4-5 June 1971
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J.R.R. Tolkien to Graham Tayar
#419
Carpenter #324
Tolkien writes about about the use of the name ‘Gamgee’ in The Lord of the Rings, and whether the name ‘Gondor’ had been suggested by Gondar in ...
17 July 1971
J.R.R. Tolkien to Roger Lancelyn Green
#420
Carpenter #325
Tolkien writes about Aman and what happens to mortals, such as Frodo, when they go there. In a portion published in the C.S. Lewis Biography by Green To...
9 August 1971
Rayner Unwin to Pauline Baynes
#1260
Rayner Unwin has sent via Joy Hill blowups from the The Lord of the Rings of area the There and Back Again map would need to cover. It has much some det...
Autumn 1971
J.R.R. Tolkien to Carole Batten-Phelps
#422
Carpenter #328
Tolkien talks about The Lord of the Rings and confesses that he feels it no longer belongs to him.
October 1971
J.R.R. Tolkien to Peter Szabó Szentmihályi
#423
Carpenter #329
Tolkien shares his views on author's biographies.
1972
23 April 1972
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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
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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
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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
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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...
1973
Not dated (January 1973)
J.R.R. Tolkien to Miss T.R.C.
#1503
Carpenter #347a
Tolkien details his thoughts on a recent article about him in a paper, and what he thought should have been written about. He then tells the respondent ...
17 January 1973
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Tolkien's secretary to Mr. N.J. Kyle
#313
Tolkien's secretary writing on behalf of Tolkien, sats that he is very busy and cannot write letters currently.
18 January 1973
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J.R.R. Tolkien to Mr. Uggla
#317
Tolkien writes about a cutting in the Swedish newspaper Dagens Nyheter and his influence by the American fantasy writer John Cabell.
6 March 1973
J.R.R. Tolkien to Mrs Catharine Findlay
#385
Carpenter #348
Tolkien responds an enquiry about Galadriel.
29 March 1973
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J.R.R. Tolkien to Mr. Giusti
#1800
Tolkien writes to a reader giving an update on his next book, The Silmarillion "which is already written but in need of revision".
30 May 1973
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J.R.R. Tolkien to Brown
#376
Tolkien sends a postcard accepting a request to sign a copy of The Lord of the Rings even though he has told everyone that he will not do this.
4 August 1973
J.R.R. Tolkien to Lord Halsbury
#380
Carpenter #353
Tolkien writes about his current views on Galadriel which changed frequently through out his life.
1974
21 June 1974
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Christopher Tolkien to J.C. Lobdell
#1020
Christopher agrees to produce a new version of Notes on Nomenclature and for Lobdell to publish them in his book A Tolkien Compass.
1978
31 January 1978
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Christopher Tolkien to Francisco Perrúa
#877
Christopher Tolkien replies to Perrúa who had written to tell him that he had handed over the work of Las Dos Toores to Senora Matilde Horne. Christoph...
2035
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