Letters 
Letter Tags
Letter Tags
Guide to Tolkien's Letters
Personal
(53 letters match)1914
August 16 1914
J.R.R. Tolkien to Edith Bratt
Tolkien looks forward to seeing Edith in three days. Tolkien writes to Edith about his hikes in Cornwall with Father Vincent Reade of the Birmingham Ora...
Tolkien looks forward to seeing Edith in three days. Tolkien writes to Edith about his hikes in Cornwall with Father Vincent Reade of the Birmingham Ora...
1938
31 July 1938
J.R.R. Tolkien to Ida Gordon
Tolkien sends his condolences to the wife of E.V. Gordon, who had recently died due to complications from an operation.
Tolkien sends his condolences to the wife of E.V. Gordon, who had recently died due to complications from an operation.
1941
9 June 1941
J.R.R. Tolkien to Michael Tolkien
Letters #45
One war is enough for any man, declared Tolkien, and he hoped Michael would be spared a second. He knew what Michael was suffering through. When he was ...
One war is enough for any man, declared Tolkien, and he hoped Michael would be spared a second. He knew what Michael was suffering through. When he was ...
1943
25 October 1943
J.R.R. Tolkien to Christopher Tolkien
Letters #50
Tolkien describes how the trees look this time of year, and mentions that he will be meeting C.E.B. Joad the next night for dinner, hosted by C.S. Lewis...
Tolkien describes how the trees look this time of year, and mentions that he will be meeting C.E.B. Joad the next night for dinner, hosted by C.S. Lewis...
29 November 1943
J.R.R. Tolkien to Christopher Tolkien
Letters #52
Tolkien claimed that his political opinions leaned increasingly to Anarchy (philosophically understood) or to unconstitutional Monarchy. He would arrest...
Tolkien claimed that his political opinions leaned increasingly to Anarchy (philosophically understood) or to unconstitutional Monarchy. He would arrest...
1944
8 January 1944
J.R.R. Tolkien to Christopher Tolkien
Letters #54
Tolkien offers Christopher advice on prayer and to remember his guardian angel. He reminds him to use praises, and says of them if you have these by hea...
Tolkien offers Christopher advice on prayer and to remember his guardian angel. He reminds him to use praises, and says of them if you have these by hea...
24 April 1944
J.R.R. Tolkien to Christopher Tolkien
Letters #63
Tolkien had had the uncommon luxury of lying a-bed with toast, home-made marmalade, and Christophers recent letter. He had gotten only broken sleep due ...
Tolkien had had the uncommon luxury of lying a-bed with toast, home-made marmalade, and Christophers recent letter. He had gotten only broken sleep due ...
12 May 1944
J.R.R. Tolkien to Christopher Tolkien
Letters #68
Tolkien spent a morning writing and was within sight of Minas Morghul. He had not gotten new copies typed to send to Christopher because he was pushing ...
Tolkien spent a morning writing and was within sight of Minas Morghul. He had not gotten new copies typed to send to Christopher because he was pushing ...
12 August 1944
J.R.R. Tolkien to Christopher Tolkien
Letters #78
Tolkien told his son that he carefully read his letters and that it was right for him to open his troubled heart, but not to think that any part of his ...
Tolkien told his son that he carefully read his letters and that it was right for him to open his troubled heart, but not to think that any part of his ...
23 October 1944
J.R.R. Tolkien to Christopher Tolkien
Letters #86
Tolkien told Christopher that he was bored and tired, and then discussed the topic blasphemy.
Tolkien told Christopher that he was bored and tired, and then discussed the topic blasphemy.
28 October 1944
J.R.R. Tolkien to Christopher Tolkien
Letters #88
Tolkien lamented the fading of an empty year into darkness and wondered what the new year would bring.
Tolkien lamented the fading of an empty year into darkness and wondered what the new year would bring.
1948
25 December 1948
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J.R.R. Tolkien to Hugh Brogan
Letters #118
Tolkien sent Hugh Brogan Christmas greetings in a note with three inscriptions. The first was a form of Angerthas not quite matching the dwarf-runes of ...
Tolkien sent Hugh Brogan Christmas greetings in a note with three inscriptions. The first was a form of Angerthas not quite matching the dwarf-runes of ...
1949
11 March 1949
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J.R.R. Tolkien to Miss Turnbull
Tolkien reports that he has completed The Lord of the Rings, he doubts it will ever be published but he will send Miss Turnbull a copy, along with Farme...
Tolkien reports that he has completed The Lord of the Rings, he doubts it will ever be published but he will send Miss Turnbull a copy, along with Farme...
1952
10 February 1952
J.R.R. Tolkien to Father John Tolkien
Letters #132
Tolkien writes to his son John about a meal that he had with Lewis, which they called the ham-feast.
Tolkien writes to his son John about a meal that he had with Lewis, which they called the ham-feast.
1955
22 or 23 June 1955
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J.R.R. Tolkien to Patricia Kirke
A letter written to P. Tolkien and Edith had been to Ireland where they stayed with a Bridget MacCarthy in Cork. Tolkien says he will be at Oxford aroun...
A letter written to P. Tolkien and Edith had been to Ireland where they stayed with a Bridget MacCarthy in Cork. Tolkien says he will be at Oxford aroun...
1956
20 December 1956
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J.R.R. Tolkien to Deirdre Levinson
DRAFT: A two page lettercard to Deirdre Levinson dated 20 December 1956. The front of the card shows a four line quote from the Crist of Cynewulf, while...
DRAFT: A two page lettercard to Deirdre Levinson dated 20 December 1956. The front of the card shows a four line quote from the Crist of Cynewulf, while...
1957
25 April 1957
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J.R.R. Tolkien to George Sayer
A short note, arranging lunch with Sayer,
A short note, arranging lunch with Sayer,
19 December 1957
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J.R.R. Tolkien to Patricia
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 fo...
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 fo...
1958
10 January 1958
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J.R.R. Tolkien to Michael George Tolkien
A very brief note from Tolkien to his grandson on the occasion of his 15th birthday.
A very brief note from Tolkien to his grandson on the occasion of his 15th birthday.
17 February 1958
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J.R.R. Tolkien to Jonathan Wordsworth
Tolkien sends a very short note confirming a dinner. In an annotation, the recipient notes in reference to Tolkiens indicated writing time of 12:45 am :...
Tolkien sends a very short note confirming a dinner. In an annotation, the recipient notes in reference to Tolkiens indicated writing time of 12:45 am :...
22 February 1958
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J.R.R. Tolkien to Mr. Wood
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 confirms that Tuesday will be fine for a visit, though he has a guest around 7pm. The guest will be Mr Jonathan Wordsworth.
Early March 1958
J.R.R. Tolkien to Przemyslaw Mroczkowski
Sometime in 1958 (no later than 11 March) Tolkien broaches a difficult matter, he offers his friend financial support, in the form of £30, The second l...
Sometime in 1958 (no later than 11 March) Tolkien broaches a difficult matter, he offers his friend financial support, in the form of £30, The second l...
11 March 1958
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J.R.R. Tolkien to Przemyslaw Mroczkowski
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 T...
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 T...
1963
11 December 1963
Edith Tolkien to Robert Graves
Having met during the Gravess stay in Oxford, the Tolkiens send their thanks for parting gifts of flowers and wine. This letter is held within the Rober...
Having met during the Gravess stay in Oxford, the Tolkiens send their thanks for parting gifts of flowers and wine. This letter is held within the Rober...
1966
14 February 1966
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J.R.R. Tolkien to Sterling Lanier
Tolkien thanks Lanier for sending a copy of S.F.W.A. January Bulletin, saying the campaign has worked and Ace has offered acceptable terms. Tolkien cong...
Tolkien thanks Lanier for sending a copy of S.F.W.A. January Bulletin, saying the campaign has worked and Ace has offered acceptable terms. Tolkien cong...
19 April 1966
J.R.R. Tolkien to Nan C. Scott
Tolkien suggests some days when the Scotts might visit him, as they are currently in London.
Tolkien suggests some days when the Scotts might visit him, as they are currently in London.
9 May 1966
J.R.R. Tolkien to Nan C. Scott
Tolkien had to leave Oxford for the day and is unable to meet with the Scotts. It is held at the Wade.
Tolkien had to leave Oxford for the day and is unable to meet with the Scotts. It is held at the Wade.
30 May 1966
J.R.R. Tolkien to Nan C. Scott
Tolkien thanks Nan Scott for sending a photograph of them from her visit. It is held at the Wade.
Tolkien thanks Nan Scott for sending a photograph of them from her visit. It is held at the Wade.
18 July 1966
J.R.R. Tolkien to Nan C. Scott
Tolkien invites her to visit next time she is in Oxford, and he will sign books for her. It is held at the Wade.
Tolkien invites her to visit next time she is in Oxford, and he will sign books for her. It is held at the Wade.
1 August 1966
J.R.R. Tolkien to Clyde S. Kilby
Tolkien writes says that his son will be out for lunch on Thursday and wonders if he would like to join them.
Tolkien writes says that his son will be out for lunch on Thursday and wonders if he would like to join them.
12 September 1966
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J.R.R. Tolkien to Rose MacNamara
Tolkien sends his congratulations to Rose, who has become a nun. He mentions that his son Father John has said a Mass for Roses father.
Tolkien sends his congratulations to Rose, who has become a nun. He mentions that his son Father John has said a Mass for Roses father.
11 October 1966
J.R.R. Tolkien to Clyde S. Kilby
Letters #289b
Mr. and Mrs. Tolkiens Mediterranean cruise. Work on books and manuscripts. Excerpts from the letter have been published in SEVEN, Volume 27 (p. 49). Ano...
Mr. and Mrs. Tolkiens Mediterranean cruise. Work on books and manuscripts. Excerpts from the letter have been published in SEVEN, Volume 27 (p. 49). Ano...
28 November 1966
J.R.R. Tolkien to Clyde S. Kilby
Tolkien writes to Clyde S. Kilby making mention that he is pleased that Kilby has finally received the correct medication and says that he is yet to con...
Tolkien writes to Clyde S. Kilby making mention that he is pleased that Kilby has finally received the correct medication and says that he is yet to con...
1968
29 February 1968
J.R.R. Tolkien to Donald Swann
Letters #301
The BBC made a documentary programme, Tolkien in Oxford, which was filmed in early February and televised on 30 March 1968. Swann, whose musical setting...
The BBC made a documentary programme, Tolkien in Oxford, which was filmed in early February and televised on 30 March 1968. Swann, whose musical setting...
25 September 1968
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J.R.R. Tolkien to Maple & Co, Bournemouth
Maple & Co were a furniture store in Bournemouth, Tolkien appears to have bought furniture from them but has not cleared out his library to allow the fu...
Maple & Co were a furniture store in Bournemouth, Tolkien appears to have bought furniture from them but has not cleared out his library to allow the fu...
1969
Aug. 4 1969
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J.R.R. Tolkien to Messrs. Goadsby and Harding
The letter is to Tolkiens insurance company, enclosing a cheque for policy renewal and inquiring if he has adequate cover particularly for the large gla...
The letter is to Tolkiens insurance company, enclosing a cheque for policy renewal and inquiring if he has adequate cover particularly for the large gla...
2 October 1969
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Christopher Tolkien to J.C. Lobdell
Christopher apologizes for the length of time taken to reply to Mr Lobdells letter.
Christopher apologizes for the length of time taken to reply to Mr Lobdells letter.
1971
8 January 1971
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J.R.R. Tolkien to Dick Plotz
A personal letter to Plotz. Also touches upon Tolkiens worries about his estate tax situation.
A personal letter to Plotz. Also touches upon Tolkiens worries about his estate tax situation.
?4-?9 May 1971
J.R.R. Tolkien and Edith Tolkien to Dorothy Wood
Tolkien and Edith send a telegram in honour of her eightieth birthday. Mrs Dorothy Grace Wood (née Mountain) and Tolkien were cousins. Her mother was G...
Tolkien and Edith send a telegram in honour of her eightieth birthday. Mrs Dorothy Grace Wood (née Mountain) and Tolkien were cousins. Her mother was G...
29 November 1971
J.R.R. Tolkien to William Cater
Letters #331
Tolkien writes to William Cater about the death of his wife, Edith Tolkien and his utter bereavement. In the 2023 revised edition of Letters, a brief no...
Tolkien writes to William Cater about the death of his wife, Edith Tolkien and his utter bereavement. In the 2023 revised edition of Letters, a brief no...
30 November 1971
Priscilla Tolkien, J.R.R. Tolkien to Dorothy Wood
Priscilla Tolkien informs Dorothy Wood that her mother, Edith, has passed away, to which Tolkien adds a post script.
Priscilla Tolkien informs Dorothy Wood that her mother, Edith, has passed away, to which Tolkien adds a post script.
11 December 1971
J.R.R. Tolkien to George and Moira Sayer
Tolkien replies to his close friends George and Moira Sayer who had sent their condolences on Ediths death. The letter was briefly quotes in Christies 2...
Tolkien replies to his close friends George and Moira Sayer who had sent their condolences on Ediths death. The letter was briefly quotes in Christies 2...
26 December 1971
J.R.R. Tolkien to Joy Hill
Tolkien mentions in his letter that he wore a gift from Joy on Christmas Day. Signing the letter J.R.R.T he notes that his contemporaries used to write ...
Tolkien mentions in his letter that he wore a gift from Joy on Christmas Day. Signing the letter J.R.R.T he notes that his contemporaries used to write ...
1972
28 April 1972
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J.R.R. Tolkien to Mrs. Robertson
Tolkien writes to Mrs Roberston to arrange to visit her in Sidmouth, with his daughter and grandson Simon. He also talks about relatives in Canada.
Tolkien writes to Mrs Roberston to arrange to visit her in Sidmouth, with his daughter and grandson Simon. He also talks about relatives in Canada.
3 May 1972
J.R.R. Tolkien to Graham Tayar
Tolkien accepts an invitation to dine with the London Old Edwardians.
Tolkien accepts an invitation to dine with the London Old Edwardians.
3 August 1972
J.R.R. Tolkien to Dorothy Wood
Tolkien writes to Dorothy Wood about family matters and his diminishing pension. He says that he has more work now than before retiring, and that he has...
Tolkien writes to Dorothy Wood about family matters and his diminishing pension. He says that he has more work now than before retiring, and that he has...
17 September 1972
J.R.R. Tolkien to Dorothy Wood
Tolkien will be staying at the Hotel Miramar for three nights in October and he looks forward to seeing her. Tolkien indeed stays in October and they se...
Tolkien will be staying at the Hotel Miramar for three nights in October and he looks forward to seeing her. Tolkien indeed stays in October and they se...
26 September 1972
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Clyde S. Kilby to Bill
Kilby writes to Bill, saying that he has copies of the letters from J.R.R. Tolkien to Roger Verhulst.
Kilby writes to Bill, saying that he has copies of the letters from J.R.R. Tolkien to Roger Verhulst.
7 November 1972
J.R.R. Tolkien to Dorothy Wood
Tolkien writes to inform Dorothy Wood that he is feeling much better.
Tolkien writes to inform Dorothy Wood that he is feeling much better.
1973
24 February 1973
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J.R.R. Tolkien to Jonathan Wordsworth
Tolkien describes his health, regretting that he cannot accept an invitation to dine. Jonathan Fletcher Wordsworth (1932-2006) was an academic, literary...
Tolkien describes his health, regretting that he cannot accept an invitation to dine. Jonathan Fletcher Wordsworth (1932-2006) was an academic, literary...
24 March 1973
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J.R.R. Tolkien to Denis and Joyce Tolhurst
A partial letter to Tolkiens doctor.
A partial letter to Tolkiens doctor.
29 August 1973
J.R.R. Tolkien to Priscilla Tolkien
Letters #354
This letter to Priscilla was written four days before Tolkiens death.
This letter to Priscilla was written four days before Tolkiens death.
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