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Guide to Tolkien's Letters
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Letters Letter Tags Stats

Guide to Tolkien's Letters


X

Publishing

(216 letters match)

1937

4 January 1937
J.R.R. Tolkien to Susan Dagnall
#9
 Carpenter #9



Tolkien details work he has recently completed on maps for The Hobbit, as well as other suggestions. Wayne G. Hammond and Christina Scull note that ther...
7 January 1937
J.R.R. Tolkien to George Allen & Unwin
#1844


Tolkien returns a slip to GA&U, likely the publicity piece for The Hobbit.
7 January 1937
C.A. Furth (GA&U) to J.R.R. Tolkien
#1845


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



Tolkien discusses the details of, and placement within the text, some of his illustrations in The Hobbit, as well as potential changes to his illustrati...
23 January 1937
Susan Dagnall to J.R.R. Tolkien
#1846


Susan Dagnall of GA&U writes to Tolkien asking if he can keep one day free, either 13 or 14 February, for her and C. A. Furth to visit Tolkien to discus...
23 January 1937
J.R.R. Tolkien to Susan Dagnall
#1847


Tolkien in reply to Susan Dagnall's letter sent that morning, , notes that he can keep either 13 or 14 February free. He includes the original drawing o...
1 February 1937
Susan Dagnall to J.R.R. Tolkien
#1848


Susan Dagnall writes to Tolkien, correcting a misstatement in her previous letter . Thror's Map will have to be used as an endpaper due to costs, but no...
5 February 1937
J.R.R. Tolkien to Susan Dagnall
#11
 Carpenter #11



Tolkien replies to Susan Dagnall of GA&U on matters of the reproductions of some of his illustrations in The Hobbit. In the 2023 revised edition of Lett...
20 February 1937
George Allen & Unwin to J.R.R. Tolkien
#1849


GA&U send to Tolkien a set of proofs for the Hobbit.
21 February 1937
J.R.R. Tolkien to George Allen & Unwin
#1850


Tolkien writes to GA&U noting that he has corrected the first proofs for The Hobbit but says that he wants to keep hold of them until the complete set h...
24 February 1937
George Allen & Unwin to J.R.R. Tolkien
#1852


GA&U sends to Tolkien the remaining proofs of The Hobbit and ask that he restricts any corrections to those unavoidable. They further ask that he try to...
24 February 1937
C.A. Furth (GA&U) to J.R.R. Tolkien
#1851


C. A. Furth of GA&U writes to Tolkien to inform him that the 'fine lines' in The Trolls illustration have broken when reproduced, but that there is no r...
?10 March 1937
J.R.R. Tolkien to George Allen & Unwin
#1854


Tolkien returns to GA&U the remaining proofs, end-papers, and suggestions for them of The Hobbit.
?10 March 1937
J.R.R. Tolkien to C.A. Furth
#1370
 Carpenter #11b



Tolkien writes to C. A. Furth of GA&U acknowledging the two drawings which were “safely received”, he has placed them in the correct positions among...
23 March 1937
C.A. Furth (GA&U) to J.R.R. Tolkien
#1855


Replying to Tolkien's letter, Furth confirms that Tolkien will receive proofs of the corrected portions for The Hobbit. Tolkien is warned that the corre...
30 March 1937
J.R.R. Tolkien to C.A. Furth
#1866


Writing to C. A. Furth of GA&U, Tolkien hopes that the proofs for The Hobbit will arrive with him during his vacation. He also notes that he will attemp...
31 March 1937
C.A. Furth (GA&U) to J.R.R. Tolkien
#1867


In reply to Tolkien's letter, C.A. Furth writes to say that the printers have decided to revise the whole of The Hobbit. Tolkien should receive some of ...
c. 3-4 and 7 April 1937
George Allen & Unwin to J.R.R. Tolkien
#1869


In two batches, Tolkien receives the proofs for The Hobbit. Exact dates are not known but does follow approximately to C. A. Furth's letter of 31 March ...
22 May 1937
George Allen & Unwin to J.R.R. Tolkien
#1874


GA&U send to Tolkien (for his approval) proof copies of The Hobbit dust-jacket.
26 May 1937
George Allen & Unwin to J.R.R. Tolkien
#1875


GA&U send to Tolkien (for his approval) sample bindings for The Hobbit.
c. 1 June 1937
George Allen & Unwin to Houghton Mifflin Co.
#1920


Noted in their letter to Tolkien of 1 June 1937, C. A. Furth says that they have written to Houghton Mifflin in regard of Tolkien's letter to them of 28...
1 June 1937
C.A. Furth (GA&U) to J.R.R. Tolkien
#1919


Writing to Tolkien, C. A. Furth of GA&U asks him to return the approved binding for The Hobbit. He agrees that the 'wavy line' will be removed, but says...
c. July 1937 - August 1937
George Allen & Unwin to C. S. Lewis
#1978


C. S. Lewis recieves an unbound copy of The Hobbit from GA&U.
3 July 1937
C.A. Furth to J.R.R. Tolkien
#2243


Furth sends a new sample case of The Hobbit to Tolkien with changes to the lettering and decorations after Tolkien's feedback sent on 28 May.
8 July 1937
C.A. Furth (GA&U) to J.R.R. Tolkien
#1944


C. A. writes, informing Tolkien that GA&U will send him a new binding for The Hobbit. It will have have different lettering without the lines under the ...
?9 July 1937
J.R.R. Tolkien to C.A. Furth
#1945


Tolkien writes to Furth of GA&U. He agrees that the revised binding would do. He had hoped that the 'wavy line' would be transformed into something and ...
14 July 1937
George Allen & Unwin to Russell Meiggs
#2015


GA&U send Russell Meiggs, editor of the Oxford Magazine, an unbound copy of The Hobbit per Tolkien's request. It is assumed that with any manuscript/pro...
?22 July 1937
J.R.R. Tolkien to George Allen & Unwin
#1946


Tolkien writes to GA&U and encloses the most recent photograph of himself as requested by Susan Dagnall. By letter or in person? He asks them again abou...
25 July 1937
J.R.R. Tolkien to Stanley Unwin
#1949


Tolkien replies to Stanley Unwin's letter. He will meet him at the GA&U office around 12.30pm on 28 July. He is unsure of the copyright status of the ph...
August 1937
George Allen & Unwin to Elaine Griffiths
#1979


GA&U send a copy of The Hobbit to Elaine Griffiths. Elaine was a family friend, and recalls reading the story from a "beautifully typed copy". It is ass...
August 1937
George Allen & Unwin to C. L. (Charles Leslie) Wrenn
#1996


GA&U send C. L. Wrenn a copy of The Hobbit as requested by Tolkien. It is assumed that with any manuscript/proofs or copies of books sent that a cover l...
August 1937
George Allen & Unwin to Helen Buckhurst
#1997


At Tolkien's request, GA&U sends Helen Buckhurst a copy of The Hobbit. It is assumed that with any manuscript/proofs or copies of books sent that a cove...
c. August 1937 - September 1937
?J.R.R. Tolkien ?George Allen & Unwin to Robert (Robert Mantle) Rattenbury
#2006


Robert Rattenbury is sent a copy of The Hobbit. It is not known specifically who sent it to him, be that Tolkien himself or through GA&U. No other detai...
August 1937
George Allen & Unwin to A. H. Smith
#2007


A. H. Smith from the Early English Text Society is sent a copy of The Hobbit by GA&U as requested by Tolkien. It is assumed that with any manuscript/pro...
August 1937
Russell Meiggs (for Oxford Magazine) to J.R.R. Tolkien
#2016


Russell Meiggs (editor of the Oxford Magazine) writes to Tolkien with thanks for a copy of The Hobbit. The letter was described by Meiggs himself as an ...
10 August 1937
C.A. Furth (GA&U) to J.R.R. Tolkien
#1951


C. A. Furth writes to let Tolkien know that he is sending to him an advance copy of The Hobbit and asks if he would like more. He notes that Houghton Mi...
13 August 1937
J.R.R. Tolkien to C.A. Furth
#1966


Tolkien writes to C. A. Furth asking that copies of The Hobbit be sent to R. W. Chambers and George S. Gordon. He says that GA&U can use the colour illu...
c. 14 August 1937
George Allen & Unwin to R.W. Chambers
#1984


As requested by Tolkien, C. A. Furth sends a copy of The Hobbit to R. W. Chambers. It is assumed that with any manuscript/proofs or copies of books sent...
c. 14 August 1937
George Allen & Unwin to George S. Gordon
#2017


George S. Gordon receives a copy of The Hobbit as requested by Tolkien. It is assumed that with any manuscript/proofs or copies of books sent that a cov...
c. 15-31 August 1937 (undated)
R.W. Chambers to J.R.R. Tolkien
#1985


Chambers writes to Tolkien thanking him for a copy of The Hobbit. It is this letter which is forwarded by Tolkien with a letter to GA&U. He updates Tolk...
16 August 1937
C.A. Furth (GA&U) to J.R.R. Tolkien
#1968


Furth confirms that he has sent the copies of the Hobbit to the people Tolkien requested. He includes the drawing of a dragon that Tolkien had produced ...
4 September 1937
C.A. Furth (GA&U) to J.R.R. Tolkien
#1973


In a letter to Tolkien, C. A. Furth notes that he has written to Houghton Mifflin asking that Tolkien's specimen drawings be returned and asks them to c...
5-7 September 1937
J.R.R. Tolkien to C.A. Furth (of George Allen and Unwin)
#81


Writing to C.A. Furth, and apologizes for his lengthy letter regarding the dustcover blurb. Tolkien believes he is still waiting on five copies of The H...
7 September 1937 (postmarked)
R.W. Chambers to J.R.R. Tolkien
#1986


Chambers writes again offering thanks for a copy of The Hobbit, and presumably, criticism on it. He gives Tolkien an update on his recovery after a bout...
8 September 1937
C.A. Furth (GA&U) to J.R.R. Tolkien
#1975


C. A. Firth informs Tolkien that he is sending a complimentary copy of The Hobbit to W. R. Childe and that his remaining author copies will be sent to h...
c. 8 - 26 September 1937*
George Allen & Unwin to W.R. Childe
#2032


Childe is sent a copy of The Hobbit which had been requested by Tolkien. Childe writes to thank Tolkien and offer his congratulations on the publication...
17 September 1937
J.R.R. Tolkien to Stanley Unwin
#1372
 Carpenter #15a



Tolkien, writing to Stanley Unwin, apologizes for sounding ungrateful to him. Unwin had sent Tolkien a much welcomed cheque. He hopes that the Hobbit ea...
21 September 1937
J.R.R. Tolkien to Simonne d'Ardenne
#82


A short note enclosed with a copy of The Hobbit which was published on the same day. It was sent to Simonne d'Ardenne as a gift. This letter is held amo...
c. 21 September 1937
George Allen & Unwin to Marjorie Incledon
#1982


GA&U sends a copy of The Hobbit to Tolkien's cousin, Marjorie Incledon at his request. It is assumed that with any manuscript/proofs or copies of books ...
c. 21 September 1937
George Allen & Unwin to Mary Incledon
#1983


GA&U send Mary Incledon, Tolkien's cousin, a copy of The Hobbit as requested by him. It is assumed that with any manuscript/proofs or copies of books se...
c. 21 September 1937 - end of 1937
J.R.R. Tolkien to Mabel Tolkien (Mitton)
#1993


Tolkien sent a copy of The Hobbit to his Aunt Mabel, but it is not known if it arrived before her death. John D. Rateliff notes in his History of The Ho...
c. 21 September 1937
J.R.R. Tolkien to Jennie Grove
#2008


Edith's cousin, Jennie Grove is sent a copy of The Hobbit. It is assumed that with any manuscript/proofs or copies of books sent that a cover letter or ...
c. 21 September 1937
J.R.R. Tolkien to Stella Mills
#2011


On or around publication day of The Hobbit, Tolkien sends an inscribed copy to his former student and friend Stella Mills. It is assumed that with any m...
c. 21 September 1937
J.R.R. Tolkien to Hilary Tolkien
#2033


Tolkien sends a copy of The Hobbit to his brother, Hilary. It is assumed that with any manuscript/proofs or copies of books sent that a cover letter or ...
22 September 1937
K. M. (Katherine Mary) Kilbride to J.R.R. Tolkien
#2019


Kilbride writes to Tolkien from Bradford offering praise for The Hobbit. This letter is held among the Tolkien Papers at the Bodleian Library.
23 September 1937
E. V. Gordon to J.R.R. Tolkien
#1977


E. V. Gordon replies to Tolkien to thank him for a copy of The Hobbit and offers comments on the story. The letter is held at the Bodleian Library archive.
23 September 1937
Helen Buckhurst to J.R.R. Tolkien
#1998


Helen Buckhurst writes to Tolkien to thank him for arranging for a copy of The Hobbit to be sent to her. She says the book is delightful, though she wis...
23 September 1937
Jennie Grove to J.R.R. Tolkien
#2009


Jennie Grove writes to Tolkien thanking him for the copy of The Hobbit she has recieved. She is "delighted" by it and hopes that it is a huge success fo...
27 September 1937
W.R. Childe to J.R.R. Tolkien
#2012


Tolkien had arranged that a copy of The Hobbit be sent to Childe, and Childe writes to congratulate Tolkien on its publication and offers thanks for his...
27 September 1937
C.A. Furth to J.R.R. Tolkien
#2090


C.A. Furth informs Tolkien that Houghton Mifflin Co. will pay him $100 for use of his illustrations for their edition of The Hobbit, due to be (and ulti...
30 September 1937
Susan Dagnall to J.R.R. Tolkien
#2091


Susan Dagnall writes to Tolkien asking if he would recommend anyone who could write a book, The Loom of Language. She encloses a synopsis of the book wi...
October 1937
J.R.R. Tolkien to Henry, Mary and also Aileen and Elizabeth Jennings
#1992


Tolkien sends a copy of The Hobbit to the Jennings family. It is assumed that with any manuscript/proofs or copies of books sent that a cover letter or ...
1 October 1937
Jane Neave to J.R.R. Tolkien
#2002


Tolkien's Aunt Jane (Neave) writes to Tolkien demanding to know more about his new book, The Hobbit. Tolkien had written to her, and signed a copy of th...
1 October 1937
J.R.R. Tolkien to Susan Dagnall
#2092


In reply to Susan Dagnall's letter, Tolkien writes asking for information on The Loom of Language.
2 October 1937
Susan Dagnall to J.R.R. Tolkien
#2093


Susan Dagnall replies to Tolkien offering more information on the proposed book, The Loom of Language that has been proposed to GA&U. It had been mentio...
5 October 1937
Richard Hughes to Allen & Unwin
#1861


Allen & Unwin had sent copies of The Hobbit to various authors in order to solicit reviews. Hughes's response was used for publicity materials to advert...
5 October 1937
Susan Dagnall to J.R.R. Tolkien
#2094


Tolkien writes back to Susan Dagnall on the proposed Loom of Language book. He describes the scheme as bad, and remarks that he had considered if it wer...
6 October 1937
J.R.R. Tolkien to Jane Neave
#2003


Tolkien had written to his aunt, Jane Neave on 22 September and signed a copy of The Hobbit. It turned out that he had mislaid the letter and book and t...
9 October 1937
Jane Neave to J.R.R. Tolkien
#2004


Aunt Jane writes again to Tolkien now that she has recieved a copy of The Hobbit. She is delighted with it and says that "the origin of golf" finished h...
9 October 1937
W.R. Childe to J.R.R. Tolkien
#2013


Following his previous letter offering Tolkien thanks and congratulations on The Hobbit, Childe sends a postcard with congratulations on the positive re...
11 October 1937
Stanley Unwin to J.R.R. Tolkien
#1987


Stanley Unwin writes to Tolkien telling him that The Hobbit is selling well, and had good reviews in the Times Literary Supplement and The Times itself....
19 October 1937
Stanley Unwin to J.R.R. Tolkien
#2087


Stanley Unwin writes to Tolkien. he remarks that he has no doubt that Tolkien will do well from his first publication. He describes Tolkien as a genius ...
16 November 1937
Stanley Unwin to J.R.R. Tolkien
#2104


Stanley writes to Tolkien and includes his manuscript of Farmer Giles of Ham which GA&U had previously viewed. He tells Tolkien that if he has a similar...
22 November 1937
J.R.R. Tolkien to E.V. Gordon
#1374
 Carpenter #18a



Writing to his friend and colleague E.V. Gordon, Tolkien says of Gordon that he has been treated badly. He says that he cannot help enough on the Pearl ...
c. end of 1937 - early 1938
J.R.R. Tolkien to Florence Hadley
#1994


Tolkien sends a copy of The Hobbit to his Aunt Florence who had emigrated to British Columbia, Canada, possibly with a letter or note (not seen).
17 December 1937
C.A. Furth to J.R.R. Tolkien
#2121


C.A. Furth writes to update Tolkien on their efforts to get the reprint of The Hobbit out for the Christmas rush. The demand for it is high, GA&U had to...
20 December 1937
Stanley Unwin to J.R.R. Tolkien
#2124


Stanley Unwin writes to Tolkien and includes colour plates of illustrations for The Hobbit along with a report from Rayner on The Adventures of Tom Bomb...
20 December 1937
Stanley Unwin to J.R.R. Tolkien
#2125


Stanley Unwin sends Tolkien a typescript of Tolkien's story, The Lost Road to him, as promised. He says that its possible publishing success is hard to ...

1938

11th February 1938
Stanley Unwin to J.R.R. Tolkien
#1988


Stanley Unwin writes that his son Rayner is delighted with the sample chapter from the new book about hobbits. Rayner does wonder if a child who hasn't ...
13 February 1938
Florence Hadley to J.R.R. Tolkien
#2001


Tolkien's Aunt Florence (Hadley) writes to thank him the copy of The Hobbit which he sent to her in British Columbia, Canada. She notes that had her sis...
15 February 1938
C.A. Furth to J.R.R. Tolkien
#2134


C.A. Furth writes to Tolkien, enclosing his manuscript of Mr. Bliss. He includes some instructions explaining how best to reproduce the illustrations an...
19 February 1938
C.A. Furth to J.R.R. Tolkien
#2135


Further to their letters on Mr. Bliss, C.A. Furth writes to Tolkien remarking that Mr. Bliss could be reproduced in the same manner as the Beatrix Potte...
Late February - early March, no later than 5 March
Houghton Mifflin Co. to George Allen & Unwin
#2138


Houghton Mifflin Co. send the five colour illustrations to GA&U discussed late in 1937.
2 March 1938
Stanley Unwin to J.R.R. Tolkien
#2137


Stanley Unwin sends Tolkien a reader's report on Lewis' Out of the Silent Planet. The report does not favour the story, to which Tolkien will write a co...
5 March 1938
J.R.R. Tolkien to Ferris Greenslet
#2144


Wayne Hammond and Christina Scull note on their 'Addenda and Corrigenda to The J.R.R. Tolkien Companion and Guide Revised and Enlarged Edition (2017) Vo...
12 March 1938
J.R.R. Tolkien to Houghton Mifflin Co.
#31
 Carpenter #27



Tolkien expresses reluctance to create drawings of hobbits and suggests leaving such tasks to someone with artistic skills. He provides a description of...
16 March 1938
Stanley Unwin to J.R.R. Tolkien
#2145


Stanley Unwin writes to Tolkien on the matter of Lewis' Out of the Silent Planet. He has now received three readers reports on the novel and is awaiting...
1 April 1938
Stanley Unwin to J.R.R. Tolkien
#2146


Stanley Unwin writes to Tolkien again on the matter of Out of the Silent Planet. Having now received five reports and only one is positive. He has decid...
25 April 1938
Houghton Mifflin to J.R.R. Tolkien
#1860


Houghton Mifflin, the American publisher of The Hobbit, notified Tolkien that he has won a $250 award for the best children's book published that Spring.
?26 April 1938
J.R.R. Tolkien to Stanley Unwin
#2147


Tolkien forwards the cablegram he received from Houghton Mifflin notifying him of The Hobbit's win as best Children's Book for Spring.
29 April 1938
Stanley Unwin to J.R.R. Tolkien
#2148


Tolkien had sent a Cablegram from Houghton Mifflin to him onto GA&U and Stanley Unwin replies that they will that for publicity purposes. He also asks T...
17 May 1938
Houghton Mifflin Co. to J.R.R. Tolkien
#2152


Houghton Mifflin Co. send Tolkien a cheque for $250 for being awarded first prize in the New York Herald Tribune book awards. The Hobbit had won first p...
29 June 1938
C.A. Furth (GA&U) to J.R.R. Tolkien
#2154


C.A. Furth writes to Tolkien informing him that Elaine Griffiths has asked to be released from her contract to deliver the revised edition of the Clark ...
22 July 1938
Rütten & Loening Verlag, Potsdam to J.R.R. Tolkien
#1981


A German publisher is interested in The Hobbit but needs Tolkien to confirm his Aryan descent before proceeding.
24 July 1938
J.R.R. Tolkien to C.A. Furth
#2155


Tolkien writes to C.A. Furth. He is struggling to suggest anyone who can fulfill the work for GA&U's Clark Hall Beowulf. He in fact now believes that it...
3 August 1938
C.A. Furth to J.R.R. Tolkien
#2157


C.A. Furth replies to Tolkien remarking that he would be happy for Tolkien to work on the Clark Hall Beowulf volume. He suggests a fee payable to Tolkie...
8 August 1938
C.A. Furth to J.R.R. Tolkien
#2158


C.A. Furth writes to Tolkien on matters of publishing. He says that the next book they will have to publish is Mr. Bliss, but they have missed the windo...
9 August 1938
J.R.R. Tolkien to C.A. Furth
#2159


Writing to C.A. Furth, Tolkien says that he is required to visit London, to the Connaught Hospital in Walthamstow but had only a few hours notice but co...
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...
3 September 1938
C.A. Furth to J.R.R. Tolkien
#2162


In reply to Tolkien's letter, Furth sends an update on the matter of translations of The Hobbit. GA&U have not progressed with translations into French ...

1940

27 March 1940
Stanley Unwin to J.R.R. Tolkien
#2195


Stanley Unwin writes to Tolkien. GA&U are still waiting for Tolkien's preface to the Clark Hall Beowulf and Stanley Unwin asks when it will be finished....
2 April 1940
Stanley Unwin to J.R.R. Tolkien
#2196


Stanley Unwin writes again to Tolkien on the matter of the Clark Hall Beowulf. They intend to include the whole of Tolkien's preface as they feel his na...
5 April 1940
Stanley Unwin to J.R.R. Tolkien
#2197


Stanley Unwin writes again on the Clark Hall Beowulf. He says that Tolkien's preface will require 36 pages and if Tolkien agrees, GA&U will begin typese...
6 April 1940
J.R.R. Tolkien to George Allen & Unwin
#2198


Tolkien returns the telegram (provided by Stanley Unwin) confirming his agreement for his preface to the Clark Hall Beowulf to be used, and the renumera...
8 April 1940
George Allen & Unwin to J.R.R. Tolkien
#2199


George Allen & Unwin send Tolkien a cheque for his preface for the Clark Hall Beowulf. They remark that he will receive proofs once they are sent from t...
19 April 1940
W.N. Beard to J.R.R. Tolkien
#2200


W.N. Beard sends the proofs for the Clark Hall Beowulf for his approval and asks that Tolkien returns them as soon as he can.
24 April 1940
J.R.R. Tolkien to Stanley Unwin
#2202


Writing to Stanley Unwin on the Clark Hall Beowulf, Tolkien returns the proofs, marked with corrections, noting many errors, most notably with the Old E...
25 April 1940
W.N. Beard to J.R.R. Tolkien
#2203


W. N. Beard of GA&U writes to Tolkien assuring him that any corrections to the Clark Hall Beowulf will be handled carefully.
25 April 1940
W.N. Beard to C.L. Wrenn
#2204


W.N. Beard writes to Wrenn. Tolkien has suggested that 'Finnsburg', be changed to 'Finnesburg' in the title of the book, Beowulf and the Finnesburg Frag...

1954

15 April 1954
J.R.R. Tolkien to Allen & Unwin
#1440
 Carpenter #143e



Further to #TCGLetter1438, Tolkien says that p. 33 passes, p. 59 is improved. He has discovered “2 or 3” errors in the runic decoration on the title...
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 ...
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...
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...
15 December 1954
Allen & Unwin to Arnoldo Mondadori Editors
#1761


George Allen & Unwin offer a review copy of The Fellowship of the Ring for possible translation into Italian by Arnolda Monadori Editors. They mention t...
21 December 1954
Arnoldo Mondadori Editore to Allen & Unwin
#1760


Arnoldo Mondadori Editore ask for a copy of The Fellowship of the Ring and The Two Towers to decide if they wish to print an Italian translation.
30 December 1954
George Allen & Unwin to Arnoldo Mondadori Editore
#1774


Writing to the Italian publisher, Arnoldo Mondadori Editore, the Foreign Rights Department of GA&U note their pleasure at the publishers consideration t...

1962

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



Tolkien discusses progress with The Adventures of Tom Bombadil. Chronology contains additional material quoted beyond what appears in Letters. The origi...
9 May 1962
Joy Hill (GA&U) to J.R.R. Tolkien
#1230


Following Rayner Unwin's letter to Pauline Baynes, Joy Hill writes to Tolkien confirming their offer to Baynes to illustrate The Adventures of Tom Bomba...
9 May 1962
George Allen & Unwin to Miss Calabi (Arnoldo Mondadori Editore)
#1778


GA&U write to the Italian publisher Arnoldo Mondadori Editore on the subject of publishing the Italian translation of The Lord of the Rings. Given are d...
11 May 1962
J.R.R. Tolkien to Joy Hill
#1231


Tolkien replies to Joy Hill and includes the signed contract sent on 9 May. He says he will deal with the other matters over the weekend.
14 May 1962
J.R.R. Tolkien to Joy Hill
#1232


Following Tolkien's letter of 11 May he sends Joy Hill a corrected introduction to The Adventures of Tom Bombadil along with corrections for some of the...
15 June 1962
Arnoldo Mondadori Editore to Alina Dadlez (of GAU)
#1779


Mondadori write to Alina Dedlez at GA&U thanking her for the copies sent of the Lord of the Rings and asks for details of what option they intend to gra...
21 June 1962
George Allen & Unwin to Miss Calabi (Arnoldo Mondadori Editore)
#1780


In reply to a letter to GA&U, they reply that holding onto the books is fine. They ask that a decision be made within two months but that if more time i...
3 August 1962
Rayner Unwin to J.R.R. Tolkien
#871


Rayner Unwin writes to Tolkien detailing Pauline Baynes schedule for completing illustrations. He asks Tolkien to dine with he and his father in London ...
13 August 1962
Miss Calabi (ARNOLDO MONDADORI EDITORE) to Alina Dadlez (George Allen & Unwin)
#1781


Cin Calabi of Arnoldo Mondadori writes to George Allen & Unwin asking if they could have more time to consider The Lord of the Rings as holidays, etc ha...
17 August 1962
Alina Dadlez (for GA&U) to Miss Calabi (Arnoldo Mondadori Editore)
#1782


In reply to a request for more time to consider the Lord of the Rings, Alina Dadlez replies that the end of September will be fine and asks if they may ...
27 August 1962
Rayner Unwin to J.R.R. Tolkien
#874


Rayner sends Tolkien full-page illustrations of The Adventures of Tom Bombadil, drawn by Pauline Baynes. He asks Tolkien to decide which one should be e...
28 September 1962
Arnoldo Mondadori Editors (internal memo) to Arnoldo Mondadori Editors
#1764


An internal memo noting that they are considering once again the Lord of the Rings after having turned it down in 1955. Various translations are noted, ...
28 September 1962
Mario Mattolini (Arnoldo Mondadori Editore) to Arnoldo Mondadori Editore (internal memo)
#1784


This internal letter forms the basis of the letter which will be sent to Stanley Unwin declining the invitation to translate and publish the Lord of the...
8 October 1962
Elio Vittorini (Headquarters at Arnoldo Mondadori Editors) to Arnoldo Mondadori Editore
#1765


An internal note about the possibility of publishing the Lord of the Rings. Details various mentions from other letters about the success of the book, t...
10 October 1962
Elio Vittorini (Headquarters at Arnolda Monadori Editors) to Arnoldo Mondadori Editore
#1785


Mario Mattolini sends this internal letter making the decision to not move forward with the Lord of the Rings.
11 October 1962
Cin Calabi (Arnoldo Mondadori Editore) to Stanley Unwin
#1783


Writing to Stanley Unwin, Cin Calabi of the Italian publisher Arnoldo Mondadori Editore, gives Stanley Unwin the news that the publisher is declining th...
28 November 1962
J.R.R. Tolkien to Sir Stanley Unwin
#617
 Carpenter #242



The Adventures of Tom Bombadil was published on 22 November. Additional quotes and context appear in Chronology than what is in Letters. The original le...

1965

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...
23 June 1965
J.R.R. Tolkien to C.A. Furth
#2250


Tolkien is working on revisions to The Hobbit for the American publishers due to the Ace controversy, but also needs to make revisions for the Longmans ...
21 July 1965
J.R.R. Tolkien to Nan C. Scott
#647
 Carpenter #273



Mrs Scott was a leading campaigner in the battle to keep the pirate edition of The Lord of the Rings out of the American bookshops.
20th August 1965
Stanley Unwin to Penning Rowsell
#1865


Stanley Unwin sends a copy of the limited edition book Sir Stanley Unwin - The Celebration of his 80th Birthday to journalist Penning-Rowsell, which con...
12 September 1965
J.R.R. Tolkien to Dick Plotz
#650
 Carpenter #276



Tolkien writes about The Silmarillion, the Númenórean legends, and his friendship with C.S. Lewis. He discusses the formation of the Tolkien Society o...
12 September 1965
J.R.R. Tolkien to Rayner Unwin
#651
 Carpenter #277



In August 1965 Ballantine Books produced the first ‘authorized’ American paperback of The Hobbit, without incorporating Tolkien’s revisions to the...
15 December 1965
J.R.R. Tolkien to Rayner Unwin
#654
 Carpenter #281



Tolkien writes about a new UK paperback edition of The Hobbit. He comments on replacing the note explaining Bilbo's changed story and the two Thrains wi...

1967

27 Febuary 1967
Mario Ubaldini (Casa Editrice Astrolabio) to Alina Dadlez (George Allen and Unwin)
#1766


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


Writing to Alina Dadlez of GA&U, Mario Ubaldini encloses the signed copy of the contract for the Lord of the Rings. He asks for Tolkien's address so tha...
16 March 1967
Donald Swann to J.R.R. Tolkien
#1533


Donald Swann writes to Tolkien, they talked about Elvish, songs, scripts for their book, and Tolkien mentions that is trying to complete his translation...
20 March 1967
J.R.R. Tolkien to Donald Swann
#974
 Carpenter #294b



Tolkien writes to Donald Swann including more material for his project. He thanks Swann for not cursing him. He has had long delays and while trying to ...
21 March 1967
J.R.R. Tolkien to Donald Swann
#975


Tolkien sends background material for The Road Goes Ever On. He includes Galadriel's Lament and Chant written out "in a fair Elvish book-hand, rubricate...
22 March 1967
J.R.R. Tolkien to Donald Swann
#976


Tolkien writes to Donald Swann offering transcripts of the Lament and Chant in Elvish script. This letter is held at the Wade.
23 March 1967
Alina Dadlez (of GAU) to Mario Ubaldini (Casa Editrice Astrolabio)
#1791


Alina Dadlez of GA&U sends Mario Ubaldini a countersigned copy of the contract for the Italian translation of the Lord of the Rings, noting they have re...
30 March 1967
Alina Dadlez (of GAU) to Mario Ubaldini (Casa Editrice Astrolabio)
#1792


Alina Dadlez writes to Mario Ubaldini to inform him that she has sent the illustrations by Pauline Baynes in a packaet, seperate to this letter. They ar...
12 April 1967
J.R.R. Tolkien to Donald Swann
#977
 Carpenter #295a



Writing to Donald Swann on the matter of their book, The Road Goes Ever On, Tolkien provides much on the contents of the book, noting that the commentar...
19 June 1967
J.R.R. Tolkien to Donald Swann
#978


Tolkien thanks Swann for the book cover and compares the "T" rendered there to various occurrences from genuine manuscripts. A photocopy is held at the ...
Mid 1967
George Allen & Unwin to Press
#1808


Press release from GA&U about Smith of Wootton Major, The Road Goes Ever On and the vinyl record The Poems and Songs of Middle-earth.
12-13 July 1967
J.R.R. Tolkien to Donald Swann
#979
 Carpenter #295b



Tolkien does not like the calligraphy being made by Samuel Hanks Bryant as filler for blank pages in The Road Goes Ever On. Tolkien objects to Swann usi...
14 July 1967
Casa Editrice Astrolabio to Bando di Roma Bank
#1793


This letter from the publisher, Casa Editrice Astrolabio, to their bank instructing them to transfer the advance payment (£225) for their contract with...
3 August 1967
Alina Dadlez (of GAU) to Mario Ubaldini (Casa Editrice Astrolabio)
#1794


Alina Dadlez writes to Mario Ubaldini in reply to his request for another copy of The Lord of the Rings. It is also mentioned that if they wish to use P...
8 November 1967
Casa Editrice Astrolabio to Caro Venturini
#1796


Casa Editrice Astrolabio sends flyers to Caro Venturini asking that they be distributed among their booksellers. He notes that it is upto them to make t...
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