TCG Letter #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 showed him various concept pieces by the then relatively unknown Ron Cobb who would go on to become one of the most famous and successful concept artists in film-making. He had been pleased by the effort and encouraged with the artwork. Tolkien finally wrote this letter in April and May, 1958 but had written a letter on 6 September, 1957 that was never sent. This letter used part of the unsent version.